Riley Brown Shines on the National Stage at JAG Conference

Riley Brown, President-Elect of the Youth Solutions Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and a dedicated member of the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program, continues to demonstrate what it means to lead with purpose and passion.

A proud alumna of Networks Northwest's JMG program at Northwest Education Services Career Tech Center, Riley participated in early college through Northwestern Michigan College and will be heading to Grand Valley State University this fall. This year, she made history as the first JMG youth from Michigan to represent the state at the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) National Career Development Conference (NCDC).

At the national conference, Riley’s leadership and communication skills were on full display. Out of hundreds of applicants across the country, she advanced to the Top 16 candidates in the selection process for National Career Association (NCA) President-Elect—a prestigious leadership role representing youth in the nationwide JAG network.

In addition to her leadership recognition, Riley took home first place in the Prepared Speaking event, showcasing her powerful voice and passion for youth advocacy. Her award-winning speech highlighted the life-changing impact of the JMG program and inspired peers and professionals alike.

“When I first joined JMG, I was shy, soft-spoken, and struggled to make eye contact. However, through participating in events like Leadership Day, National Student Leadership Academy, and Legislative Day, I gained confidence and public speaking skills. JMG has been a transformative experience for me, shaping my personal and professional development. I am grateful for the opportunities and support provided by the program and my JMG specialist, Lisa Baldyga,” shared Riley. 

Riley’s success is a testament to her determination, her commitment to growth, and the power of youth leadership. We’re proud to celebrate her accomplishments and can’t wait to see what she does next.

Congratulations, Riley!