Onaway woman among honorees in Lansing
The Michigan Works! Association celebrated the success of Michigan workers and the Michigan Works! system at the 2008 Alumni Celebration, January 30 in the House Appropriations Room in the Michigan State Capitol.
State leaders recognized individuals from across the state of Michigan whose hard work and persistence, along with a helping hand from Michigan Works!, led to a successful entrance into the workforce.
Included on the list of 2008 honorees from across the state was Rosanna Shaw, a single mother of three from Onaway, who had to overcome several obstacles before getting a job at Crooked River Lodge in Alanson. In addition, it is one of the first job positions she?s ever held.
Entering the working world was a difficult process for her, as she was very shy. The staff at Crooked River Lodge helped her with this transition with kindness and patience. ?She faced multiple barriers when she came to me,? said Colleen VanHuysen, customer consultant/trainer from the Michigan Works! Office in Onaway. ?She never even had a driver?s license.?
Determined to move forward, Shaw learned how to drive and made a commitment to herself to gain confidence and upgrade her skills. Michigan Works! also assisted Shaw in purchasing a vehicle. ?She is just a special young lady,? said VanHuysen.
The ceremony to present Shaw with the award occurred on a day when there was a blizzard in the state, so she was unable to attend. VanHuysen has the award and is waiting to coordinate her schedule with Shaw?s, so it can be presented to her. She was chosen from a field of eight candidates from each of the counties representing the large Northeast Michigan Consortium.
BUSINESSES WHO have made invaluable contributions and commitment to the lives of the alumni also were recognized in Lansing. Honorees received awards from their state senators and representatives, and shared individual stories of success and triumph. The celebration featured an introduction by Governor Jennifer Granholm, via DVD, and opening remarks by her special assistant, Jerome Marks, and Marcia Black-Watson, special assistant to deputy director Andy Levin, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth.
William Stanek, chairperson of the board of directors of Michigan Works! Association and Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of Michigan Works! Association emceed the celebration. “The Alumni Celebration is our opportunity to commemorate the hard work and success stories of individuals who, with the help of the Michigan Works! Agencies, have found employment,” said Luann Dunsford, Chief Executive Officer at Michigan Works! Association. “We are proud of the ac
Michigan Works! Association is recognized nationally as the largest and most progressive workforce development association in the country. Established in 1987, Michigan Works! Association fosters high-quality employment and training programs and serves employers and workers by providing support activities and a forum for information exchange for Michigan’s workforce development system. Michigan Works! also published a book of its 2008 alumni with pictures and bios of each honoree.
NOTES: MICHIGAN Works! offices in Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties are preparing for a spring job fair at the Cheboygan Armory. Information about year around and seasonal jobs in Cheboygan, Presque Isle, and the surrounding counties will be available. It is April 4 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.