Our Mission

Advance inclusive sustainable development anchored in manufacturing.

Our Core Belief

The current system is failing our communities and requires a systemic solution. We believe that a “high road,” inclusive manufacturing ecosystem is fundamental for healthy individuals, families, and communities.

Our Vision

Where MR programs have influence, communities experience tangible increases in racial equity, economic and social inclusion.

Our Goals

1) Expand the coalitions, technical assistance supports and policies that support manufacturing-related programs that advance scalable, sustainable development. 2) Expose, inspire and prepare young people from Black, Latino and other people of color, low-income communities and public education to secure and retain career-track jobs in manufacturing..

Our Guiding Principles

  1. As thought leaders and practitioners MR is guided by our Theory of Change and works through the Development Model of Organizing 
  2. We seek to build multi-stakeholder-led collaborations with “High Road” actors including labor, manufacturers and the business community, community-based organizations, the environmental movement, the faith community, and government.  
  3. We are entrepreneurial, comfortable taking risks to advance new ideas.  
  4. There are times to collaborate and times to disrupt. 
  5. We seek consultation and welcome debate and recognize when it’s time to make decisions.  
  6. We are committed to practice anti-racism and believe all peoples have right to opportunity and equitable treatment.

Our Strategic Framework

Read more here about how MR applies its mission and vision to our practice. 

Our Team

Committed-Talented-Fearless

Erica Swinney Staley

Executive Director

estaley@mfgren.org
(773) 278-5418 ext 20

Bio

Dan Swinney

Director of Strategic Initiatives

dswinney@mfgren.org
(773) 278-5418 x14

Bio

David Robinson

External Affairs Director

drobinson@mfgren.org
(773) 278-5418 ext 19

Bio

 
 

Veronica Buenrostro

Director of Financial Management

vbuenrostro@mfgren.org
(773) 278 5418 ext 25

Bio

Sarah Mercado

Program Director, Career Pathway Services

smercado@mfgren.org
(773) 278-5418 ext 21

Bio

Brence Turner

Senior Machining Instructor

bturner@mfgren.org
(773) 278-5418 ext 31

Bio

DeeDee Jones

Industry Coordinator

djones@mfgren.org
(773) 278-5418 ext 33

Bio

 
 

Mieka Matthews

Program Coordinator

mmatthews@mfgren.org
(773) 278-5418 ext 32

Bio

Keana Smith

Program Assistant

keana@mfgren.org
(773) 278-5418 ext 34

Bio

Board of directors

Dedicated-Influential-Leadership

Peter Cunningham

Bio

Carmen Curet

Bio

Garrick Davis

Bio

Victor Dickson

Bio

Doug Gamble

Secretary

Bio

Edward Hamburg

Chairman

Bio

Montez King

Bio

Lucy Minturn

Bio

John Scheflow

Bio