Annual Let's Shine Charity Gala 2024
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
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.
Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Nick has a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast News from Grand Valley State University. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.
He’s also traveled the country to cover one of the most impactful stories in that area: whether or not the Sacramento Kings would relocate. And yes, if you’re wondering, he was there when the San Francisco Giants swept the Tigers for the World Series in 2012 (sorry!).
Prior to Sacramento, Nick was a reporter at WZZM 13 in Grand Rapids.
“After less than an hour in the Local 4 Newsroom, I knew I made the right choice to come home,” he said. “The producers, reporters, photojournalists and the rest of the newsroom staff have a unique passion for this city. Many people here got here and never left. It’s the kind of place I wanted to be.”
Monacelli’s career in television began at an early age, when he helped produce a teenage talk show at Shelby TV, the local municipal station in Shelby Township. The show didn’t last long, but his love for TV did.
Less than a year later, Nick started reporting there, learning the journalism ropes from broadcasting legend Philip Nye.
He would later earn a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast News from Grand Valley State University. After graduation, he stayed in Grand Rapids and taught an undergraduate news workshop course at GVSU while reporting at WZZM. In 2009, the company convinced him to move across the country to California.
So, why move from sunny California, to Michigan … in February? Family.
Nick and his wife, Jennifer, have two children and decided it was time to get closer to those they missed most. Plus, free babysitters!
He says he couldn’t ask for a better career, despite the misconceptions.
“When asked about my job, everyone wants to know if it’s anything like ‘Anchorman’. I usually say, ‘Well, there aren’t any newsroom fights (at least not physical ones), we don’t high-five each other (unless no one else is looking), and we don’t purposely sabotage a co-worker’s career (I would hope not). The competitive edge is definitely similar, as is the lackadaisical attitude on set. Plus, you can always hear someone laughing or singing from their desk’.”
Lorenzo Sewell was born and raised in Detroit, MI. He grew up in a physically and verbally abusive home. High school was a challenge emotionally with his father going to prison and his younger brother being killed. As a result, Lorenzo became heavily involved in drugs and drug dealing, ultimately becoming a gang leader. Though his life started out rough, God had great plans for Lorenzo. On April 18th, 1999 during his senior year at Fraser High School he had a ‘Damascus Road’ encounter with Christ that set his heart on fire!
In January 2019, Lorenzo became the Lead Servant of Evangel Ministries in Detroit, a thriving urban congregation with a heart for gospel-centered service and discipleship. Lorenzo came to Evangel from Woodside Bible Church, where he was the lead pastor of the Pontiac Campus. Lorenzo also served as the Director of the Dream Center of Pontiac.
He is a gifted Pastor, who creates strategic alliances with organizations and leaders to effectively align and support key sustainable initiatives in the region. Through God’s love, grace, and mercy, Lorenzo currently builds and retains high-performance teams that initiate and sustain great works of impact for the glory of God, including:
If it doesn’t make disciples it doesn’t make sense.
—Sewell
Lorenzo is energized by this opportunity to love and serve his home city of Detroit. He serves with his wife, Molly, and their three children: Isabella, Elijah, and Naomi.
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 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.
Tomika James Moch – Client, and Community Relations Assistant Director, PNC Bank.
Tomika has more than 23 years of financial services experience, serves as assistant director to the regional president and manages the local PNC Foundation. Prior to being named to her current position in 2023, she served as client & community relations specialist and oversaw event planning, employee engagement and volunteerism, along with client entertainment for the regional president.
Since joining PNC in 2001, Tomika has held positions in Community Development Banking, Business Banking and Residential Mortgage. Tomika also co-chairs the local PNC Detroit Chapter of Diversity & Inclusion as well as serving in three PNC Employee Business Resource Groups.
Tomika Moch holds a degree in Business Administration. She completed the Cornell University Business Contracts Course in December 2023 as well as the PNC Leadership Advantage Program in June 2024.
Courtney C. Elledge is Vice President- Community Development Relationship Manager at Huntington Bank.
Courtney has spent the past decade shaping the future of community development through her work with Huntington, where her expertise has been instrumental in promoting equity, expanding access to capital, and revitalizing underserved neighborhoods.
A proud Detroiter, Courtney holds dual undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Communication Technology from Eastern Michigan University, along with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management. This foundation has fueled her dedication to creating lasting impact in the communities she serves.
Courtney’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional role. She serves as a board member for the Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation, Community Housing Network, and Bridging Communities, Inc., as well as an Advisory Board Member for CHN Housing Partners in Detroit. In her role on the media ministry at Kingdom Covenant Church, she helps to enhance the church’s communication and outreach efforts.
Her passion for community empowerment is matched by her personal interests, including roller skating, playing softball, and cherishing moments with her son, and loved ones.
John Long is the current COO of the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce. A 2007 graduate of De La Salle and a proud alumnus of Central Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science-Pre Law, John has built an impressive career rooted in leadership and community engagement. He spent ten years at the largest mortgage lender in America, where he rose to the position of Vice President of the Mortgage Relocation Department. Additionally, he has played a pivotal role in numerous local political campaigns across Macomb County, showcasing his commitment to the region.
In his current role at the Chamber, John is dedicated to enhancing membership experiences and establishing strategic partnerships. His focus is on diversifying the Chamber’s membership, creating a broader community for potential members, while making sure the Chamber continues to provide first class opportunities to its members. John’s favorite charity is the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. His leadership is instrumental in driving the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce toward becoming the premier chamber in the state of Michigan.
