Warrior 360 students turn support into success

For Wayne State University graduates Daemian Simpson and Danissa Galaviz, success after college did not happen by accident.

Both recently completed their degrees and are beginning careers they worked toward throughout their time at Wayne State - Simpson as an audit associate with EY (formerly known as Ernst & Young) and Galaviz as a kindergarten teacher at Bennett Elementary School in southwest Detroit.

During their time as students, both found support, mentorship and opportunities through Warrior 360 that helped them build confidence, develop professional skills and make connections that positioned them for their next steps.

Warrior 360 provides students with a network of success coaches, success partners, mentoring and connections to university resources. For Simpson, who graduated with a degree in accounting, the program became an important part of his Wayne State experience after he learned about it from a friend.

Simpson, middle, at the annual Warrior 360 Bravo Brunch, celebrating the completion of the academic year with friends in the program.

As a first-generation college student and commuter, Simpson said his success coach helped him understand how to navigate the university and connect with resources when he struggled academically. Just as importantly, Warrior 360 gave him a community on campus.

"It gave me a grounding presence on campus, and it gave me a community of people to talk to when I was on campus," Simpson said.

Simpson eventually became a peer mentor himself, supporting first-year students and helping them navigate the transition to college. He was named a 2025 Success Partner of the Year, an experience that strengthened his leadership and problem-solving skills.

Daemian Simpson had three internships and landed a job with EY.

Those skills complemented opportunities he pursued through the Mike Ilitch School of Business. He attended career fairs and networking events, where he connected with EY recruiters and earned a spot in the company's internship pipeline. Three internships later, he had a full-time job offer in hand before beginning his senior year.

His involvement in student organizations, including Warriors in Accounting and Business and the National Association of Black Accountants, provided additional opportunities to develop leadership skills and expand his professional network.

"Wayne State is an excellent school, but you need to be proactive, determined and able to keep up that consistency," Simpson said.

Danissa Galaviz graduated in May 2026.

For Galaviz, Warrior 360 offered a different but equally valuable path to professional growth.

A graduate of Wayne State's College of Education, Galaviz joined Warrior 360 as a success partner during her sophomore year. She mentored first-year students while also receiving guidance from her own success coach, Dwight McDonald. The experience pushed her outside her comfort zone and helped her become more confident communicating and working with others.

Warrior 360 also exposed Galaviz to professional development opportunities, including interview and resume workshops. Sitting in on interviews for prospective student employees helped her become more comfortable with the process as she prepared to enter the workforce.

"I feel like sitting in those interview settings really helped me prepare for the interviews that I had to tackle to get my job," Galaviz said.

Galaviz with her success coach, Dwight McDonald.

Another Wayne State opportunity helped turn that preparation into a job. As part of the College of Education's student-teaching experience, Galaviz participated in an event where school districts met with prospective teachers. She spoke with representatives from Detroit Public Schools Community District, told them she wanted to teach kindergarten at Bennett Elementary School and followed their advice to contact the school's principal directly. That conversation led to an interview and, ultimately, her new position.

Galaviz spent her time at Wayne State helping other students navigate college; now, she will help young children take their first steps into school.

Galaviz in her kindergarten classroom at Bennett Elementary School.

Importantly, both graduates took the initiative to join Warrior 360, which serves about ___ students each year.

"Daemian and Danissa are wonderful examples of what can happen when students are supported, connected and empowered to take advantage of the opportunities around them," said LaTonia Garrett, senior director of College Transition and Strategic Retention Initiatives. "Warrior 360 is about more than helping students navigate college; it helps them build relationships, confidence, leadership skills and a sense of belonging that can carry forward into their careers."