Workforce DE&I Working Group

Purpose

Significantly reduce the racial and ethnic disparities in labor force participation, employment, and income in West Michigan. Additionally, we will foster a community of belonging where all are provided opportunities for income security and economic mobility to build wealth.

2024 Objectives

Purpose

Significantly reduce the racial and ethnic disparities in labor force participation, employment, and income in West Michigan. Additionally, we will foster a community of belonging where all are provided opportunities for income security and economic mobility to build wealth.

2024 Objectives

Leadership

Headshot of Carly Smyly

Director of Employer Talent Strategies & Engagement

TalentFirst

Headshot of Isabel Medellin

Global Director of DEI & Talent Acquisition

Steelcase

Headshot of Jeanette Hoyer

CEO

Goodwill Industries of West Michigan

Headshot of Victor Sturgis

Partner

Crowe

Membership

Jordan Aldrich
Meijer

Adriana Almanza
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital

Valissa Armstead
Corewell Health

Jim Brooks
Brooks Capital Management

Rebecca Chabot
On-River

Christine Coon
Grand Rapids Community College

Joe Dyer
DISHER

Marlene Kowalski-Braun
Grand Valley State University

Shana Lewis
Trinity Health

Brad Mathis
Rockford Construction

Candy McCorkle, PhD
Western Michigan University

Kolene Miller
Perrigo

Charisse Mitchell
YWCA West Central Michigan

Kacey Regan
DeWys Metal Solutions

Amber Snow
Amway

Misti Stanton
Mercantile Bank

Victor Sturgis
Crowe

Jamie Van Nest
SoundOff Signal

Mark Wassink
Warner Norcross + Judd

Megan Wilk
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Related Publications

This playbook provides practical tactics, metrics, and resources to support the recruitment, development, retention, and engagement of talent in the new era of work.
By building on the foundation established by experienced DE&I leadership, this guide seeks to support the progress of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in West Michigan and beyond. The guide documents what a DE&I leader needs to know and be able to do to be effective in their role.
A look at the past, present, and future state of West Michigan's workforce system.

Latest Insights

Paper cutouts show silhouettes of diverse human physical types, with open hands in background.

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