Meet our September Specialist of the Month: Torrie DelValle

This month, we’re proud to recognize Torrie DelValle, a dedicated and compassionate Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist from Owosso Service Center, a program of GST Michigan Works! Torrie has been a JMG specialist for just over two years, bringing with her a wealth of experience, empathy, and a passion for helping youth in Shiawassee County overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

Torrie’s career began at the Salvation Army in Owosso, where she volunteered through the JET program (now PATH) before being hired as a part-time cook. Over the next ten years, she grew into roles as Program Coordinator—where she oversaw youth activities and community outreach—and later as Case Manager. She began her journey with GST Michigan Works! in 2018 as a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Career Coach, later transitioning to a PATH Coach, where she provided families with coaching and workforce support. While supporting GED students, Torrie discovered how much she valued building connections with young people, which made the JMG specialist role a natural next step. “It just fit,” Torrie explained. “I’ve always loved being able to go out in the community and connect with youth—it felt like coming full circle.”

For Torrie, one of the greatest motivators in her role is seeing youth begin to believe in themselves. “A lot of the youth I work with come from backgrounds and struggles I know well,” she shared. “When you see them smiling, hitting milestones, and gaining confidence, it’s like watching a rainbow start dull and get brighter and brighter. That’s the fulfillment for me.”

One memory that stands out is a student who came into the program with low self-confidence and multiple barriers. Torrie walked alongside her as she earned her GED, secured paid work, got her driver’s license, and purchased her first car. “It was like watching her whole life unfold chapter by chapter,” Torrie said. “When she came into my office to tell me she passed her GED test, that’s when I knew—this is why I do this work.”

She believes transportation and education remain the biggest challenges for youth in her community. Many lack the funds for driver’s training or the support to complete their high school or GED requirements. “If you don’t hear it at home—about school, about driving, about goals—you just don’t know,” she explained. “That’s where JMG steps in. We give them the support and encouragement they need to see what’s possible.”

For Torrie, the greatest joy in her role comes from the relationships she builds. “The big wins are amazing—like graduations and jobs—but it’s the little things that mean the most. Getting a Christmas card, a picture of their child’s first birthday, or even a text just to say hi… those connections are everything.”

Torrie sees JMG as a game-changer in her county. “It opened our eyes to how much more there is than just helping someone get a job. JMG lets us really take the time to know youth, support them through barriers, and be part of their lives in a meaningful way.”

Outside of her role, Torrie enjoys photography, creative writing—especially poetry—and party planning. She’s a proud mom of three boys and a stepdaughter, recently celebrated her first wedding anniversary, and loves spending time at home with her border collie, Mable Rose, and two step-dogs.

Congratulations, Torrie, on being named our September 2025 Specialist of the Month! Thank you for your heart, your resilience, and the powerful difference you make in the lives of Michigan’s youth 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 October Specialist of the Month.