Local Talent Development Leader Tania Diaz Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Tania Diaz of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs in the city of Detroit. 

Diaz recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference. She serves as an employment services coordinator for DESC. 

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

“Tania is well respected by her peers, management team, partner agents, vendors, and customers from all backgrounds,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “She played a big role in onboarding, and training, volunteer staff across the Detroit At Work system to work on the Unemployment Assistance project.” 

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

“Tania has shown she will go the extra mile to both serve our customers and support her team of staff and managers,” said Terri Weems, interim president and CEO of DESC.  “She has demonstrated an excellent work ethic, a willingness to assist customers with not only employment needs but also looks for additional resources that would assist them in other areas of their lives.  Tania has consistently provided professional and exemplary customer services to a wide range of very difficult customers but has done so with both kindness and grace.” 

Diaz said she is honored to receive this award. 

“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too,” said Diaz.  

# # # 

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 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.  

Local Talent Development Leader Shanell Shelby Honored by Michigan Works! Association

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

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

“Shanell is passionate about her work, the Pontiac community, and creating equal opportunities for all,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “She is a rising star in Oakland County and inspires her staff and community.” 

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

“Shanell is truly a Shining Star for us, managing our office in Pontiac with the most diverse and concentrated population of job seekers in Oakland County,” said Jennifer Llewellyn, director, Oakland County Michigan Works!.  “Under her leadership, her team has helped thousands of people gain employment, as well as supported the workforce development needs of a broad range of employers across the area.  Shanell does this with professionalism and enthusiasm, with a smile on her face each day.” 

Shelby said she is honored to receive this award. 

“I am honored and humbled to be a Shining Star award recipient; however, I can only shine as bright as my team,” said Shelby.  “Nelson Mandela said it is better to lead from behind and to put other in front, especially when you celebrate victory.  My goal is to continue the journey to help move forward workforce development services in the community and the City of Pontiac.” 

# # # 

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 Scott Beattie Honored by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sep 16, 2020) – Scott Beattie of GST Michigan Works! was awarded a “Shining Star” Award by the Michigan Works! Association for his efforts to meet employment needs in the GST Michigan Works! region which includes Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawassee, and Tuscola counties.  Beattie recently received the award during the Association’s annual conference.  

Beattie is a tremendous asset to the industry of workforce development both locally and across county lines. 

“Scott is the epitome of great customer service,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “He never takes the easy way out when it comes to helping others. 

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

“While Scott is a rock star every single day, he has really risen to the occasion during the pandemic,” said Jody Kerbyson, CEO of GST Michigan Works!.  “When the American Job Center offices were creating remote service strategies and determining how to serve our communities in virtual environments, Scott refused to leave the office.  Early on, when people were having great difficulty filing their unemployment claims, the best luck those filing were having was attempting the process in the middle of the night or very early in the morning when the system wasn’t as busy.  In an effort to help as many people as he could, he arranged with our partner in security at Mott Community College to alter their workday and commence working at 3:00 a.m. and seeing people by appointment.  Scott also goes above and beyond to help his coworkers and make their jobs easier if he can.  He has a heart of gold and a work ethic that is unparalleled.” 

Beattie said he is honored to receive this award. 

“For 26 years I have been suspicious of this agency, and when this mess hit our community, my suspicions were confirmed,” said Beattie.  “Our management and service teams are made up of the most amazing people our six counties have to offer.  And what is really cool is that I get to pretend to be one of them every day and see how they shine!”  

# # # 

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 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!”  

# # # 

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.” 

# # # 

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. 

# # # 

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.”

# # #

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.” 

# # # 

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!” 

# # # 

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.