Words of Wisdom Award
"Brave is to face obstacles and challenges without question and not allow self-doubt to influence you. To be determined and decisive while exuding compassion and empathy."
Antoinette Turner is a native Detroiter. As a graduate of Lutheran High School West (Detroit), Ms. Turner chose to attend Michigan State University. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Packaging Engineering, she joined Packaging Corporation of America (PCA). Serving the automotive industry, Antoinette worked in the field of packaging for ten years with PCA, Mid-West Paper Products and Xpedx (a division of International Paper). Currently she is the Manager of Corporate Communication & CSR Initiatives for SET Enterprises, Inc., a leader in Advanced Metal Processing. She has been with SET Enterprises for 16 years. In addition to her responsibilities as Manager of Corporate Communication & CSR Initiatives, she also serves as the Diversity Supply Lead and security administrator for SET’s communications with Ford Motor Company and Fiat-Chrysler.
She attends and participates in many activities where she meets and talks with entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. She supports the mission of many organizations that promote the economic growth of aspiring business owners. She works closely with the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council and the National Business League. She also supports the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council and NAWBO GDC. When attending workshops, conferences, dinners or forums, she looks forward to meeting diverse audiences who share their talents, skills and their products to enhance the economic growth of a community. “It is enjoyable to attend and meet people at corporate events but true satisfaction comes in meeting an entrepreneur by chance. Each day as I travel the metropolitan area, I am always looking for that small business that has the potential for greatness. I take note of the business and the business owner and think of how I can connect this business to my colleagues and friends” says Antoinette. She has invited many business owners to participate and join councils that will give them exposure, new contacts and a path to economic growth. Many business owners (large and small) that she has introduced over the years have connected, formed alliances and established long term relationships.
Antoinette is proud to be a member of a diverse community and places expectations on herself to continuously support the community. “It is the promotion of minority owned and woman owned businesses that make a community strong. It is the responsibility of community members to promote and support these businesses” says Antoinette. She is a community member and takes this responsibility as a daily task.
As an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Inc., Alpha Rho Omega Chapter of Detroit, Antoinette serves on a number of committees including the Heart and Stroke Awareness committee. Additionally, Ms. Turner serves on the board of directors for Amethyst Health, is a member of the Green Edge Investment Club, member of Association of Women in the Metals Industry, member of HR Advisory Committee – Winning Futures, member of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council – Signature Events Committee and a volunteer for several non-profits including the Rhonda Walker Foundation. She enjoys spending time with her husband, friends and family and enjoying what the City of Detroit has to offer when she is not serving her community.
