2026 JMG Award Winners

"Rebekah is deserving of the Rising Star Award because she has done an outstanding job in her first year as a JMG specialist. Her first year was truly a “pilot within a pilot” at Muskegon, and she embraced the challenge with confidence, creativity, and a strong commitment to her students. She took the JMG Playbook and the new STEP curriculum and used them to intentionally guide students as they explored and selected their academy pathways. Rebekah’s willingness to learn, adapt, and lead through something new shows the qualities of a rising star. She has made a meaningful impact in a short amount of time and has set a strong foundation for continued success in JMG."

"Jared is deserving of the Rising Star Award because he has done an outstanding job in his first year as a JMG specialist. His first year was truly a “pilot within a pilot” at Muskegon, and he embraced the challenge with confidence, creativity, and a strong commitment to his students. He took the JMG Playbook and the new STEP curriculum and used them to intentionally guide students as they explored and selected their academy pathways. Jared’s willingness to learn, adapt, and lead through something new shows the qualities of a rising star. He has made a meaningful impact in a short amount of time and has set a strong foundation for continued success in JMG."

"Since day one, Sarah has been an outstanding addition to Team JMG. She consistently values and incorporates the voices of her JMG students, proactively seeks opportunities to strengthen her program by asking thoughtful questions about data and planning, and has made a meaningful impact at Brighton FlexTech in her first year. Sarah has embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, playing a key role in building the program from the ground up. Her dedication, initiative, and student-centered approach have already made a lasting difference, and there is no doubt her program will continue to thrive in the years ahead."

"As a new JMG Specialist, Deja has embraced her role with enthusiasm, positivity, and a passion for serving youth. She quickly rose to every challenge, creating engaging workshops that meet the diverse needs of the Detroit programs she serves. Always willing to support her teammates, including the DWF summer program, Deja's collaborative spirit, dedication to learning, and commitment to youth success have already made her a valued member of Team JMG."

"Lisa is an amazing Youth Career Advisor. She is juggling both WIOA and JMG and rocks at them both. She is always there to make sure she can help each student when they need something."

"Stacy is a Rockstar at communicating with her youth and encouraging participation."

"Always getting stuff done!! She is making so much happen in her rural Alternative Academy. She made time this week to help draft a new resource for the network wtih me to support quality referrals.

Kristy has a special gift to foster relationships with her students and maintain contact with them during follow up. Her students respect her and trust her. Kristy gives that same respect to her students, and allows them to be themselves. She is an encourager."

"Erin is receiving the Living Our Values Award for Transformational because she consistently demonstrates what it means to develop innovative solutions for youth, education, and workforce development. She approaches challenges with creativity, purpose, and a strong commitment to helping young people succeed. Through her work, Erin identifies opportunities to strengthen programming, support students in meaningful ways, and connect education to real-world career pathways. Her ability to think forward, adapt to changing needs, and turn ideas into action reflects the spirit of being transformational. Erin’s work makes a lasting impact by helping youth see new possibilities for their future and by advancing solutions that support both students and the workforce."

"Steven is 100% present for his students. He never leaves any doubt that he is fully invested in the success of everyone around him.

Consistently going above and beyond to model passion for engagement of youth participants which culminated with the triumphant victory at CDC by becoming the new Champions and winning the coveted JMG BOWL!"

"In his time with JMG and West Michigan Works!, Jorden has brought new energy to the Ottawa program. New to JMG but already familiar with serving youth, he quickly launched weekly JMG meetings, organized the Ottawa JMG Celebration, and worked tirelessly to build meaningful connections with participants. His dedication has already led to increased youth engagement, including strong participation in the recent Talent Tour. Inspired by his own experience of benefiting from a mentor, Jorden is passionate about providing that same guidance and support to the youth he serves."

"Amanda Barrett is recognized for her outstanding dedication and leadership in advancing MS JMG and the STEP Up curriculum. She shared authentic, real-world examples of implementing Tier 1 JMG, offering valuable insights, practical strategies, and honest reflections that inspired educators across the network. Amanda's commitment extends beyond the classroom, including creating a JMG Corner in her school's newsletter to keep students, families, and stakeholders connected to career-focused opportunities."

"Anita is as real as it gets, and she brings that genuine energy to work every single day. This year she stepped out of her comfort zone to attend her very first Legislative Day, and she put in the extra hours to complete her Certified Specialist training. But what I love most about working with her is how she shows up to our monthly networking sessions. Instead of pretending everything is running perfectly, she’s incredibly honest and vulnerable about the challenges she's facing in her program. She openly asks for advice because she genuinely wants to do right by her youth."

