• Graduated St. Martin De Porres High School 

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• Selected by the Detroit Urban League to appear in a Billboard Campaign for High School  Seniors Promoting “Achievement Matters”  

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• Performed and traveled with youth troupe, Life-size puppet characters for Drug Prevention  Program throughout schools, churches and community groups promoting, “Say no to Drugs”  for 4 years. 

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• Featured in the Detroit Free Press, January, 1997, Mario L. Willis, Doin’ the Right Thing:  Dedication, hard work are keys to his success.  

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• Co-Host Teen Radio & TV Show “On the Real!” Production Assistant & Cameraman   for the K.E.Y.S. KIDS TV Show 

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• Received the “Spirit of Detroit” Award in 1998 from the Detroit City Council

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• Attended Eastern Michigan University on a 4 year Football Scholarship. 

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• Received a Testimonial Resolution in 2005 from the Detroit City Council for Mario’s Hair Salon 1st Year Anniversary.

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• Started Willis Real Estate Holding Company in 2005 

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• Started Monopoly Landscaping Company in 2006

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Even while incarcerated, Mario strives to be a lifelong learner while helping to serve and uplift  the community around him. To date Mario has: 

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• Completed Central Michigan University’s Honors 310: Communication Course. 

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• Served on the Warden’s Forum multiple times as a liaison for the prison population to  administration.

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• Facilitates the Character and Business Section of the Common Ground Program for inmates.

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• Mentor for Saginaw Correctional Facility Youth Deterrent Program focusing on youth throughout the Mid-Michigan area.

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• Served as School Clerk helping inmates prepare for re-entry.​

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• Serves as Dog Clerk/Handler for the “Paws With a Cause” Program.

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• Assisted Chaplin with spiritual edification for prison population.