David Franco named Disability Pride Month Game Changers honoree

DETROIT -- David Franco knew he wanted to give back to his community. He just did not know where to start.

After conducting research, Franco realized there were limited work skills training opportunities for individuals with disabilities. So in 2017, Franco accepted a business development leadership position at Living and Learning Enrichment Center.

Headquartered in Northville, Mich., Living and Learning Enrichment Center is a non-profit organization that aims to enhance the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic, social, work-based and community engagement.

"We help people with disabilities develop their social and independent living skills," Franco said. "It is one of the fastest growing organizations in the state of Michigan."

Since 2018, Franco has served as the director of Exceptional Academy, a joint effort between Living and Learning Enrichment Center, Cisco Networking Academy and Mitch Albom's SAY Detroit Play Center, along with consulting support from (retired Cisco executive) Patrick Romzek.

"We train in IT certifications and working in security," Franco said. "It's an advanced work skills training program designed specifically for adults with disabilities not just in Michigan, but all surrounding states."

Franco is the second Game Changers honoree that the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers and Comerica Bank are recognizing throughout July as part of Disability Pride Month.

The entrepreneurial spirit Dave Franco brings to his work within the disabled community is why he's being celebrated as a Game Changers honoree," said Kevin Brown, director of community impact for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. "Through the Living and Learning Enrichment Center's Exceptional Academy, Dave is delivering beneficial life skills that empower individuals to succeed every day.

Franco said he taps into his tech and sales background to help Exceptional Academy reach new heights.

"A lot of this is convincing companies to work with me," Franco said. "I can't do this by myself, that's for sure. The success of our program comes from the relationships I've developed with other organizations."

Exceptional Academy students undergo 30-40 weeks of classroom training before preparing for cybersecurity certification. After successfully attaining certification, Exceptional Academy helps these individuals obtain jobs and internships at partnering organizations.

Looking ahead, Franco believes Living and Learning Enrichment Center will continue to evolve because it strives to provide the highest-quality programs for people with disabilities and their families.

"We are constantly pushing the envelope on what's available," Franco said. "We are empowering people to live their lives. We develop these programs that go above and beyond what's available. It's a culture that starts at the very top with our founder, Rachelle Vartanian. That's what she wants - to be the nation's model for providing quality services for people with disabilities."

Being recognized as a Disability Pride Month Game Changers honoree is exciting for Franco, who is thankful for the partnership between Exceptional Academy and Comerica Bank.

"We've been able to do some really cool things with Comerica Bank," Franco said. "They help with internships, jobs, training and guest speaking engagements. A great partnership, so being able to work with them has been invaluable. When I heard I was recognized, I realized how it all made sense."

For more information about Living and Learning Enrichment Center, visit LivingAndLearningCenter.org.