"Cathy consistently goes above and beyond to help young people reach their full potential. From preparing students for hiring events, even those outside her JMG program, to creating engaging career-readiness lessons through mock interviews, resumes, and career exploration, she equips youth with the confidence and skills they need to succeed. Cathy leads with authenticity, making every student feel seen, valued, and supported. Her genuine care, dedication, and passion for helping young people achieve their goals have earned the admiration of both her colleagues and the students she serves."

"Mya exemplifies dedication, compassion, and innovation in supporting youth as they pursue meaningful career pathways. When one newly enrolled participant shared his dream of becoming a firefighter but believed it was out of reach, Mya never lost sight of his goal. Through her research and persistence, she connected him with the USDA Forest Service's Prescribed Fire Mentorship Program at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, helping him gain acceptance into the program, where he will receive a stipend while exploring a career aligned with his passion. Beyond individual success stories, Mya has strengthened Michigan Works! Southwest's career development programming by creating a youth notification system, coordinating transportation, fostering connections with community partners, and enhancing program documentation and feedback. Her positivity, creativity, and unwavering belief in every young person's potential make a lasting impact on both the youth she serves and the colleagues she inspires."

"Ben came in as a Youth Career Coach/JMG Specialist for Allegan County in April 2024 after the position had been vacant for over a year. He has made excellent connections within the community, and built the program back from 6 youth on the JMG roster in 2023-24 to 27 youth today. He has excelled at motivating his youth to take advantage of opportunities such as JMG events, hiring events, work experiences, and talent tours. He has a great relationship with adult education and is present in their building to meet with his youth before and after GED sessions, making it easy to connect with him."

"He is always willing to help and fill in when needed."

"Carolyn is a true inspiration and embodies what it means to be Team JMG. She leads with kindness, encourages those around her, and is a passionate advocate for her youth, always connecting them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Her unwavering dedication, collaborative spirit, and commitment to continuous growth inspire both her colleagues and the young people she serves. Carolyn is a steady, positive presence who motivates others to be better Specialists and career development professionals every day."

"Mark initiated a collaboration with Holland High School's credit recovery program this semester to offer an in-person JMG class to juniors and seniors that they can use for school credit. Twice a week, he offers human connection to students who are stuck on screens, has scheduled career tours to get them out of their lab, and is committed to coaching them into a career upon graduation."

"Katie exemplifies the spirit of a Convening Specialist through her compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to youth success. Drawing on her experience as both a JMG Specialist and social worker, she provides trauma-informed support that helps young people overcome barriers and achieve their goals. Her leadership extends beyond her own program through her work with the Disability Awareness Resource Team and Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management team, making her a trusted resource for both youth and colleagues."

"Allison always shows such care for her participants, helping them overcome their barriers and making sure that they have all the support they need to fulfill their goals. She attends community events to promote the JMG program, she is involved with multiple councils that engage young people in education and employment services, and she works with many businesses and education centers in her area to provide the best and most expansive services to her youth. She is also the most caring and helpful coworker, everyone on the team has stories of when Allison helped them learn a new process or utilize a new system, and she always assists us with a great attitude, never making you feel that you are bothering her by coming to her. She is a huge reason as to why I have become a successful leader in my organization."

"Torrie inspires youth by creating meaningful experiences that build confidence, skills, and hope for the future. She organized a spa day that promoted self-care and personal growth, securing donated beauty bags and pajamas through community partnerships and guiding participants through relaxation activities and vision board creation. She also led a two-week construction VR training, coordinated financial literacy and soft skills workshops, secured donated tool belts from local businesses, and helped both participants transition into careers in construction. Through her creativity, community partnerships, and genuine investment in each young person, Torrie empowers youth to see their potential and achieve lasting success."

"Brandi is new to West Michigan Works/JMG but she has really hit the ground running. We have struggled to build the caseload in Kent county with past coaches, but Brandi has been reaching out to build community partnerships and find the youth that need us. In just 4 months, working along with her fellow coach Nick Ejack, she has almost doubled the roster. She has brought youth to Legislative Day and CDC and on a WMW Talent Tour. Her knowledge of and connection to DHHS and foster youth and youth with disabilities has helped develop our community partnerships in those important areas. She always speaks up for the best interests of youth in any program discussion. Her prior casework experience means that she is always up to date on data entry - which is a great benefit to me as a manager. Brandi is all in for this work. She cares deeply about what we do, and she is a great addition to our team."

