News and Success Stories

March 2025 Shining Star Spotlight: Kaela At Michigan Works! Southwest, we take pride in recognizing team members who go above and beyond to live out our mission and make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on someone who exemplifies compassion, dedication, and true team spirit…

Watch Ariel’s Story   Read Ariel’s Story Ariel Martinez Ochoa moved to the United States from Cuba in pursuit of an improved quality of life and better career opportunities. Although he had a passion for the healthcare field, while in Cuba, he was not allowed to pursue the further education necessary because he was over…

In just seven months with Michigan Works! Southwest’s Youth Services program, youth participant Makaylah has built an impressive foundation for a career in banking and accounting. Through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding and Young Professionals (YP) funding, she completed multiple career training sessions, developed key professional skills, and secured internships with Century Bank…

Jim Walters is the Service Center Liaison for Michigan Works! Southwest. He is a hard worker who goes above and beyond to assist with any updates needed in the MWSW Service Centers, ensuring everything is done right. He is known for being thorough when going into a project, repair, or even in his day-to day…

February is Career and Technical Education Month, and Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to highlight the great work being done at the Branch Area Careers Center! The Branch Area Careers Center (BACC) is dedicated to service students from Branch County and the surrounding region by providing 14 innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These…

In her role as Employer Resource Network® (ERN®) Director – SWM ERN®, Kelli is an exceptional leader whose unwavering dedication to the ERN® does not go unnoticed. Her guidance, advocacy, clear communication, and support are instrumental in her team’s success and the work they do. Kelli is known for supporting her team, leading by example,…

Tamara is a hard worker who does whatever it takes to assist her team and complete the tasks put in front of her. She is known for finding ways to improve processes, for paying close attention to detail, and for being a team player. Her readiness to assist when her co-workers need help alongside her…

India Johnson is a youth who came to Michigan Works! Southwest in June of 2022 and was enrolled in WIOA Youth programming. India had been facing barriers to obtaining employment after receiving her high school diploma and completing classroom instruction toward her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. She was eager to become a CNA and…

Sebastian is always eager to assist customers and demonstrates a true desire to help those around him. His dedication extends beyond his own clients to every individual who enters the Michigan Works! Southwest Service Centers. He is known for consistently coming to work with a smile and a laid-back attitude that helps others feel at…

Michigan Works! Southwest celebrated the 10th Annual National Apprenticeship Week with an Apprenticeship Roadtrip! On November 20, 2024, MWSW staff visited local businesses leading the way in Apprenticeship Programs to say thank you for their hard work, dedication, and continued partnership with Michigan Works! Southwest. Watch the video here:

View the Michigan Works! Southwest 2024 Annual Report:

Denise is known for getting things done. Her efforts in scheduling Employer of the Day events, assisting employers as they navigate Pure Michigan Talent Connect, creating the Job Seeker Newsletter, and assisting as customers enter the service center, are integral functions that support the Business Solutions Team’s mission. Your positive attitude, willingness to help everyone,…