Local Talent Development Leader Roy Taylor Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Roy Taylor of Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for his efforts to meet employment needs in Macomb and St. Clair counties.  Beattie recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

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

“Roy’s co-workers describe him as the guy who makes work not feel like work,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “He continually promotes a fun and exciting energy with every project in which he is involved.” 

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

“Roy is among the first to help those who are the hardest to serve in the community,” said John Bierbusse, executive director of Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!.  “Roy is a dependable person to go to when certain tasks require attention, situations suddenly change, or a new idea is needed.  With limitations on in-person meetings due to the pandemic, Roy was recently involved in the creation and recording of a Trade Adjustment Assistance orientation video and continually searches for best methods to offer service remotely.” 

Taylor said he is honored to receive this award. 

“What an incredible position that came my way (career planner), as it has allowed me to meet, work with and for people from every path in their unique and incredible lives,” said Taylor.  “I have been able to join in their journeys, make an impact, be a part of their dreams and successes, and watch them start new chapters in their lives.  Definitely a five-star career!”  

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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.  

Local Talent Development Leader Kesha Sain Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Kesha Sain of West Michigan Works! was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties.  Sain recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

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

“Kesha is tuned in to what her job seekers are feeling before they even express themselves,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “Her attitude helps break down the barriers that many participants feel, especially within the PATH program.” 

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

“Kesha possesses strong emotional intelligence,” said Jacob Maas, CEO of West Michigan Works!.  “Kesha’s job seekers never feel as though she is above them, but rather that she is with them.  She is also a very positive force with our staff.  To encourage positivity, Kesha started writing quotes on the windows to inspire staff.  This energy was valued by her co-workers and leadership.  Kesha is an incredible asset to our organization and to the people she serves.” 

Sain said she is honored to receive this award. 

“I am very honored to receive this award,” said Sain.  “I find a lot of satisfaction in my job and being recognized for doing something that I love to do is very gratifying.” 

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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.  

Local Talent Development Leader Karla Grady-Walker Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Karla Grady-Walker of Berrien, Cass, Van Buren Michigan Works! was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.  Grady-Walker recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

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

“Throughout her 14 years with Michigan Works!, Karla has held a variety of roles but her unwavering commitment to bringing out the best in everyone has remained strong throughout,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “She continues to demonstrate a notable passion and dedication for serving jobseekers in her community and her coworkers recognize her as a team player who is committed to success and is always willing to step in and help.” 

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

“In her current role as talent development specialist, Karla is responsible for case management services along with customer service,” said Lily Brewer, executive director of Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren.  “With her case management duties, she often goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service while creating meaningful connections and providing personalized support which ensures jobseekers are successful in meeting their career aspirations.  Karla truly exemplifies our organization’s purpose of inspiring positive economic change one person, one business, and one community at a time.” 

Grady-Walker said she is honored to receive this award. 

“I am truly honored and excited to be receiving this award among my peers throughout the state who are making a difference in the lives of so many,” said Grady-Walker. 

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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.  

Local Talent Development Leader Julie DeRose Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Julie DeRose of Capital Area Michigan Works! (CAMW!) was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties.

DeRose recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference. She serves as the director of Potterville Adult Education programs in partnership with Capital Area Michigan Works!.

Under DeRose’s leadership, she and her team of educators provide education services through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program at the Ingham County American Job Center. CAMW! TANF participants were referred to the program Julie leads, called the Learn to Earn program, to work towards high school completion as well as basic skills remediation.

“Throughout the years, Julie’s creativity and connection to providing services where they are needed has expanded even further,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “The Learn to Earn program is now available for program participants in all three Capital Area Michigan Works! American Job Centers and formal Adult Education services are also available to support individuals needing assistance to complete their high school education or those who may have remediation needs.”

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

“When Ingham County began to receive refugee referrals to the TANF program, Julie and her team pivoted services to ensure that services were available to provide English as a Second Language (ESL) supports as well as educational support to refugee participants,” said Carrie Rosingana, CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works!. “Recognizing a need, Julie hired a formal ESL instructor to work in the Ingham County American Job Center classroom to ensure that curriculum was available to serve the new program participants and their goals within the program. Julie has consistently proven to be a supporter of the CAMW! organizational goals and efforts.”

DeRose said she is honored to receive the Shining Star Award.

“I am so very grateful for this honor,” said DeRose. “To be singled out is humbling, since there are so many awesome people that I work with every day who make lives better, futures brighter and our communities stronger. It is not always easy work we do, but it is always good work.”

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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.

Local Talent Development Leader Iman Shami Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Iman Shami of SEMCA Michigan Works! was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Monroe and Wayne counties.  Shami recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

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

“Iman has a true passion for helping others,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “She demonstrates a notable passion and dedication for serving jobseekers in her community and her coworkers recognize her as a team player who is committed to success and is always willing to step in and help.” 

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

“Iman began her career in workforce development in 2009 when she joined the Downriver Community Conference as a career specialist in the Employment Service (ES) Program at SEMCA’s Dearborn American Job Center,” said Greg Pitoniak, CEO of SEMCA Michigan Works!.  “Her language skills, coupled with her ability to quickly gain proficiency in the use of the electronic labor exchange system, allowed her to assist the large limited English-speaking customer base.  In 2013, Iman’s exceptional track record resulted in a promotion to lead the ES team as a coordinator at the Dearborn Job Center.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, staff of the SEMCA Michigan Works! system stepped up to assist the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency by assisting members of our community access their benefits.  Motivated by a passion to serve those in need, she assisted over 2,100 callers locally and hundreds more via the statewide issue database.  She quickly rose as a shining star by going above and beyond to ensure the success of the program at a critical time for our state and its residents.” 

