Youth career development team members earn national and statewide recognition

People
Written By Adam Russo

Julie Moore

Photo courtesy of West Michigan Works!

Seven team members from Ascend, West Michigan Works!’ youth career development program, were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program during the 2025 Youth Solutions Summer Summit. The event was held July 30 to August 1 in Mount Pleasant. JMG is the statewide affiliate of Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), a national nonprofit dedicated to helping young people succeed in education, employment, and life.

Ascend helps youth ages 16 to 24 overcome barriers and build a path toward long-term success. The program offers support with education and training opportunities, scholarships, and earning a GED, as well as career exploration and job readiness. Participants can also access supportive services such as transportation assistance, childcare, and work-related clothing to help them prepare for and succeed in employment.

Julie Moore, assistant manager of the Ascend program, who serves the full seven-county West Michigan Works! region, received the prestigious Guiding Light Award, which honors managers who champion program excellence and mentor new specialists. Moore was also awarded the JAG National 6-of-6 Affiliate Award, which recognizes programs that meet or exceed all six of JAG’s national performance metrics. These include on-time graduation rate, employment rate, full-time employment rate, further education rate, full-time positive outcomes, and sustained contact with participants during the follow-up period after graduation. The 6-of-6 Affiliate Award is the highest honor presented by JAG National.

In addition to Moore’s honors, Ascend career coaches AnnaLisa Tapia (Montcalm County), Christine Zeeryp (Ottawa County) and Jorden Couture (Ottawa County) were each presented with the JAG National 6-of-6 Program Award, which celebrates individual specialists who help youth achieve educational and employment success.

Trena Williams-Winston and Heather Bates, Ascend career coaches who serve Muskegon County, were named JAG Outstanding Specialists of the Year. These awards recognize top-performing specialists across the state who consistently deliver high-impact programs and support youth with excellence. 

First-year specialist Ben Leverette, who serves Allegan County, received the Rising Star Award, which honors new professionals who demonstrate exceptional performance, initiative and growth in their role.

“We are incredibly proud of our Ascend team,” said Angie Barksdale, Chief Operating Officer, West Michigan Works!. “Their dedication, innovation and commitment to youth career development continue to set a high bar across the region and state.”

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Adam Russo
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