Real Success Stories

Meet real role models working in various industries who have found success through alternative pathways after high school — and what they like about what they do! Looking to dive deeper? Complete this scavenger hunt to help you explore the many paths to success.

Grace Desch

Clinical Nurse Manager

When I was in 1st grade, our class was asked to think about where we saw ourselves in the future. I still have that yearbook, and at seven years old I said I wanted to be a pediatrician. Throughout the years, I bounced back and forth between pursuing that dream of health care and going down the...
Read More
Michelle Coleman

Research Scientist

When I was in high school, I took a few agriculture classes and absolutely fell in love with the industry. To explore the field more, I joined our school’s FFA (previously known as Future Farmers of America) chapter. I enjoyed every minute of my experience in the program, and it definitely...
Read More
Katrina McClure

Registered Nurse

My mom is a nurse, so I’ve always been interested in the healthcare industry. I remember when I was in 5th grade, she came to Career Day and brought a bunch of bones into class and told us about where they were in the body and what they did. That day has always stuck with me, but it took me a few...
Read More
Seth Edigar

Fiber Technician

Growing up, I always liked the idea of being a teacher. Educating others while making learning exciting and easy seemed like a dream job. And while I didn’t technically end up as a teacher, I do get to help others succeed in my current role.
Read More
Stan Mutuku

Equipment Maintenance Technician

Stan Mutuku was attending Wichita Area Technical College when he saw fellow students working for Spirit AeroSystems and getting paid to go to class. Stan thought that sounded like a great path, so he started as an electrician. Today, he's a manager at the facility.
Read More
Wendy Crossman

Vice President of Sourcing for Boeing and Defense

Wendy Crossman began her career as a teacher. And while she loved certain aspects of the job, she felt like she was meant to do something else. Today, she's been with Spirit AeroSystems for over 25 years!
Read More
Zachary Zimmerman

Senior Director of Defense Operations

Zachary Zimmerman knew he didn't want to graduate college with debt, so he was looking for a way to help get his education paid for when he heard about Spirit AeroSystem's tuition reimbursement program. Zachary leveraged the program to help pay for his bachelor's and master's degrees.
Read More
Vanessa Combs

Executive Director of Twin Aisle Operations

Vanessa Combs started her career at Spirit AeroSystems to take advantage of their tuition reimbursement program and help get college paid for — she's been with the company ever since!
Read More
Thomas King

Senior Manager in Logistics

Thomas King began his career by serving in the United States Army. After leaving his full-time position in the military, he continues to serve as a member of the Army Reserve. On the civilian side, he started in an entry-level position at Spirit AeroSystems, then worked his way up to become a...
Read More
Michael Hiebert

Equipment Maintenance Technician

Michael Hiebert grew up going to air shows and has always been fascinated by aircrafts. Today, he's living the dream as an equipment maintenance technician at Spirit AeroSystems.
Read More