Cortnie Squirewell Email & Phone Number

Detroit, Mi, Us

Dearborn, Michigan, United States

Championed the power of design by fostering excellence through cross-functional collaboration. Designed and implemented a global learning and development program for 5,000 learners within the company. Spearheaded a Ford School of Design initiative that created and implemented a career pathway program strategy, building a robust design talent pipeline focused on industrial design, user interface (UI) design, and interior and exterior automotive design. This impactful program engaged over 2,000 students and provided over 100 volunteer opportunities for Ford engineers and designers. To cultivate a diverse talent pool, partnerships were forged with local universities, schools, and programs, specifically exposing minority youth to design careers. Leading Jim Hackett's social justice fellowship and managing global partnerships with 5 non-profit grantees, championed innovative human-centered design solutions, shifting the mindset of designers towards equitable practices.

Revolutionized student engagement by developing and launching a partnership program playbook. This innovative framework allowed best in class service providers to deliver programs chosen by students themselves. "Demo Day," a brainchild of this program, empowered students to actively evaluate and select program partners through a hands-on selection process. The initiative spearheaded the design and launch of the first-ever esports lab within a Boys & Girls Club, expanding access to this burgeoning field. Leadership extended beyond program development. Led and empowered 8 program directors, enhancing their curriculum and program offerings including the launch of the very first aviation program. Strong relationship management skills secured funding from corporations and founders, ensuring program sustainability. Furthermore, data-driven decision making was championed by handling data reporting for funders.

Leveraged community engagement expertise, launched and designed a community needs assessment for Ford Resource & Engagement Center at Fisher Upper utilizing HCD. Identified critical areas, leading to the design of programs that empowered a Detroit community with resources and employment opportunities, fostering economic mobility, quality of life and basic needs for residents. Spearheaded the Ford STEAM Lab digital curriculum, the initiative impacted educators across 3 countries through professional development events, resulting in 5,000 free licenses awarded for 76 schools. Leadership extended to organizing and enhancing community engagement events like Ford Men of Courage, Ford Freedom Awards, and Ford Fireworks secured $100,000 in scholarships for youth, serving 2,000 students annually.

Coached educators and schools on Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles transformed learning models. Resulting in engaging, grade-level design challenges that empowered youth with the skills to tackle real-world problems. Designed a highly successful design expo, showcasing the innovative solutions developed by 65 student presenters, was spearheaded. The expo attracted 300 stakeholders for valuable feedback, demonstrating the power of student agency fostered through HCD.

Empowered educators (K-12) with human-centered design (HCD) through workshops, fostered student-centered learning. Led successful Design Thinking Expos (800+ attendees) & partnerships with UofM & Square One. Develop & deliver workshops (IT, literacy, lesson planning) & mentor K-5 teachers (Adult Learning Theory).

Bachelor Of Science, Language Arts & Science

Ms, Educational Leadership

Education Specialist (Ed.S.), Educational Leadership And Administration, K-12