Dextina, a 2015 graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Product Development, made the unconventional decision to forgo lucrative job opportunities at car companies in Detroit and instead join the city's growing startup community. Inspired by Venture for America's mission, she was drawn to the organization's vision of empowering young people to revitalize cities through entrepreneurship.
After moving to Detroit in August, Dextina worked for Rock Ventures for several months, overseeing investments in startups and nonprofits. However, she soon realized that she missed the hands-on aspect of building things and decided to pursue a role at the startup Shinola as a Mechanical Engineer.
At Shinola, Dextina is part of the team responsible for creating a line of Shinola Audio products. Her experience at Shinola has allowed her to combine her passion for engineering with her desire to make a positive impact on her community.
Growing up in a single-parent household with her brother, Dextina attributes her resourcefulness and determination to her mother, who worked multiple jobs to provide for them. She is grateful to the many teachers who recognized her potential and provided her with opportunities to excel.
Dextina's experiences have also instilled in her a love of travel and cultural exchange. During her time at MIT, she traveled to Turkey, Israel, South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland, where she studied, taught STEM subjects, worked at startups, and learned about different cultures.
As someone who is driven to create rather than consume, Dextina is dedicated to building opportunities and products that make a positive impact on people's lives. She is committed to creating quality products and jobs for the underserved and traditionally overlooked.
In her free time, Dextina tutors regularly at Detroit's Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program, where she mentors young people and helps them develop their skills and confidence. As a member of the 2015 Venture for America class, Dextina is part of a community of young professionals who are dedicated to revitalizing cities and creating positive change through entrepreneurship.
