Brittany King, 30, of Detroit, has come a long way in a short time – she’s now widely known as a powerhouse within the Wayne Metro family.

The Lead to Teach program first brought King to Wayne Metro, participating in the apprenticeship while earning her associates degree in early childhood development. Two years (and a pandemic) later, King has pivoted in a major way, quickly advancing within the organization thanks to her strong work ethic and leadership skills, and she now serves as project manager for the organization’s county-wide food distribution effort.

“We had the opportunity to not lose our jobs but switch our positions,” King remembered. “At first I helped with the diaper bank and food distributions. I was a staff member, but was then asked to be the team lead, managing the flow of things and making sure the products and produce was in line and in order.” King now oversees a team of more than 50 staff members and volunteers on a weekly basis, supporting 500 households in the community with the food they need to survive.

“I’m still in shock,” said King, who is also expecting her first child. “A great opportunity
happened at the right time for me, and a difficult time for the world. I went in with the mindset of working and doing my part, and it led to greater opportunity which I enjoy and never would have been able to have. I’ve learned so many responsibilities and so many skills in the span of the last year.”