With a remarkable 40-year career at DTE, Yvette Johnson has consistently broken barriers and paved the way for others to follow. From her early days as a meter reader to her current role as vice president of Electric Sales & Marketing, her journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, excellence and innovation. She has held influential roles across the company, including leading Major Account Services, Economic Development and advancing the transition to electric vehicles and electrification for DTE’s customers.
Members of our company’s REACH energy group are proud to honor Yvette with the REACH Trailblazer Award for her outstanding leadership, commitment and impact in uplifting employees and fostering an inclusive culture at DTE Energy.
Beyond her professional achievements, Yvette has mentored countless employees, offering guidance and encouragement to help them reach their full potential. Her personal commitment to developing future leaders—especially within the DTE employee community—has made our workplace more vibrant and equitable. Through both formal programs and informal support, Yvette has inspired many people to dream bigger and achieve more.
In the community, she supports STEM and First Robotics programs and tutors students in reading and math. Additionally, Yvette serves on the MWGA board where she works with the Girls Golf program.
“Being selected for this honor is both humbling and rewarding for me,” says Yvette. “As a founding and active steering committee member of REACH since the inception of the group, I understand firsthand the selection process for this honor and I am so blessed to be a recipient of this award. I believe that my years of experience in many areas of the company, my ability to foster internal and external relationships and my leadership open door policy provides encouragement and a level of comfort for many to seek me out for mentoring, support and other opportunities and for that I am truly grateful.”
Her leadership and service embody the spirit of a trailblazer—someone who not only leads by example, but who actively lifts others as they rise.
“Yvette has demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing the mission of DTE employees and REACH members through steadfast support of initiatives that educate, celebrate, represent, and elevate our members,” says Jacob Walker, manager, Community Outreach and chair of REACH. “Her inclusive leadership and unwavering commitment have created a culture where every voice is heard, every identity is valued, and every contribution is recognized. We are honored to celebrate Yvette for her enduring impact and tireless advocacy on behalf of our community.”
Yvette will be honored with Trevor Lauer and Demetrio Dockery as our 2025 Trailblazers, along with our first REACH Scholarship recipients, at the 2025 DTE REACH Trailblazer & Scholarship Award Fundraiser on Friday, June 20 at The Roostertail in Detroit.