Cortnie Squirewell is a Senior Program Manager with the Economic Inclusion team of Detroit Future City (DFC). In this role, she leads efforts to develop strategies for equitable and inclusive access to good paying jobs and business ownership opportunities for Detroit residents. With over 10 years of experience in the non-profit and corporate sectors, Cortnie is passionate about using a human-centered approach to solve complex problems and create spaces that increase upward mobility for underrepresented groups.

Before joining DFC, Cortnie worked at D-Ford, where she created a career pipeline strategy that increased the number of minorities interested in pursuing careers in STEM and design by 75%. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, she developed an impact partner strategy that grew the membership by 80%. She also designed an Esports lab that has been used by over 3,000 youths and has helped youth build critical thinking, game design, and video streaming skills.

Cortnie also harbors a deep passion for community development. She spearheaded a pivotal community needs assessment for Ford Motor Company Fund, directly influencing the creation of Ford’s unique east side Ford Resource and Engagement Center. This proven methodology further fueled the City One Mobility Challenge, expanding its impact to seven cities across the US. By collaborating directly with residents, the assessment revealed community strengths, assets, and needs, driving the development of a space that genuinely caters to them.

Cortnie serves as a board member of Detroit Enterprise Academy and BUF Connect of Michigan, participates actively in the Diversity in Design collaborative, and has been recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree.

Squirewell is a proud native Detroiter and an Oakland University graduate with an Education Specialist degree. In her free time, she and her husband find joy in exploring bike trails and parks with their two children.