The Outstanding Contributor Award (OCA) is an award presented by the Economic Generator Network (EGN) to an individual, group of individuals or organization that makes significant contributions to building the foundation for economic growth in Northern Michigan.
The OCA not only recognizes the recipient(s) but also comes with a cash award of $15,000 to be used as the recipient wishes.
The EGN Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Contributor Award is Melissa Doubek.
Melissa was chosen from the nominations for her considerable work in promotion and leadership of STEM activities and development of STEM competencies with youth of Northeast Michigan through her roles as a teacher, volunteer, and principal. These activities help to prepare the future workforce for in-demand jobs. Her involvement and leadership include:
- Science Olympiad coach at Alpena High School for 15 years
- A leader in development of the Alpena High School FIRST Robotics program
- Six years as a coach for the Alpena High School FIRST Robotics Team(s)
- The leader in development of the FIRST Lego program at All Saints Catholic School
- The leader in development of, and coach for, a Science Olympiad team at All Saints Catholic School
Each of these activities were in addition to her work in education either as a teacher or principal, where she positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students through her energy and passion for the work she was doing.
The competencies she has helped instill in the future workforce are in high-demand by employers across the region and her work in this area is much appreciated by many.
The EGN (Economic Generator Network Inc.) is a non-profit organization made up of Northeast Michigan citizens and organizations who have a shared goal of continually improving the economic vitality of Northeast Michigan citizens by solving product-related problems for people around the world. Past recipients of the OCA include Alpena FIRST Robotics, and the Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway, MI.