Local Talent Development Leader Sunshine Plato Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Sunshine Plato of Michigan Works! Southeast was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, and Washtenaw counties.  Plato recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

Plato is a tremendous asset to the workforce development system both locally and across county lines. 

“Sunshine has consistently exhibited shining star attributes throughout her employment with Michigan Works! Southeast; however, most recently, she has shined even brighter,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “With the onset of the pandemic, Sunshine sprang into action to help the organization continue to promote their mission and purpose by moving forward the design and implementation of virtual job seeker workshops.” 

Plato has a reputation for going above and beyond to assist her clients, treating each one with care and respect. 

“As the pandemic started to hit hard, Sunshine spent many hours working with her teammates learning how to use the Zoom platform and transition their facilitation practices to a virtual world,” said Bill Sleight, director of Michigan Works! Southeast.  “Along with moving our workshops forward virtually, Sunshine volunteered to assist with unemployment calls and was one of the first to be trained to use the Unemployment Insurance Agency’s system.  She is committed to helping not only those who reside in the Michigan Works! Southeast region, but all Michiganders that are facing financial troubles during the unprecedented time.” 

Plato said she is honored to receive this award. 

 It is an honor to accept this award,” said Plato.  “When the global pandemic hit, I knew that I had to learn as much as I could to offer people in our community hope.  Just being able to do what I love – to help people overcome adversity and to learn new skills – is truly what is the reward.” 

# # # 

Established in 1987, the Michigan Works! Association fosters high-quality employment and training programs serving employers and workers by providing support activities and a forum for information exchange for Michigan's talent development system. For more information, visit http://www.michiganworks.org, or call (517) 371-1100.