ISAIC Education and Development Undergoes Transformation

This month has unfolded as a cascade of excitement, primarily marked by the addition of two top notch professionals to our team: Gary Shelton and Ellie Schneider. Gary assumes the pivotal role of Associate Director of Programming for Training and Development, bringing a wealth of experience in workforce development spanning over three decades. Originating from the Detroit Goodwill, Gary excels in partnering with workforce organizations like Michigan Works, Detroit Economic Solutions Corporation, and Michigan Rehab Services. 

Gary also bring a deep passion for youth engagement and empowering Detroit residents toward new career opportunities. In his first 45 days, he secured funding from the City of Detroit and solidified partnerships with workforce development agencies. His immediate focus is on the grassroots level, establishing community relationships crucial for recruiting talent from areas of utmost need. 

With this organizational addition, Gary will manage the former Education and Training Manager, who has transitioned to Curriculum Development. Their new role will concentrate on building additional training curriculum to industry standards. Gary's responsibilities will include overseeing boots-on-the-ground initiatives, fostering community relationships, and supporting comprehensive data tracking efforts alongside the rest of the Training and Development team. 

On another front, Ellie Schneider takes the reins as our Director of Programming, ensuring the cohesion of all ISAIC's programs with our strategic vision. Armed with a legal background and an economic development pedigree, Ellie thrives at the intersection of nonprofits, governments, and businesses. Notably, in her previous role at Design Core, Ellie played a pivotal role in securing Detroit's UNESCO City of Design designation, making it the sole city in the nation with this prestigious recognition. 

The collaboration between Ellie and Gary is set to catalyze impact, from expanding existing programs to developing new initiatives. Their joint efforts will encompass nurturing existing relationships and exploring new business avenues, spanning custom training, badgeable credential programs, workshops, train-the-trainer sessions, and licensing the Fundamentals of Industrial Sewing and Production program. Additionally, they are poised to expand the adoption of ISAIC’s Department of Labor approved industrial sewing apprenticeship program. 

As we usher in this transformative phase, we are confident that with the additions of Gary and Ellie, we are building our dream team. The coming years hold the promise of significant accomplishments in elevating job placement, training, industry standardization, and community engagement. While they are still getting settled in, Gary and Ellie look forward to formal introductions in the coming months, eager to acquaint themselves with you, our esteemed partners. We are excited about what lies ahead. We invite you to join us on this journey of growth and collective success.

Chandler Vaughan