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We build for
success

ABOUT OUR BOARD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our Leadership

NextGen Trades is guided by a diverse and mission-driven Board of Directors committed to advancing trade education, workforce development, and affordable housing innovation across Michigan and beyond. Together, they provide governance, fiscal oversight, strategic direction, and community alignment for the organization’s long-term sustainability and impact.

The board operates as a unified governing body—ensuring transparency, accountability, and excellence—while the Founder and Executive Director leads daily operations, partnerships, and program implementation.

MEET OUR BOARD (2025)

Brian Waskiewicz

Founder, President & Executive Director

Brian brings over 36 years of real estate, construction, and workforce development experience. As Founder and Executive Director, he leads the organization’s vision, partnerships, fundraising, and program execution. His commitment to affordable housing, hands-on training, and community uplift drives the strategic direction of NextGen Trades. Brian is also a living kidney donor, a longtime industry innovator, and the creator of NextGen’s integrated education-to-employment model.

Madeline Black

Vice Chair • Educator & Academic Advisor

Madeline is a seasoned educator and academic leader who oversees multiple charter schools. Her background in curriculum development, student success, and educational administration ensures that NextGen’s training programs align with academic standards, youth engagement strategies, and real-world learning pathways. As Vice Chair, she supports strategic planning and program evaluation while championing student-centered initiatives.

Sandra Ross

Treasurer • Actuary & Finance Committee Lead

Sandra is a retired vice president and actuary with deep expertise in financial analysis, risk management, and long-term planning. As Treasurer, she provides fiscal oversight, budget guidance, and governance support for the organization. Her disciplined, data-driven leadership ensures financial stability, compliance, and responsible stewardship as NextGen scales.

Amy Wagel

Secretary • Administrator & Operations Support

Amy provides administrative leadership, board coordination, and organizational support across multiple operational functions. As Secretary, she ensures accurate recordkeeping, board compliance, communication flow, and meeting documentation. Her background in administration and project organization strengthens the organization’s internal structure and operational efficiency.

Lawrence Kozlowski

Board Member • OSHA Inspector & Trades Instructor

Lawrence is an experienced OSHA inspector and safety professional with a passion for training and workforce development. His knowledge of compliance, safety standards, and jobsite best practices directly supports NextGen’s commitment to high-quality instruction and safe modular construction practices. He also contributes as an instructor, helping trainees build confidence and real-world readiness.

Jenna Zwagil

Board Member • Entrepreneur, Author & Marketing Advisor

Jenna brings a national perspective on brand-building, audience engagement, and mission-focused communication. As an entrepreneur and author, she provides marketing insight and creative strategy for NextGen’s growth. Her guidance strengthens outreach, storytelling, fundraising visibility, and partnership development.

Daysha Matthews

Board Member • Real Estate Broker & Community Outreach Lead

Daysha is an accomplished real estate broker with extensive experience in property development, community engagement, and neighborhood revitalization. She supports NextGen’s housing initiatives, outreach programs, and real estate partnerships. Her community connections and advocacy work help bridge opportunities between NextGen, local residents, and regional stakeholders.

Our Commitment to Governance

The Board of Directors ensures:

  • Transparent financial stewardship

  • Strategic growth and mission alignment

  • Program quality and workforce impact

  • Community and industry partnerships

  • Sustainable, scalable operations

Together, our board leads with purpose, integrity, and a shared belief in the power of skilled trades to transform lives and communities.

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We build for people

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Across Michigan and the nation, communities face a growing crisis:
a severe shortage of skilled tradespeople and a rising need for affordable housing.

Students, veterans, career changers, and returning citizens often struggle to find clear pathways into meaningful careers. At the same time, construction delays and workforce shortages make it harder for families to access safe, high-quality housing.

NextGen Trades was created to solve both challenges at the same time.

We exist because:

  • People deserve opportunity. Many individuals have the desire to learn but lack access to training, mentorship, and real-world experience.

  • Communities need builders. Without a strong trade workforce, housing costs rise, projects stall, and neighborhoods struggle to grow.

  • Students need alternatives. Not everyone is headed to college—and the trades offer high-income, high-demand pathways that are too often overlooked.

  • Housing must be attainable. Every community needs sustainable, affordable homes built efficiently and responsibly.

Our mission is simple yet powerful:
Empower people with skills. Strengthen communities with housing. Build futures with purpose.

We do what we do because when you give someone the tools to succeed—literally and figuratively—you don’t just change their career.
You change their life.

HOW WE DO IT

NextGen Trades operates through a hands-on, high-impact model that connects training, employment, and housing production into one unified system.

Here’s how we deliver measurable results:

1. Hands-On Trade Training

Students learn by doing. Our programs focus on:

  • Carpentry

  • Electrical

  • Plumbing

  • HVAC

  • Safety & OSHA fundamentals

  • Modular building assembly

  • STEM-integrated construction skills

Training happens in a real working environment so participants gain confidence, speed, and market-ready abilities.

2. Workforce Development & Career Pathways

We work with employers, unions, contractors, and state partners to ensure every participant can transition smoothly into:

  • Entry-level trade jobs

  • Apprenticeships

  • Modular construction roles

  • Skilled labor positions in their local community

Our goal isn’t just training—it’s employment.

3. Modular Home Construction

Students help build high-quality, energy-efficient modular homes that can be deployed into communities that need them most. This approach allows:

  • Faster build timelines

  • Lower construction costs

  • Standardized quality

  • Scalable production

While students learn, homes get built.
While homes get built, communities get stronger.

4. STEM-Based, Real-World Learning

Our training incorporates:

  • Modern building technologies

  • Energy-efficient materials

  • Engineering principles

  • Digital tools and fabrication techniques

This prepares participants for the future of construction, not just the past.

5. Supportive Environment for All Learners

We intentionally serve:

  • High school and post-secondary students

  • Veterans

  • Returning citizens

  • Adults seeking new careers

  • Individuals needing a second chance or a fresh start

We don’t just teach skills—we support personal growth, confidence, and stability.

6. Community-Driven Partnerships

We collaborate with:

  • Cities and municipalities

  • School districts

  • Nonprofits

  • Real estate developers

  • Workforce agencies

  • Employers and trade partners

These relationships allow us to place graduates into jobs and place homes into communities.

In Everything We Do

Our model creates a full-circle impact:

Train the workforce → Build the homes → Strengthen the community.

This is how we turn opportunity into action…
and action into lasting change.

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