Two local workforce development leaders were awarded Michigan Works! ‘Shining Star’ awards by the Michigan Works! Association for going above and beyond to help job seekers and employers in Southwestern Michigan.
The Shining Star awards celebrate Michigan Works! frontline staff who, through dedication and outstanding contributions to workforce development, personify the Michigan Works! mission.
“Michigan has one of the strongest workforce development systems in the nation and that’s because of hardworking frontline staff like Stefanie and Diane,” said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. “Their dedication and passion is changing the lives of Michigan job seekers every single day and that’s why they are our Shining Stars.”
This year’s local honorees include:
Stefanie Peters, Trade Adjustment Assistance team manager at Michigan Works! Southwest. Her vast knowledge of TAA, time management, impeccable organizational skills, and extraordinary supervision are unparalleled. She leads with compassion, trustworthiness and respect, ensuring quality services for customers.
“Stefanie constantly pushes herself in her pursuit of excellence and sets the bar as a role model for her co-workers,” said Jakki Bungart-Bibb, director of Michigan Works! Southwest. “Her knowledge, passion, and experience have been critical to the success of the Michigan Works! Southwest customers she serves.”
Diane Young, Business Resource Network Success Coach, at Michigan Works! Berrien/Cass/Van Buren. For 29 years, she has been an integral fixture at Michigan Works! and throughout her local community. Her drive, passion, and long-term commitment to workforce development have positively impacted employers and job seekers, businesses, and all of Southwest Michigan.
“Throughout her 29 years with Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, Diane has held a variety of roles but her unwavering commitment to helping every individual person she serves has remained strong throughout,” said Todd Gustafson, President and CEO of Kinexus Group, the parent organization of Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren. “We are proud to honor Diane with this award for her dedication to serving others in her community,” he added.
The awards were presented at the association’s annual conference in Mt. Pleasant on Sept. 13.
Established in 1987, the Michigan Works! Association fosters high-quality employment and training programs serving employers and workers by providing support activities and a forum for information exchange for Michigan’s talent development system.
