Sixteen workforce development leaders from across the state were awarded Michigan Works! Shining Star awards by the Michigan Works! Association for going above and beyond to help job seekers and employers in Michigan. The Shining Star awards celebrate Michigan Works! frontline staff who, through dedication and outstanding contributions to workforce development, personify the Michigan Works! mission.

From the six-county region of Michigan Works! West Central, Talent Specialist Stacey Ringler was presented with a Shining Star award in mid-September during the Michigan Works! Association’s annual conference in Detroit.

“Hardworking frontline staff like Stacey are why Michigan’s workforce development system is so strong,” said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. “Their focus and commitment to helping job seekers and employers in our state is improving lives of Michiganders every day and that is why they are Shining Stars.”

Ringler is very knowledgeable on all programs and has become an asset as a team player at Michigan Works! West Central. She continues to provide her wealth of professional Michigan Works! West Central experience helping anyone of her colleagues in the six-county region who may need her advice, counsel and expertise.

Each year, the team at Michigan Works! West Central nominate the Talent Specialists who they feel are deserving of the award. Based on the nominations, a winner is selected.  

“Stacey’s outgoing personality, attitude and drive are why she is being selected for this award by her coworkers,” said Shelly Keene, executive director of Michigan Works! West Central. “Stacey's joy for her job shines through in her smile. She knows how to motivate her participants, sometimes pushing them when they need the extra encouragement. She is always willing to help at events, like MiCareerQuest and Hiring Parties, and has lots of great ideas to better the organization.”