Annual Let's Shine
Charity Gala 2024

Better Together

  • Friday November 22, 2024
  • Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Gosse Pointe Shores
  • Official Media Partner HOUR Detroit

Letter From Our Founder

On behalf of the Board of Neway Works and our staff, welcome to the Annual Let’s Shine Charity Gala!

We are thrilled to celebrate this evening of impact, philanthropy, and people who help advance it in our local community. Whether you are here as a sponsor, awardee, donor, or a special guest, we are honored to have you with us.

This historic family home of Edsel Ford, the only son of Henry Ford, and his wife, Eleanor, is a breathtaking estate situated on the shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Shores.

The estate’s beautiful grounds and gardens provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening of our 4-year anniversary, philanthropy, and community impact!

Your presence at this event will not only give you the opportunity to experience this remarkable location but also play a vital role in helping us expand our impact on the lives of student athletes we serve.

I want to personally thank our sponsors and committee members who have made this evening possible through their generosity and continued support. 

With your gifts, we will advance our mission to empower student athletes by providing comprehensive support that break barriers, unlock potential, and build brighter futures for the next generation of leaders.

With Gratitude,

Shane Gianino

Founder & Executive Director

About Neway Works

Neway Works, Inc. was established during the COVID-19 pandemic with a purpose of being a light to teens mental health and wellness via safe after-school youth development and mentoring services.

We offer youth enrichment programs designed to help student athletes achieve success both in the classroom and in life. We understand that many young people face significant barriers that can impede their academic progress, personal development, and access to opportunities. These challenges may stem from systemic inequities, mental health struggles, or wellness issues. Our programs are designed to address these obstacles, providing the support and resources necessary for students to overcome them and thrive.

Since 2020, we have improved the overall wellness and mental health of over 225 student athletes through our after-school youth mentoring program, Project Transformation.

Money raised from this fundraiser will be utilized to help with tutoring and mentoring expenses, financial scholarships for student athletes, nutritional meals, sporting camps and showcases, sport apparel needed to compete for college athletic scholarships, and program supplies.

Evening Agenda

Master Of Ceremonies

TBD

TBD

Thank You To Our Official Media Partner

Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Neway Sponsors

Neway Stars

Light Shine Match Partners

Better Together Award

  • Kristin Shaoni, Branch Manager, Flagstar Bank Headquarters
  • TBD
  • TBD
  • TBD

2024 Let's Shine Awardees:

Kevin A. Watkins Bio

Kevin is the External Affairs Market Manager for Southeast Michigan and National African American Business Development Manager at Comerica Bank. He manages Comerica’s External Affairs programs in Southeast Michigan including but not limited to managing community relationships among community, civic and government leaders as well as nonprofit organizations. Kevin also supports Comerica’s ongoing commitment to building strong relationships with African American business leaders, entrepreneurs and communities across all markets as well as nonprofit organizations across our national footprint. In addition to these responsibilities, he manages the Community Reinvestment Act program, community investments and financial education programs including Comerica Business, Money, Education, Sports, Senior and Community/Church Sense programs as well as advising and updating the Market President on external affairs related issues.

Previously, Kevin was Vice President/Banking Center Manager of the Ford Rd. – Beech Daly Banking Center in Dearborn Heights, Michigan where he oversaw a Total Deposit Growth size of ~$260 million. Kevin began his career at Comerica in June 2005 as a Management Trainee. He advanced positions from Assistant Manager to a dual role as Licensed Financial Specialist and then Banking Center Manager at various locations. With each role change came increased levels of responsibility and improved leadership ability. Kevin has consistently exceeded expectations in every position that he has held. He has achieved numerous awards and recognition for exceptional sales and service performance of not only himself but also for the various teams that he’s managed. He achieved the distinguished designation of Top Performer at least once at all 3 Banking Center locations that he has managed.

Kevin obtained both his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration Degrees from Eastern Michigan University. He was previously the Co-Chair of the African American Business Resource Group at Comerica Bank. Kevin also served as a Board Member with the Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan and Joy-Southfield Community Development Corporation. He continues to volunteer for various Non-Profit organizations and has presented several Banking topics to people of all ages. Kevin is currently a Board Member of Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation.Previously, Kevin was Vice President/Banking Center Manager of the Ford Rd. – Beech Daly Banking Center in Dearborn Heights, Michigan where he oversaw a Total Deposit Growth size of ~$260 million. Kevin began his career at Comerica in June 2005 as a Management Trainee. He advanced positions from Assistant Manager to a dual role as Licensed Financial Specialist and then Banking Center Manager at various locations. With each role change came increased levels of responsibility and improved leadership ability. Kevin has consistently exceeded expectations in every position that he has held. He has achieved numerous awards and recognition for exceptional sales and service performance of not only himself but also for the various teams that he’s managed. He achieved the distinguished designation of Top Performer at least once at all 3 Banking Center locations that he has managed.
Kevin obtained both his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration Degrees from Eastern Michigan University. He was previously the Co-Chair of the African American Business Resource Group at Comerica Bank. Kevin also served as a Board Member with the Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan and Joy-Southfield Community Development Corporation. He continues to volunteer for various Non-Profit organizations and has presented several Banking topics to people of all ages. Kevin is currently a Board Member of Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation.

Kristin Shaoni Bio

Kristin is a resolute and driven professional with over a decade of experience in retail banking. Achieving excellence in her career is a paramount objective. She adopts a strategic mindset in all decision-making processes and interactions with customers to ensure optimal outcomes. Her demeanor is consistently professional both within and beyond the workplace. Upholding company values and maintaining integrity are principles she holds in the highest regard. Kristin consistently strives to be an invaluable asset to her employer by surpassing job requirements and continually enhancing her personal growth. 

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Neway Works Board

At-Risk Teen Sponsors

Neway Works Advisory Board