The annual Michigan Works! Impact Awards were held recently in Heritage Hall at the Michigan State Capitol. Every year we gather for this event to highlight the efforts of employees, organizations, and our very own Michigan Works! agency staff who contribute to the success of the lives of Michiganders.
The Impact Awards celebrate efforts that contribute to the success and strength of our economy, while celebrating job creation, transformational trainings, and talent development. Each Michigan Works! agency nominated a company/organization and an employee whose stories showcase the impact of our network. These powerful stories help to showcase just how our network changes lives for people all over the state.
Thanks to our sponsors who make the Impact Awards possible, especially our gold sponsors Michigan Works! Southeast, Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan and Detroit At Work. And special thanks to Chris Holman of the Michigan Business Network for serving as our event emcee again this year.
Check out the stories of our Impact Award honorees below:
Jessica Graff and the Woodbridge Group were nominated by Capital Area Michigan Works! The Woodbridge Group was honored for their work to enhance talent attraction, retention, and development while employee Jessica Graff was recognized for working with her Business Resource Coach to find mental health support, improving her budgeting and financial literacy skills.
Charles Simpson and Henry Ford Health were nominated by Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation. Henry Ford Health was honored developing initiatives and programs that meet the workforce needs of Detroit’s residents. DESC assisted Charles Simpson in finding a job at Henry Ford Health where he is appreciated for his motivation and drive.
Jeremy Lutze and Kapex Manufacturing LLC were nominated by Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! Kapex Manufacturing LLC was honored for working with Michigan Works! for over 10 years for their talent recruitment and retention needs. Jeremy Lutze was honored for continuously showing initiative and having a positive impact on those around him as he worked with the Young Professionals Program.
LaShabriane Kelly and the City of Flint Police Department were nominated by GST Michigan Works! The City of Flint Police Department was recognized for working with Michigan Works! to boost officer recruitment. LaShabriane Kelly was honored for her hard work, and highlighted the transformative journey from fear to resilience, ultimately achieving her goal of becoming a detective.
Jacob Cross and Ultraform Industries were nominated by Macomb-St. Clair Michigan Works! Ultraform Industries was honored for its growth to over 100 employees and expanding its training incentives to include a Registered Apprenticeship program. Jacob Cross was recognized for his hard work and dedication to working toward a new career opportunity through an apprenticeship, which led him to success.
Brian Dudasko and C5 Electric LLC were nominated by Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren. C5 Electric LLC was recognized for their profound influence in shaping the landscape of electrical services, setting a benchmark for excellence, and inspiring others to aspire for greatness. Brian Dudasko was honored for his hard work, dedication, and success while being an apprentice at C5.
Aubrey Zawacky and River House Inc. were nominated by Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium. River House, Inc., a nonprofit agency that serves victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, was honored for continuously helping employees achieve their goals. River House Thrift Store employee Aubrey Zawacky was recognized for her hard work and focus as she accomplished all her goals.
Lou Tomma and the Roscommon County Road Commission were nominated by Michigan Works! Region 7B Consortium. The Roscommon County Road Commission was honored for their Summer Apprentice Program that made it possible for apprentices to work on road projects throughout the area. Lou Tomma was recognized for persevering through roadblocks and received his certificate in January 2023.
Oleksii (Alex) Schendryhin and Ross Design™ were nominated by Michigan Works! Southeast. Ross Design™ was recognized working to leverage grant dollars and utilize Michigan Works! services to strengthen the company. Ross Design employee Oleksii (Alex) Schendryhin, refugee from Ukraine, was honored for his success, as well as the companies, as a Business Services Coordinator and MWSE helped him get a chance at his first job in America.
Austin Edwards and Hi-Tech Electric Company were nominated by Michigan Works! Southwest. Hi-Tech Electric Company was recognized for implementing apprenticeship training programs that foster continuous learning, promoting innovation and knowledge within the organization. Hi-Tech employee Austin Edwards was honored for the tremendous strides made in all aspects of his development since starting at the company.
Brandon Nowak and Foreway Transportation were nominated by West Central Michigan Works! Brandon was honored for overcoming obstacles after incarceration. Michigan Works! supported Nowak in obtaining his GED and enrolling in a truck driving training program. He earned his CDL and reached his goal of obtaining a job as a full-time over-the-road driver in July 2023 at Foreway Transportation.
Qayum Qayumi and TentCraft were nominated by Northwest Michigan Works! After arriving in the U.S. Qayum Qayumi and his spouse, Habiba, sought support from Northwest Michigan Works!. They received essential support, including transportation assistance, during their transition to living in the United States which led to a position as a sewing operator at TentCraft. TentCraft is a veteran-owned small business in Traverse City focused on high-quality, innovative manufacturing. Even though Qayum is happily employed at TentCraft, Qayum remains determined to leverage his technical expertise and eventually start his own business. He even presented his future business, Quick Quality Alterations, at a local small business pitch event, inspiring the audience with his entrepreneurial spirit.
Alex Van Den Bremer and Three M Tool & Machine were nominated by Oakland County Michigan Works! Three M Tool & Machine was honored for its collaboration in bringing in young talent that has contributed to the growth of the company. Alex Van Den Bremer joined the company as a full-time bench hand upon completing the youth work experience program and was honored for his strong work ethic and willingness to learn right away.
Angelica Pittman and Taco John’s were nominated by SEMCA Michigan Works! Taco John’s was recognized for creating over 30 local jobs and continuously training new team members throughout their partnership with SEMCA. Production Team Member Angelica Pittman was honored for her display of hard work as she worked directly with a PATH coach to find a job.
The Mackinac Straits Health System was honored by Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! for creating a Certified Medical Assistant apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship is a two-year, competency-based program where apprentices display proficiency in varying skills and attend 482 hours of Related Technical Instruction (RTI). To date, MSHS has enrolled six apprentices, is working with their second cohort, and has a waiting list for future cohorts.
Kira Malinina and Walters Gardens were nominated by West Michigan Works! Walters Gardens in Zeeland was recognized for being a leader in employing refugees through the agency’s Work Experience Program. Walters Gardens employee Kira Malinina was honored for her perseverance and commitment after coming to Michigan after fleeing the war in Ukraine. West Michigan Works! helped her integrate and begin a new life in Michigan by connecting her with Walters Gardens, where she quickly earned a permanent position due to her strong work ethic.
The stories of our Impact Award winners tug at the heartstrings and give us a great sense of pride for our network and its successes. One day wasn’t enough to celebrate our awardees and their achievements, so we put together videos that tell the stories of the amazing impact and partnership that each of them experienced. We’ll be celebrating these successes and the achievements of our amazing workforce development network all year round.