The 2023 Impact Awards hosted by Michigan Works! Association recognizes the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state.
Jackie Davis Insurance Agency is a woman-owned, minority-owned small business offering insurance and financial services. Jackie Davis Insurance Agency reached out to the SEMCA Michigan Works! Wayne American Job Center with a request for assistance in filling a customer service role at the agency. SEMCA took the opportunity to learn more about Jackie Davis’ business and understand the requirements for the customer service role. They discussed various ways to support the advertising process, considering the challenges Jackie was facing in recruiting in the current labor market. SEMCA obtained the job description and promptly informed their program staff about the role to take necessary actions.
A few days later, on the other side of the office, a Career Development Facilitator who was instructing a resume workshop met a woman named Lowann Beasley. Lowann had been out of the workforce for quite a few years and was looking for a part-time job. She had the relevant skills and experience for the role and had just been out of the workforce for a few years. She attended that resume workshop with hopes to step back in. Mellisa Fitzwilliams, a SEMCA Michigan Works! Career Coach saw the matching potential and brought Lowann to the Business Services office where she introduced her to Melissa Skardoutos in the Business Services.
It was quickly determined that Lowann was the perfect candidate for On the Job Training (OJT). The SEMCA team worked with Lowann to update her resume and after that meeting, Business Services reached out to Jackie Davis and told her they had found the perfect candidate. Jackie Davis immediately called Lowann to schedule an interview and within days, SEMCA received the exciting news that Jackie agreed Lowann was the perfect candidate.
Both Jackie and Lowann have expressed their excitement and gratitude for the staff at SEMCA Michigan Works! and for the OJT Program.
“They really wanted me to succeed in the employment search. They have been right there supporting me through every step and helped to meet my needs,” says Lowann.

“It’s in the name, YES Michigan Works! Not only did SEMCA Michigan Works! help our business, together, we helped a determined Michigan resident get back on track with employment. We are proud of our partnership with SEMCA and our new employee.”
– Jackie Davis-Betserai, Owner, Jackie Davis Insurance Agency
For over 10 years, Lowann had been rejected by many employers. She has a bachelor’s degree, but no one would hire her. She finally landed a job, only to then be laid off. Lowann’s work ethic is impeccable. She consistently demonstrates dependability, enthusiasm, and commitment for the job. Her warm, bubbly spirit shines every day. Lowann would not let car trouble keep her from getting to work on time every day — she found a way to make it happen. Jackie Davis Insurance Agency knew they had made an impact on her life when she got very emotional about being able to have some “me-time” to get her nails done. Simple things taken for granted by many, yet much appreciated by someone not able to do so for a long time. As a dedicated and determined single mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Lowann deserves all she has earned and more.
The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent eco-system. For over 30 years, the Association has been the go-to resource for federal, state and local workforce initiatives.