Members of the SEMCA Michigan Works! Youth and JMG team joined Lailah in receiving a special recognition during the 2023 JMG Career Development Conference. Pictured with Lailah (left to right) are Ann Baker, Youth Career Development Facilitator, Suzanne Reid, Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates Manager, and Lynette Massey, WIOA Program Manager.
Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program participant, Lailah Smith, has been named the “2023 Youth of the Year” by Youth Solutions, the statewide affiliate of the national Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Program. The recognition is a testament to Lailah’s hard work, dedication, and achievements in pursuing a successful career and a bright future beyond her imagination.
Lailah’s nomination was submitted by her JMG Specialist/Youth Career Development Facilitator, Ann Baker at the SEMCA Michigan Works! Southgate American Job Center. Ann has been instrumental in guiding and supporting Lailah throughout her journey, and her efforts have certainly paid off.
Lailah’s impressive accomplishments include being enrolled in the SEMCA WIOA Youth and SEMCA Young Professionals Program in phlebotomy training with MedCerts, as well as her enrollment at Wayne County Community College in the pre-nursing program. She is also employed as a Behavioral Technician, gaining valuable work experience and developing important skills.
Becoming a new mother of infant twin boys is another significant life event that requires a great deal of time and energy, and it’s impressive that Lailah has been able to balance her academic pursuits, employment, and motherhood.
The JMG Career Development Conference is Youth Solutions’ annual event where youth showcase the skills they have learned throughout the year in the JMG program. Youth are recognized for their workplace skills, creative problem-solving, and career planning.
In receiving the “2023 Youth of the Year” award, Lailah Smith has proven herself to be an outstanding youth leader who is poised for great success in the future. Congratulations to Lailah, and best wishes for her continued success!
