Specialists of the Month

This month, we're proud to recognize Shemeca Thompson, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) Specialist at GST Michigan Works! who is passionate about helping young people overcome barriers, discover their potential, and build meaningful careers. Before entering workforce development, Shemeca spent 20 years in retail management, where she learned the value of hard work, leadership, and learning through experience. She later transitioned into career coaching, spendin

This month, we're proud to recognize LeAnne Bush, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) Specialist from Networks Northwest who has spent nearly a decade helping young people discover their strengths, overcome barriers, and find their path toward career success. Before joining JMG, LeAnne spent nearly 20 years working in media sales before becoming an Employment Specialist with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS). At the time she became a JMG specialist, she was a

This month, we're proud to recognize Kristy Schaefer, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) Specialist and Career Navigator from Michigan Works! Region 7B who serves students across three Alternative Education Academy campuses in Oscoda, Tawas City, and West Branch. Kristy joined the JMG team in 2024, bringing with her a background in early childhood education and a passion for helping young people find their path forward. After earning her associate degree in early

This month, we're proud to recognize Chauncy Williams, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) Specialist at Muskegon Community Educational Center (MCEC) Alternative. Since becoming a JMG Specialist in 2021, Chauncy has helped transform opportunities for students by connecting career readiness, leadership development, and real-world learning experiences. What began with just eight students has grown into a thriving program that now serves more than 700 students acros

This month, we’re excited to recognize Allison Oakes, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist from Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium’s Atlanta and Mio Service Centers. With decades of experience in education and youth development, Allison brings a compassionate, practical, and supportive approach to helping young people overcome barriers and achieve their goals. Before becoming a JMG Specialist five years ago, Allison spent nearly 30 years working with H

This month, we’re excited to recognize Carrie Blanchard, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist, from Genesee Intermediate School District, a program of GST Michigan Works!, who brings creativity, compassion, and authenticity to everything she does. Since joining the JMG network in August 2023 through the Genesee ISD’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, Carrie has made a lasting impact by helping students build confidence, discover th

This month, we’re proud to recognize Dennis Branson, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist at Hope Academy of West Michigan. With nearly three years in the JMG program and decades of experience in education, Dennis brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and passion to helping students discover meaningful career pathways and build confidence in their futures. Before joining JMG, Dennis spent 17 years as a social studies teacher, working with students at

This month, we’re proud to recognize Sandra Gray , a dedicated Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist at Roscommon High School. Now in her third year with JMG, Sandra brings passion, authenticity, and a deep commitment to helping young people discover their potential and build meaningful futures. She describes this role as something that “felt right in my bones”—and it shows in the impact she makes every day. Before joining JMG, Sandra spent six years as a substitute

This month, we’re proud to recognize Joe Davis , a dedicated Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist with the Family Literacy Center in Lapeer, a program of GST Michigan Works! Joe brings decades of leadership, service, and real-world experience to his role and will celebrate two years as a JMG specialist this July. He is driven by a deep commitment to helping young people build confidence, overcome barriers, and realize their full potential. Before joining JMG, Joe b