Vanessa Wolgamott, a Talent Specialist for Michigan Works! West Central, was awarded a Shining Star Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs, particularly among young adults. She received her award during the association’s annual conference on Sept. 13, in Mount Pleasant.

"Vanessa does an excellent job with our youth program. She works extremely hard with outreach and recruitment to try to increase the number of youth enrollments. She has developed great rapport with the local school districts and employers to secure work-experience sites," said Shelly Keene, Michigan Works! West Central executive director. "Vanessa is always willing to step up and fill in where needed or to work with new staff and train them with the orientation and enrollment process."

For three years, Wolgamott has been a constant presence in the organization's Big Rapids service center. She has a reputation for going above and beyond, as well as maintaining staff morale.

"Vanessa is the calm in the office and just always willing to volunteer for more," said Toni Davis, talent development manager, and Wolgamott's direct supervisor.

Wolgamott is honored to receive the award.

"I do my best to support our clients and everyone on our team, she said. "I am greatly honored that my efforts have been recognized and valued by my peers. Being awarded the Shining Star has motivated me even further to provide excellent services and support to not just clients but to my team."

Wolgamott recently was promoted to the be the Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) Specialist. To learn more about the JMG program, click here.