Southwest Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts

LANSING, MI (March 31, 2021) — Southwest Michigan talent development and employment successes were among those celebrated by state leaders at the Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards this week. 

Lawmakers and statewide talent development officials gathered virtually on Wednesday, March 31 to recognize Augusta resident Alia Hammond, as well as Kalamazoo Public Schools and Michigan Works! Southwest for providing employees with opportunities to make advancements in both their professional and personal lives.   

Alia Hammond was referred to Michigan Works! Southwest’s Food Assistance Employment & Training (FAE&T) program in Spring 2019.  While discussion her employment goals with her Career Coach, Hammond disclosed difficulties and concerns related to obtaining employment due to her legal identification listing her birth name which was not reflective of her own name or identity and often resulted in the need for her to share very personal information during employment interviews. 

“I believe we all learned a lot through Alia’s story and her journey,” said Jim Hollis, Hammond’s career coach. “I sat with her in the courtroom the day the judge officially signed her documents.  As we walked into the courtroom and waited, Alia was nervous and uneasy.  After the judge signed all the documents, I will never forget the way she walked out of the courtroom and the confidence she portrayed.  Alia is a participant I will never forget.  I am glad we all had a chance to help positively impact her life.” 

 Due to having to constantly validate her identity, Hammond felt she was not able to move forward personally or professionally.  Though the routine of continuously having to define herself to others often hurt her self-esteem and confidence, the process of changing her legal identity had proved to be a burdensome and complicated process for Hammond which she had, up until then, been reluctant to undertake. 

While participating in the FAE&T program, a variety of program and administrative staff worked to review federal, state and local policies to determine what services were available to assist Hammond in updating her identification and the necessary steps to legally change her name.  Eventually, with support and guidance from Michigan Works! Southwest staff, Hammond, was able to successfully change her legal name and obtain a new birth certificate, social security card, and Michigan ID. 

While participating in the program, Hammond also completed a variety of job-readiness workshops, volunteered at OutFront Kalamazoo, and gained ServSafe certification, leading Hammond to obtain employment through Kalamazoo Public Schools Food Service Program. 

“Congratulations to Alia on her dedication to overcoming difficult barriers to achieve her career goals,” said state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). 

The Impact Awards hosted by Michigan Works! Association recognizes the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state.   

“I commend Michigan Works! Southwest on being a great community partner who is always looking for innovative ways to help residents find training and career opportunities,” said state Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo). “This is a win for students, employers, community organizations, and our community as a whole.” 

Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners from across the state. 

The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent eco-system. For over 30 years, the Association has been the go-to resource for federal, state and local workforce initiatives.  

The Association’s work ensures top-quality services and support for Michigan’s talent pipeline. For more information, please visit michiganworks.org.  

Find the nearest Michigan Works! American Job Center by visiting https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (1-800) 285-WORKS (9675). 

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