Michigan Works! Association recognized leaders during first virtual conference.
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Works! Association recognized three local leaders with ties to Capital Area Michigan Works! at its annual conference this year for their dedication and contributions supporting Michigan’s talent development.
The Michigan Works! Association awarded Edythe Copeland, former CEO of CAMW!, with the inaugural Christine Quinn Excellence in Leadership Award, honoring Copeland’s many years of service to the workforce development system and for her dedication to diversity and inclusion.
“Edythe Copeland was a leader in every sense of the word for the Capital Area Michigan Works! system, as well as the larger state workforce system.,” said Carrie Rosingana, CEO of CAMW!. “Edee believed in leading by example and inspired those who worked alongside her to constantly strive to provide exceptional services that were equitable to all citizens of our communities. We are all better for having worked with Edee and I cannot think of a more deserving individual to receive the inaugural Christine Quinn Excellence in Leadership Award.”
Copeland began her career operating employment and training programs for at-risk youth in the Flint Community Schools in Flint. She worked in numerous positions including secretary, records officer and project facilitator, retiring from the district in August 1996. She joined CAMW! in October 1997 as a planning specialist. In June 2000, she was promoted to chief operating officer. Copeland provided oversight for all workforce programs and was instrumental in obtaining several U.S. Department of Labor grants including a $1.08 million YouthBuild grant and a $4.4 million H1-B Capital Area Tech Knowledge E-Pathways IT grant. In July 2012, she was promoted to president and chief operating officer, and in November 2013 she became CEO. She is the first African American and female to lead the organization. Copeland retired in July 2020.
Julie DeRose, director of Potterville Adult Education programs in partnership with CAMW!, was awarded a Shining Star Award by the association for her efforts to meet employment needs in Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties.
Under DeRose’s leadership, she and her team of educators provide education services through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program at the Ingham County American Job Center. CAMW! TANF participants were referred to the program DeRose leads, called Learn to Earn, to work towards high school completion as well as basic skills remediation. DeRose has a reputation for going above and beyond to assist her clients, treating each one with care and respect.
“When Ingham County began to receive refugee referrals to the TANF program, Julie and her team pivoted to ensure that services were available to provide English as a Second Language supports as well as educational support to refugee participants,” said Carrie Rosingana, CEO of CAMW!. “Julie has consistently proven to be a supporter of the CAMW! organizational goals and efforts.”
Rep. Sarah Anthony was named the 2020 Michigan Works! Legislator of the Year for her extraordinary leadership in advancing Michigan’s talent and economic development efforts.
Prior to being elected to represent Michigan’s 68th District, Anthony served as a legislative assistant to Rep. Joan Bauer where she worked closely with Lansing residents to streamline government services and with neighborhoods to connect them to vital improvement services and funds. In 2012, Lansing residents elected her to the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, making her the youngest African American woman to serve in this capacity in the United States.
During her time on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, Anthony was selected to serve on the Capital Area Michigan Works! Administrative Board. Though Rep. Anthony is no longer a member of the Capital Area Michigan Works! Board, she has continued to support, and fiercely advocate for, workforce development and educational programs on a broader statewide stage while continuing to be a friend to the CAMW! system and a valuable partner in workforce development efforts.
“CAMW! is so proud to have Rep. Anthony recognized as the Legislator of the Year,” Rosingana said. “Rep. Anthony has been a valued partner to workforce programs for years. She has shown through her actions the importance of continuing to focus on workforce development to increase opportunities for the individuals, as well as employers, residing within her district.”
Capital Area Michigan Works!, a proud partner of the American Job Center network, connects with businesses to develop recruiting and retention strategies and strengthens the local workforce by enhancing education and career opportunities for job seekers. Learn more camw.org.
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