Derrick Watkins is a Flint native, Master Electrician, and the founder and president of Active Boys in Christ (ABC) Youth. He founded ABC Youth in 2017 to give young people hands-on exposure to skilled trades, STEM, mentorship and career opportunities.
In 2026, ABC Youth opened its Skilled Trades & STEM Training Center in Flint. ABC Youth recently received a $100,000 Impact100 Genesee County grant to help build electrical, plumbing, HVAC and STEM labs for youth.
Derrick took some time out of his busy schedule to answer My City’s questions.

1

As a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

I always liked working with my hands and figuring out how things worked. That eventually led me into the electrical trade and to becoming a Master Electrician.

2

What is your favorite game or sport to watch or play?

Football.

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3

What are you most passionate about?

I’m most passionate about two things: my faith and helping young people. I want young people to know they have options and can build a good life for themselves. That’s a big part of why I started ABC Youth.

4

What’s a goal you’ve recently accomplished?

Getting our own Skilled Trades & STEM Training Center. Winning the Impact100 Genesee County grant will help us build out our electrical, plumbing, HVAC and STEM labs for youth.

5

What’s the one thing you wish you had more time to do?

Spend more time directly with the kids. Being around the youth and seeing them learn is what I enjoy most.

6

If you had a “warning” label, what would it say?

“Warning: I like to play tricks on people.”

7

What’s something people would never guess about you?

I like to ride jet skis.