Meet our August Specialist of the Month: Jessica Lundy

This month, we’re proud to recognize Jessica Lundy, a passionate and determined Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist from Mecosta County Service Center, a program of Michigan Works! West Central. Jessica has been a JMG specialist for two years, bringing hands-on experience, deep empathy, and unwavering support to the youth she serves.

Jessica’s journey into youth development began in Guyandotte, West Virginia, where she worked in an after-school program supporting preschool through sixth-grade students. The role presented its challenges, especially working with a high-needs population, but it also revealed her calling. “That’s where I learned—quickly and through experience—that I love working with youth and helping their families,” she shared. “I’ve been in the nonprofit world ever since.”

After moving to Michigan in 2018, Jessica joined Michigan Works! and soon discovered the opportunity to work directly with youth through JMG. “I was already mentoring youth in my free time, and many of them were coming to Michigan Works for support,” she explained. “That’s when I knew—I needed to be doing this full-time.” She credits her manager, Vanessa, for inspiring her to step into the specialist role, and her commitment hasn’t wavered since.

For Jessica, one of the biggest motivators in her work is witnessing the “little wins” that signify major personal growth for her youth. “It’s those milestones people might not notice—like speaking up in a group or showing up on time consistently—that are actually huge steps forward,” she said.

One standout moment for Jessica happened during a talent tour earlier this year. A student who uses a wheelchair was faced with insensitive comments from peers outside the JMG program. Jessica was deeply moved by how her participant and a fellow JMG youth stood up for themselves, handled the situation with maturity, and later reflected on how those actions represented the values of JMG. “I cried in the car afterward,” Jessica said. “Seeing their growth, their awareness—that’s what makes this work so powerful.”

Jessica believes one of the biggest challenges today’s youth face is the lack of trusted adults they can turn to. “A lot of young people don’t feel like they have anyone who will truly listen without judgment or unsolicited advice,” she shared. “JMG gives us the space to be that support—to help youth set boundaries, find their voice, and know they’re not alone.”

The greatest joy in her role is watching her youth recognize their own growth. “When they say, ‘You helped me do it,’ I tell them, ‘I just stood on the sidelines cheering you on.’ Seeing them light up when they realize how far they’ve come—it gives me goosebumps.”

Jessica sees JMG as one-of-a-kind. “There’s nothing else out there like JMG. We get to help youth navigate school, life, and their futures—and we’re able to stay in their lives even after their official time in the program ends,” she said. She shared a story of a young couple in her program who recently became parents. With JMG’s ongoing support, they’ve secured employment, purchased their first vehicle, and are building a future together. “They told me they’re going to keep texting me even if they get stationed in Japan—and I told them, please do!”

Outside of her role, Jessica stays busy volunteering at her church as a Life Groups Coordinator, mentoring both adults and young people. She’s currently taking classes toward ordination and enjoys leading discussions that help people support one another through life’s ups and downs. Fun fact—Jessica also studied abroad for a semester in Liverpool, England, and is a proud cat mom to two very chubby cats.

Congratulations, Jessica, on being named our August Specialist of the Month! Thank you for your fierce commitment to youth, your incredible heart, and the impact you make every day.

Nominations are open to ALL, including our employer partners! If you know a phenomenal specialist, we encourage you to [nominate them here] for our September Specialist of the Month.