"Nick is receiving the Living Our Values Award for Conveners because he consistently demonstrates what it means to maximize impact through collaboration. He brings people together with purpose, creates space for shared ideas, and helps turn partnership into meaningful action. Nick understands that the strongest outcomes happen when individuals, teams, and community partners work together toward a common goal. Through his ability to connect with others, build trust, and encourage collaboration, he helps strengthen relationships and expand the reach of our work. Nick’s commitment to convening others not only supports those around him, but also creates a greater collective impact for the youth, families, and communities we serve."

"DeVonte consistently demonstrates leadership by sharing his expertise and creating opportunities that extend beyond his own program. He met with the leadership team of Berrien Springs' virtual programs to share how JMG is successfully integrated into the classroom, highlighting instructional strategies, partnerships, and the benefits of Youth Solutions programming. His presentation sparked interest from the director of the statewide virtual programs, opening the door for future collaboration. DeVonte also strengthens career exploration opportunities by partnering with a local union to organize a Manufacturing Day industry tour and ensuring the opportunity was available to other BCVB programs. His collaborative approach continues to expand the reach and impact of JMG."

"Ann exemplifies what it means to be a Convener by bringing people, organizations, and resources together to remove barriers and create opportunities for youth and families. She has built strong partnerships with local schools, adult education providers, and a community substance abuse task force to ensure her participants have access to the support they need to succeed. Ann also played a key role in organizing and sustaining the Chrysalis Boutique, providing clothing and toiletries to students and families in need at local elemntrary schools. Through her collaborative spirit and commitment to connecting others with valuable resources, Ann continues to make a lasting impact on her community and helps create brighter futures for those she serves."

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"The Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium team exemplifies what it means to be a true **Team of Teams**. They consistently demonstrate authenticity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to youth success by supporting one another, embracing challenges together, and celebrating collective achievements. Their culture of trust and accountability is evident in the way they review affiliate-wide data as a team, not to assign blame, but to identify opportunities for growth and strengthen one another's work.

Despite serving communities across a large geographic region, they have built a close-knit, family-like culture rooted in mutual respect and encouragement. This strong sense of teamwork has contributed to exceptional staff retention, sustained success, and a lasting commitment to continuous improvement. United by a shared mission, the Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium team truly embodies the power of collaboration and is a deserving recipient of the Team of Teams Award."

"The Capital Area Michigan Works! team does an outstanding job of elevating the JMG brand and showcasing the impact of their programs throughout their community. In addition to regularly sharing JMG highlights and youth successes on social media, they actively engage with local media to share the accomplishments of their students, specialists, and programs. Their commitment to storytelling extends beyond digital platforms, as demonstrated by their communications representative attending the Career Development Conference this year to capture and share the achievements of their award-winning youth and Specialist Charron Basey, who was recognized as the JMG Sterling Service Award recipient. Through their dedication to sharing the stories of JMG, Capital Area Michigan Works! helps ensure that the accomplishments of their youth and the impact of their programs receive the recognition they deserve."

"Steven uses his voice to amplify the success of his youth and the impact of JMG. By consistently celebrating student achievements, sharing big moments, and advocating for the program, he helps build awareness, inspire others, and demonstrate the life-changing work happening in his classroom every day."

"Berrien Springs Public Schools captures what it means to be a JMG Influencer. Across two thriving programs at Berrien Springs Middle School and Discovery Academy, the district consistently uses media to celebrate their youth and share the JMG story.

They build excitement by promoting upcoming JMG events on the district website and social media. Afterward, they highlight student successes and the skills gained across their local town newspaper, district newsletter, website, and social media platforms. By keeping their community so deeply connected and informed, Berrien Springs Public Schools is a true champion for its students and the JMG mission."

"The team at Marquette-Alger RESA does an incredible job of celebrating their youth. Whether it's highlighting student successes on their program social media pages or partnering with their agency's communications team, they make sure their youth know they're seen, valued, and cheered on. Their pride in their students shines through in everything they share, helping tell the JMG story while recognizing the amazing accomplishments of the young people they serve."

"Allison has made a consistent and intentional effort to raise awareness of JMG by sharing the accomplishments of her youth and highlighting the impact of her program. She consistently keeps the Youth Solutions communications team informed by sharing program highlights, upcoming events, and important milestones, while tagging us in her social media posts to help showcase the impact of JMG. Allison excels at celebrating her youth and ensuring their successes are recognized by her community. Her ongoing engagement, including her enthusiastic participation in JMG Next Step Day, demonstrates her dedication to showcasing the power of JMG and inspiring others to share the story of our youth."