Shami said she is honored to receive this award. 

“I am very pleased to be awarded this honorable award,” said Shami.  “I’m blessed to be part of SEMCA, DCC and the workforce development personifying Michigan Works!, making a change in each person’s life for the better.” 

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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.  

Local Talent Development Leader Elaine Eikenberry Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Elaine Eikenberry of Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  Eikenberry recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

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

“As a talent specialist, Elaine focuses on developing support systems for participants,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “Elaine’s close connections to her community enhance her ability to get job seekers ready to win!” 

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

“In late 2019, Elaine suddenly experienced a medical crisis that resulted in a leave from work,” said William Raymond, CEO of Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!.  “Even before we knew she would fully recover, Elaine made sure her clients had a direct connection to another talent specialist.  By early 2020, Elaine was able to return to work on a modified schedule and slowly ramped up to full time.  Soon after, COVID-19 began to hit hard, and staff across the Upper Peninsula deployed to work from home, except Elaine.  Despite the added stress and health concerns, Elaine continued to work fiercely to assist her clients and those desperately seeking help with unemployment compensation.  Elaine was a shining star in our organization before COVID-19.  Her resilience in the face of her personal health crisis and the pandemic, her insistence on showing up for clients, and her generous spirit in all things spark inspiration in us all!” 

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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.  

Local Talent Development Leader Don Palmer Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Don Palmer of Michigan Works! West Central was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for his efforts to meet employment needs in Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana, and Osceola counties.  Palmer recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

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

“Don is a very upbeat person, with a great personality, willing to go the extra mile to help anyone,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “His co-workers say they have yet to see him in a bad mood and he is always willing to help them with anything they need.” 

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

“Don maintains a cool and calm demeanor when handling even the toughest clients,” said Shelly Keene, executive director of Michigan Works! West Central.  “The way Don has handled the COVID-19 pandemic, and stepped up to assist the Unemployment Insurance Agency, has been amazing!  He has empathy and patience and can deescalate situations to help calm clients who are extremely irate or upset.  His attitude has remained positive through all of the turmoil and he managed to lift everyone up through some of the roughest days with his humor, compassion, and support when needed.” 

Palmer said he is honored to receive this award. 

“I wish to thank those who nominated me for this special honor,” said Palmer.  “With the fine colleagues I work with, we will continue to make a difference by providing job seekers and employers with the tools and training they need to help meet workforce development needs.”  

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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.  

Local Talent Development Leader Dawn Millar Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Dawn Millar of Michigan Works! Southwest was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties.  Millar recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

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

“Dawn’s personality and communications skills allow for her to put others at ease, while her expertise over a broad range of services and her flexibility in delivering those services have proven her to be an invaluable source of support and guidance for staff and customers alike,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “As a result of her commitment to providing excellent customer service, and her status as a leader among her peers, Dawn has become a critical resource for her team members, providing guidance and training to any staff member who requests it.” 

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

“As service delivery transitioned in response to COVID-19, Dawn continued providing this support by hosting open virtual meetings with Michigan Works! Southwest staff to assist in training and answering questions,” said Ben Damerow, director of Michigan Works! Southwest.  “While Dawn has become a leader and advocate for her team over the past year, she remains focused on the job at hand – helping the individuals in our community prosper.  Whether through her support, compassion, or leadership, countless individuals have been touched by Dawn’s dedication to enhancing local prosperity one person at a time.” 

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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.  

Local Talent Development Leader Brenda Lake Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Brenda Lake of Northwest Michigan Works! was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties.  Lake recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

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

“Brenda is the first face clients see, as well as the first voice they hear, so she sets the tone for the Cadillac Service Center,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “Interacting with thousands of customers in her four years of service, Brenda represents the agency with a unique sort of compassionate professionalism that makes all the difference in improving the lives of those around her.” 

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

“During one of the most difficult times that many of us have ever experienced, Brenda has stepped up with a positive attitude day after day, working diligently to help others,” said Matt McCauley, CEO of Northwest Michigan Works!.  “Even though we haven’t seen customers face-to-face in our centers for months, she finds way to virtually stand by their sides.  As we phase back into re-engaging our center with the public, Brenda is at the forefront of maintaining a safe work environment for our team and customers alike.” 

Lake said she is honored to receive this award. 

“Thank you for this, it really surprised me very much,” said Lake.  “I just enjoy working in an environment where I get to help my community whether it is a job or unemployment navigation.  And, I get to work with a fantastic team every day and so miss the fact we are working apart these days.”  

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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.  

Local Talent Development Leader Alicia Wallace Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Alicia Wallace of Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties.  Wallace recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

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

“Alicia has an unwavering commitment to bringing out the best in everyone,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “She demonstrates a notable passion and dedication for serving jobseekers in her community and her coworkers recognize her as a team player who is committed to success and is always willing to step in and help.” 

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

“Alicia has put our agency on the map,” said Marisue Moreau, director of Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium.  “Her ability to execute the agency’s vision and make it a reality is unrivaled.  She is our leader on all things related to MiCareerQuest, communications, outreach and public relations.  She challenges the status quo and constantly develops new ideas.” 

Wallace said she is honored to receive this award. 

“I love that my work has meaning and that the things we do here at Michigan Works! change lives,” said Wallace, marketing manager for Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium.  “When asked ‘what do you do for a living?’, I am proud to say that I market Michigan Works! programs and services – and one of my goals when I am promoting Michigan Works! is to help more people be able to answer that same question with pride.  I am extremely fortunate to work with a terrific team, a supportive director, and a collaborative communications peer group.  They make my job so much easier!” 

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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.