Stephanie Nixon is currently responsible for monitoring the implementation of all programs and services procured by DESC. Her responsibilities in this area are two-fold: (1) Directing the team that works to ensure that DESC service providers meet or exceed all performance standards set by funding sources; and, (2) Managing DESC program leads responsible for providing direct services to customers.
Stephanie and her team have worked to improve DESC’s performance through its provider network to a level where the agency is recognized as a leader in workforce development. The successful implementation of innovative programs, particularly in working with disconnected youth and hard-to-serve adults, has proven to be key in earning this notoriety.
Stephanie has more than 25 years combined experience working in human services and workforce development, with a track record of success in leading large projects and multi-level management teams. Her experience ranges from providing direct services to adjudicated youth for Spectrum Human Services, to leading a staff of more than 100 members across several programs as a Vice President for Careerworks, Inc., and managing One Stop operations for the Detroit Workforce Development Department.
Stephanie’s career has afforded her the opportunity to travel nationally to observe and share best practices in workforce development strategies, train on effective program implementation techniques, and engage in meaningful discussions on federal workforce policy interpretation. Her successful work with Welfare-to-Work and Workforce Investment Act programs, proves her effectiveness in implementing creative strategies while remaining compliant with oftentimes rigid state and federal policies.
Stephanie, a member of Leadership Detroit Class XXXV, graduated from Renaissance High School in Detroit and earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Michigan Dearborn. She has completed course work towards a master’s degree in Public Administration at Central Michigan University, recently completed the National Emerging Leaders Academy hosted by the Workforce Professionals Training Institute in New York, and is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator.
Stephanie has received a Spirit of Detroit Award by the Detroit City Council for her work with youth employment, received a Women of Excellence Award by the Michigan Chronicle, and was recognized by the Metropolitan Detroit YMCA for youth advocacy.
Stephanie Nixon is a member of the Detroit Workforce System Leadership Development Academy Class of 2017, one of several Workforce Leadership Academies in localities across North America.
The Workforce Leadership Academies are part of the Economic Opportunity Fellows Network, a network of leadership and fellowship programs run by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program. Within this Network, EOP connects national and local leaders from across sectors — nonprofit, government, business, philanthropy, academia, and more — to advance policies and practices with the potential to help low- and moderate-income Americans thrive in today’s economy. Learn more at as.pn/eofn.