"Eric consistently shares insights, lessons learned, and advocacy from his programs, organization, and region with his LinkedIn network. By highlighting what's happening in the field and speaking up for the youth and communities we serve, he has established himself as a thoughtful leader and trusted voice in our work."

"The Michigan Works! Region 7B team does an incredible job highlighting the people and experiences that make JMG impactful. They consistently celebrate student achievements, while also recognizing the dedication of their specialists and managers who work behind the scenes to support youth success. Through their storytelling, they showcase the many ways JMG helps young people explore their futures by sharing talent tours, employer events, college campus visits, career exploration activities, and other opportunities that connect students to meaningful career pathways. Their commitment to highlighting the full JMG experience, from youth accomplishments to hands-on career learning, demonstrates what the program is all about and helps inspire others to see the impact of career-connected learning."

"Sally stepped up in a big way during a time of significant transition. She didn't just help reimagine what Jobs for Michigan's Graduates could look like at UPMW, she brought the entire team along in the process. She encouraged new ideas, supported her managers in launching pilot programs, and continued strengthening existing programs through continuous improvement. Because of Sally's leadership and support, JMG has expanded its reach across the Upper Peninsula, and the positive impact on youth is already showing in this year's results."

"Elizabeth set up a new pipeline with one of our community resources "The Reading People" for students that need to work at their own pace and aren't as motivated as those in Eaton Resa's adult Education Program, these students have met with the coordinator there and feel comfortable with services. She always goes above and beyond for her fellow team members and has been an integral part of the CAMW JMG program."

"Joe consistently goes above and beyond in his commitment to JMG youth, creating a welcoming, supportive environment where students feel valued and empowered to succeed. He exemplifies the JMG values in every aspect of his work, serving as both an outstanding mentor to students and a trusted role model for fellow specialists. Through his dedication and persistence, Joe has leveraged his strong community connections to secure work experiences for two students, with two more opportunities on the horizon. His ability to build meaningful partnerships has opened doors that directly impact the futures of the young people he serves. Joe's unwavering commitment, leadership, and passion make him an invaluable asset to our team and an exceptional champion for Michigan's youth."

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"Tracy truly embodies the spirit of the Guiding Light Award. As a leader, she does more than manage, she inspires. Tracy has built and nurtured an exceptional team, fostering an environment where collaboration flourishes and excellence is the standard. Driving program success requires both vision and adaptability, and Tracy brings both in abundance. When challenges arise, she meets them with calm, confidence, and a solutions-focused mindset, turning obstacles into opportunities for her team and the program as a whole. Equally impactful is Tracy’s dedication to mentorship. She serves as a steady source of guidance for new team members, offering the patience, wisdom, and support they need to grow into their roles with confidence. Through her leadership, excellence is not only achieved in the present, it is strengthened for the future."

"We are proud to recognize Barb Anderson with the Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding commitment, leadership, and dedication to Michigan's youth.

During her nine years of service on the Youth Solutions Board of Directors, Barb exemplified everything we hope for in a board member. She brought thoughtful leadership, genuine curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. Whether participating in board meetings, attending events, or volunteering her time, Barb consistently showed up ready to contribute, support, and advocate for young people.

What set Barb apart was not only her willingness to serve, but the way she served. She took a sincere interest in the success of Youth Solutions and the youth we impact, always asking thoughtful questions, engaging in meaningful discussions, and celebrating the accomplishments of young people across the state. Her kindness, approachability, and positive spirit made her a valued colleague, trusted advisor, and friend to many.

Barb's service has helped strengthen Youth Solutions and advance opportunities for countless young people. We are deeply grateful for her years of dedication and proud to honor her with this Distinguished Service Award."

"A true cornerstone doesn’t just hold things together—it helps them grow. Heidi has been an absolute powerhouse for youth, successfully expanding the Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) initiative from two programs to six. She has spearheaded expansion into entirely new communities, ensuring every single program performs at the highest level. By building strong relationships with local partners, Heidi consistently unlocks the best possible opportunities, internships, and pathways for students.

What makes Heidi a truly exceptional leader is her humility and dedication to her team. When she first found out about winning, her immediate reaction was to celebrate the people around her: "It takes a team, and our leaders, JMG Specialists, and data support personnel are 'rock stars' who implement the program daily with caring and passion for our students!"

