Friday Feature: Derynda Winston

Dual purpose career
Derynda's story

Your name: Derynda Winston

Your role at Volunteers of America Michigan: Employment Specialist with the Health Profession Opportunity Grants Program.

What brought you to this position? My employment at Volunteers of America Michigan serves dual purposes for me. The opportunity to participate in Volunteers of America Michigan’s community service activities and the opportunity to serve a different population with an emphasis on workforce development.

What is your biggest takeaway from working with Volunteers of America Michigan? I get a kick of out seeing a participant move through our trainings and into healthcare employment. I have met some very sharp people who are ecstatic about getting back into the classroom and the workforce. I also love encouraging our participants to take advantage of all learning opportunities. It is truly rewarding to hear the pride in their voices when they have accomplished a goal that they did not think was possible.

What is your biggest challenge in this position? Training my dog not to wake me up at 4:30am!!

Where is your dream vacation spot? Washington, D.C. I would love to hit all of the National Museums!!

What is your favorite book? Anything authored by James Patterson.

How do you spend your time outside of the office? Movies, Sports (Spectator Only), Sleep, Family and Friends, Dog, the City of Detroit!