Pauline Lake (she/her) serves as the Executive Director at MR and previously served as MR’s Research and Instructional Design Project Coordinator for the Early Warning System Building project. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (CS) and Educational Studies in 2013, followed by a Master’s in Public Policy with a concentration in Education Policy in 2019, both from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Additionally, she holds a Certificate in Project Management, which she completed in 2023 at the College of St. Scholastica. Pauline is also a graduate of Harlan Community Academy on Chicago’s Southside and a Chicago POSSE Foundation alumna.
With over a decade of experience in educational leadership, project management, research, and teaching, Pauline has worked with learners of diverse ages and backgrounds. Her primary passion lies in fostering inclusivity among middle and high-school youth as well as young adults in sectors where they have historically been marginalized. Notably, she has played a pivotal role in the successful development of two national high school Advanced Placement CS curricula and associated professional development programs, thus expanding access to CS education for students and teachers.
Pauline, a biracial woman, takes pride in being a cat-mama and a Godmother. Her personal interests include finding joy in comedy, listening to music, watching sports, and solving puzzles – particularly escape rooms.
Dan founded Manufacturing Renaissance (MR) in 1982 in response to the thousands of manufacturing plant closings in the Chicago area. At the beginning, the organization’s work was focused on industrial retention efforts. Dan led a team that studied hundreds of companies and worked on dozens of campaigns with local unions, community-based organizations and the City of Chicago under the Harold Washington administration to save industrial jobs. Dan was one of the founders of the Labor Research Review, a journal published between 1982 – 1994. LRR was a highly regarded forum for analysis, criticism and strategic thinking on the American labor movement in the late 20th century.
Dan served as the founding executive director until 2020. He continues to serve the organization as a senior advisor, guiding many of MR’s strategic initiatives. He is recognized nationally as a leading expert and resource. He writes and speaks regularly for manufacturing trade associations, universities and colleges, community development networks, unions, and others interested in promoting advanced manufacturing and its intersection with public interests domestically and internationally.
Prior to founding MR, Dan worked for 13 years as a machinist in the Chicago area. He organized Steelworker Local 8787 at G+W Taylor Forge in Cicero, Illinois and served as Vice President. Taylor Forge closed in 1983. Dan also worked as a production machinist at Sunbeam and Victor Gasket.
Dan graduated from the University of Wisconsin, with a B.A. in history in 1967. Before and through college, Dan worked as an activist and an organizer, interning for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in Georgia in 1965, working for the Georgia Council of Human Relations in 1966, and organized soldiers against the Vietnam War at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center between 1968-1970.
See a list of Dan’s major articles and presentations here.
Robinson began his varied and unique professional life as an award-winning reporter for the Detroit News, then as an editor for United Press International (UPI), and later, as a senior editor and columnist for the Black Press Review, the Agenda literary magazine.
In the 80’s Robinson joined the Harold Washington administration’s economic development policy and program team in Chicago where he developed cutting-edge programs and policy focusing on municipal recycling and solid waste management, and he is considered an early pioneer in the industry.
Robinson has also owned a public affairs company, held numerous senior roles in government, managed many issues and elective office campaigns and has over 30 years working in and for the interests of communities of color.
In 2016, Robinson joined the team at Manufacturing Renaissance where he recognized the unequaled strength manufacturing presents for re-building struggling communities while also strengthening regional economies. In his role as External Affairs Director, Robinson works to build political and community advocacy and policies around linking public education and community wealth building to the modern manufacturing industry in the spirit of social inclusion. Robinson has written legislation, organized the faith community to advocate for manufacturing, and he built a robust community support network for Manufacturing Renaissance’s programs. He has also positioned Manufacturing Renaissance as a go-to source for media.
Robinson studied journalism and history at Morehouse College and policy and social science at DePaul and Roosevelt Universities. He also holds professional certifications in conflict resolution, organizational and executive leadership.
Robinson enjoys film, music, golf and martial arts. He has published numerous articles and his recent book, The World is Watching, was released in 2019.
Mieka joined Manufacturing Renaissance in the fall of 2015 as a tutor and program assistant and as of August 2024 now serves as our Program Director. She provides leadership and management of all program activities related to our Manufacturing Connect and Young Manufacturers Association programs. Mieka received her B.A in Human Development at The University of Illinois at Chicago. She recently completed her M.Ed in Youth Development from UIC.
Edward Robinson is a team-oriented and adaptable professional who collaborates effectively while stepping into leadership roles when needed. He is passionate about helping others and is known for his relatable, nonjudgmental nature, allowing him to build trust and meaningful connections. With a solution-focused mindset, Edward is an innovative thinker who seeks practical ways to create lasting, positive change in the lives of the families and communities he serves.
He believes there is no such thing as a “Big I” or “Little You,” often comparing this idea to the human body—when even the smallest part is hurt, the whole body responds. In the same way, the challenges faced by individuals and families affect us all. This perspective drives Edward to show up each day with purpose and compassion, committed to making a difference greater than himself.
LaToya Rochon joined Manufacturing Renaissance in 2026 as a Case Manager within the Career Pathway Services department. In this role, she works directly with youth and young adults, providing the individualized support and advocacy necessary to help them navigate the transition from training to sustainable careers in manufacturing.
LaToya brings over 15 years of deep-rooted experience in the educational sector to the MR team. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University in 2009 and dedicated 12 years to the classroom as a teacher in Title 1 schools. Driven by a desire to support the “whole student,” she went on to earn her Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2020.
Her unique background as both an educator and a licensed school counselor allows her to approach case management with a holistic, restorative lens. At Manufacturing Renaissance, LaToya leverages her expertise in social-emotional learning and developmental psychology to help participants overcome systemic barriers and build the confidence required for long-term success. She is a firm believer that an inclusive manufacturing ecosystem is fundamental to healthy families and thriving communities, and she is dedicated to ensuring MR’s youth have the tools to lead choice-filled lives.
Brence Turner is Manufacturing Renaissance’s Technical Instructor who has over 20 years of aerospace and power generation industry experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in Vocational Leadership, Training and Development, as well as a Journeyman’s apprenticeship certification from the Tooling and Manufacturing Association. He is committed to bridging his experience and partnering with youth to enhance their access to economic equity through educational and advanced manufacturing career pathways. His work is rooted in building stronger communities in the City of Chicago and the surround Chicagoland area. When he is not in the classroom, he enjoys personal training, reading, and spending time with his family.
Marchaun Dabney joined Manufacturing Renaissance December 2023, he is very passionate about mentoring and working with youth adults getting them ready for the real world and their career goals. Marchaun has over 10 years of experience working with youth and young adults and is continuing that journey of helping. Attending college at Northern Illinois University and being a Community Advisor was the start of his mentoring journey. Graduated spent time in Atlanta working with young and work readiness programs but has recently moved back to Chicago and has love to be back home. “Helping and mentoring youth and young adults are my true passion”. He looks to be in this career for years to come.
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