Michigan Works Southwest 2025 Annual Awards

Michigan Works! Southwest announced the recipients of its 2025 Workforce Development Board Awards, recognizing outstanding leadership, partnership, and innovation across the region. The awards were presented Nov. 20 at the organization’s Workforce Development Board Meeting at Battle Creek Unlimited.

“This year’s honorees demonstrate exceptional commitment to strengthening talent pipelines, expanding access to quality education and employment, and advancing economic opportunity for individuals and businesses throughout Southwest Michigan,” said Jakki Bungart-Bibb, director of Michigan Works! Southwest. “Workforce development is fundamentally about partnership. It’s about bringing together educators, employers, volunteers, and community leaders to create real opportunities. Our honorees exemplify that spirit of collaboration, and their work is making a measurable difference in people’s lives and in the economic vitality of our region.”

Community Partner of the Year: Kellogg Community College
Kellogg Community College (KCC) was named the 2025 Community Partner of the Year for its exceptional collaboration with Michigan Works! Southwest and its dedicated efforts to expand education, training, and employment opportunities across the region. Through initiatives such as the Battle Creek Workforce Development Consortium, Neighborhood Employment Hubs, and the iACT training programs, KCC has helped strengthen local talent pipelines and align instruction with employer needs. KCC President Paul Watson, Ed.D., accepted the award on behalf of the college.

Volunteer of the Year: Brian O’Donnell
Michigan Works! Southwest honored Workforce Development Board Chair Brian O’Donnell as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year for his extraordinary leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing workforce development in Southwest Michigan. O’Donnell chairs the Advanced IT Solutions Consortium and has been instrumental in shaping programs such as the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), which equips Hi-Tech Electric employees with essential mobility-sector skills. He is also a champion of apprenticeship expansion throughout the four-county region, contributing to initiatives such as MiSTAIRS, SAE 2020, and the Going PRO Talent Fund.

Employer of the Year: Ripple Effects Autism Learning Center
Ripple Effects was named the 2025 Employer of the Year in recognition of its innovation, inclusive practices, and commitment to building a strong and skilled workforce. The center provides specialized early intervention services for young children with autism. In response to the growing need for trained behavior technicians, the organization partnered with Michigan Works! Southwest to develop a behavior technician apprenticeship program creating clear, skills-based pathways for career advancement and long-term talent development. Owner and Director Lauren Cavalli accepted the award on behalf of Ripple Effects.

Legislator of the Year: Representative Julie Rogers
Representative Julie Rogers, serving Michigan’s 41st House District, received the 2025 Legislator of the Year for her steadfast leadership and advocacy in expanding workforce opportunities and strengthening economic mobility in Southwest Michigan. Rogers’ long-standing commitment to workforce development includes previous service on the Michigan Works! Southwest Workforce Development Board and the Kalamazoo County Commission. In the Legislature, she has championed policies that enhance healthcare access, promote inclusive economic growth, and strengthen career pathways.

Rogers was unable to attend and provided the following statement: “I am truly honored to receive the Michigan Works! Southwest’s 2025 Legislator of the Year award. Collaboration between local organizations and our legislature is critical, particularly in a time when funding has become uncertain. Thank you Michigan Works Southwest! for this special recognition. Since my time on your board as a former Kalamazoo county commissioner, I am proud to continue to work alongside your team to find commonsense solutions as you help match employers with job seekers,” State Representative Julie M. Rogers, HD 41 Kalamazoo. Rogers will accept her award at a future board meeting.