By Kevin Stotts, President of TalentFirst
At the Believe in Our City event in early September of 2025, I had the chance to share something that’s been quietly changing lives here in West Michigan: MiCareerCompass.
First, I want to thank Doug and Maria DeVos and the entire team that made this event possible. They brought together an extraordinary group of leaders from across Grand Rapids and the nation to talk about investing in the potential of our residents and showcasing innovative solutions that help our city and region prosper.
I’m also grateful to Dana Nelson from FutureFit AI and Shana Washington from Trinity Health for joining this important conversation. Both emphasized what can happen when business, education, and community leaders come together to solve complex problems—and how technology now offers capabilities to create solutions that didn’t exist just a few short years ago. MiCareerCompass is leveraging our community’s strengths to help people find their place, build their skills, and discover opportunities they may not have imagined before.
And to the many employers, educators, training providers, and community organizations who have stepped up to make MiCareerCompass a reality: this is your success story too.
A Story of Possibility
Imagine being out of work, or stuck in a job that doesn’t fully use your skills. The next step can feel unclear—or even out of reach. That’s where MiCareerCompass comes in.
This free, AI-powered platform was built right here in West Michigan, for our community. It doesn’t just list job postings—it helps people discover careers that match their strengths, highlights training to close skill gaps, and connects them to resources like transportation, childcare, or financial support that so often stand in the way of success.
And the best part? It’s already working.
What’s Happening Already
Since launching, MiCareerCompass has:
- Helped people see new possibilities by matching their experiences with real job openings.
- Guided job seekers toward training programs that build the skills employers are looking for.
- Linked families with community support services, so challenges like childcare or transportation don’t derail their future.
- Given employers confidence in a stronger, more reliable talent pipeline—because when people succeed, businesses thrive.
Behind every data point is a story: someone landing their first good-paying job, a parent finding training while caring for their family, or an employer connecting with talent they might otherwise have overlooked.
Looking Ahead
MiCareerCompass is about more than technology—it’s about hope, opportunity, and belonging. It shows that when employers, educators, and community partners work together, we can create real mobility for families and lasting prosperity for our region.
But the journey doesn’t end here. We need to keep sharing opportunities, building partnerships, and inviting more people to use the platform. Together, we can ensure that West Michigan isn’t just ready for the future of work—we’re leading it.
