Justin Hnatio is a leader who gets things done. His drive to consistently implement successful projects in support of different student groups on campus is unparalleled. “I often work with student teams, mentoring them and helping them develop successful project management skills,” he says. 

Justin certainly has the experience under his belt, having served as the director of entrepreneurship in Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE), executive vice president in the American Marketing Association, the co-marketing chair of the Emerging Leaders Program and owner of his own landscaping business.

His leadership has earned him many honors, including the UM-Dearborn Allard Family Trust Entrepreneurial scholarship and the Presidential award for the National Society of Leadership and Success. He’s successfully completed the Certified Associate in Project Management certification, too.

He prides himself on being able to apply lessons learned in the classroom and in work experiences to real life challenges and opportunities. “Some of the best advice I have received and given is lead by example, inspect what you except and don’t feel afraid to be the student and the teacher,” he says.

Justin aspires to be a successful entrepreneur with several ventures that support the community. “I want to devote my assets to help community projects and young, aspiring entrepreneurs,“ he says.

His nomination as a Difference Maker will be a great reflection of his achievements at UM-Dearborn. “Being acknowledged this way has shown me that I am working in the right direction toward bettering the campus and surrounding communities,” he says.