"Katie exemplifies what it means to be a JAG High Performer. As both a Specialist and a Manager, she brings exceptional leadership, expertise, and a collaborative spirit to everything she does. She played a key role in launching JMG programs in the Thumb area while continuing to provide outstanding support to her own youth and Specialists. Whether managing data, volunteering for workgroups, or stepping up wherever she's needed, Katie consistently goes above and beyond. She is a trusted leader, an incredible teammate, and someone who makes everyone around her better. I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside Katie and witness the impact she makes."

"Amanda Barrett doesn’t just implement the JAG Model; she’s pioneering it. As the JMG Lead for Michigan's very first Tier 1 middle school program at Berrien Springs, she embeds JMG right into a core class. This ensures all students get to experience high-quality Project-Based Learning and real Employer Engagement, from a school-wide career day to mock interviews. She also helps students build their talent portfolios, map out EDPs, and shadow high school CTE programs so they can see the exact course options available to them in high school.

She even braved a school snow day to travel two hours to present at the state CTE conference, sharing her school's JMG journey with other educators. Between sharing her lessons learned statewide and keeping her local community connected through the "JMG Corner" in the school newsletter, Amanda is the ultimate example of what it means to be a JAG Advantage Implementer."

"In recognition of your unwavering advocacy, trusted partnership, and steadfast commitment to advancing Jobs for Michigan's Graduates. Your leadership and dedication have strengthened our mission, expanded opportunities for Michigan youth, and helped ensure the continued success and sustainability of JMG across our state."

"In recognition of your unwavering advocacy, trusted partnership, and steadfast commitment to advancing Jobs for Michigan's Graduates. Your leadership and dedication have strengthened our mission, expanded opportunities for Michigan youth, and helped ensure the continued success and sustainability of JMG across our state."

"Haley Rhoades exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding JMG Specialist. From driving her program forward to building meaningful partnerships, Haley approaches every aspect of her work with excellence and intention. She is unwavering in her commitment to ensuring that each and every young person in her program has access to the resources they need to thrive in education, workforce, and life. Haley doesn't just open doors of opportunity, she walks her youth up to them, instills in them the confidence to step across the threshold, and cheers them on every single step of the way. Her belief in her youth is contagious, her dedication is relentless, and her impact is immeasurable."

"Jeanie Flory is more than a career coach or a mentor to her youth, she is their safe place, their steadfast champion, and someone who shows up for them as whole individuals. It is Jeanie's authenticity, her genuine, unwavering presence, that is at the heart of everything she does and at the root of every relationship she builds. Her extraordinary care isn't performed; it is simply who she is, and it is that same authenticity that fuels her fierce advocacy for every young person she serves. Jeanie demolishes barriers and forges partnerships with education and employer partners in the rural reaches of northeast Michigan to open doors of opportunity for youth who might otherwise go without. Jeanie doesn't just meet her youth where they are; she fights to ensure that where they are is never a barrier to where they can go. Jeanie Flory is the heart of what a JMG Specialist is and is proof of the difference one extraordinary specialist can make."

"Chad’s journey to becoming a JMG Specialist began when he witnessed the program’s ability to empower students facing social and personal barriers. Driven by a belief that no student should face limits, Chad dedicated himself to helping youth find their voice and step out of their comfort zones. Today, he finds his greatest reward in the long-term evolution of his students. He specializes in turning quiet potential into active leadership, guiding youth toward monumental achievements like financial independence, employment, and graduation. Chad’s work is driven by a heartfelt mission: to create defining, positive moments that stay with his students for the rest of their lives."

"Amber Davies and Lori Friend lead with a deep, genuine commitment to their team and the people they serve. As JMG Managers at Michigan Works! Region 7B, they made it their mission to truly meet the career development needs of every young person in their community, and they didn't do it from a distance. Amber and Lori are servant leaders who roll up their sleeves, dig in alongside their team, and do whatever it takes to ensure critical services reach the youth who need them most. Under their leadership, Michigan Works! Region 7B went all in on building meaningful school partnerships, maximizing partner engagement opportunities, expanding co-enrollment, and strengthening cross-team collaboration with business services, all while cultivating a team of specialists they believe in deeply, equipping them to step into their greatness and deliver for every young person they serve. Their commitment to quality JMG programming is demonstrated in every partnership built, every opportunity created, and every young person who doesn't fall through the cracks. Amber and Lori exemplify what outstanding leadership looks like, steady, deeply committed, and always in service of something greater than themselves."