Meet our Specialist of the Month winner for November, Ron Norwood, an Out-of-School Specialist, from Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC). Ron has been a JMG Specialist for eight months and has already been making a difference in the lives of the youth he serves. We asked several questions so you can get to know him better:
Why did you become a JMG Specialist?
I knew I wanted to work directly with youth, which is why I requested to transfer from a Strategic Operations at DESC to a JMG Specialist.
What inspires you about your job?
The youth! Every day I have the privilege to work with the youth from my community is a great day for me and I’m able to live my dream.
Recall a favorite memory about being a specialist. (an event, a youth accomplishment, etc.):
I recall my last day of school for the 2021-2022 school year and my students from Chandler Park Academy. Considering when I began in early April, I had only been at the school with a month and a half left in that school term. I was greeted by my students on that last day with a “ I love you, Mr. Norwood” from almost all the students as they shouted out to me when they were leaving. I wasn’t expecting that and it really touched me.
What is one of the greatest challenges you face in your job?
One of the greatest challenges I face is having enough capacity to enroll more students.
What is one of the greatest highlights/joys of your job?
The highlight of my job is watching the students succeed with the goals we have aligned for them. Then seeing them inspiring a peer to pursue their dreams.
Why do you think JMG is so important for youth?
JMG is critical because our current population at our schools don’t have these workforce readiness skills available to them. With all the jobs coming to Detroit & Michigan we need to ensure we have the next vanguard of workers prepared.
Share your hobbies, do you have any pets, what do you like to do in your spare time, etc.
My hobbies include offering tours to the public through my “Detroit Graffiti Bike tours!” at Eastern Market, working out, working on my business and mentoring at Live6 Detroit as a community Ambassador. Fun fact: I’m taking swim lessons at Adams Butzel Recreation Center.
Nominations are open to ALL, including our employer partners! If you know a phenomenal specialist, we encourage you to nominate them as our December Specialist of the month.
Nominate a specialist who deserves to be recognized, here.