On June 16, 2026, the Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN) proudly celebrated its 15-Year Anniversary alongside employers, educators, workforce professionals, community leaders, state partners, and stakeholders at Schoolcraft College's VistaTech Center in Livonia.
The event, held in conjunction with WIN's Annual College President Convening, provided an opportunity to reflect on 15 years of collaboration, innovation, and impact while looking ahead to the future of workforce development in Michigan.
Since its founding in 2011, with support from the New Economy Initiative, WIN has grown into one of the nation's most recognized regional workforce collaboratives. What began as a partnership between Southeast Michigan community colleges and Michigan Works! agencies has evolved into a network of seven Michigan Works! agencies and nine community colleges serving a 19-county region encompassing approximately 63 percent of Michigan's labor force.
Throughout the celebration, attendees heard from workforce, education, and industry leaders who highlighted the power of regional collaboration in addressing workforce challenges and creating economic opportunity. Featured remarks were provided by Schoolcraft College President Dr. Glenn Cerny, Macomb Community College President Dr. James Sawyer, SEMCA Michigan Works! CEO Greg Pitoniak, State of Michigan Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Sector Strategies Director Valerie Jemerson, Zaman International Chief Workforce Officer Gigi Salka, MAGMA Co-Chair Oliver Gross of Stellantis and Paul Bowser of Rouch.
During the program, WIN Executive Director Michele Economou Ureste reflected on the organization's history and accomplishments, including nearly $300 million in workforce investments secured, supported, and brought to the region due to WIN initiatives. Attendees also learned about the organization's role in advancing nationally recognized apprenticeship initiatives, employer-led collaboratives, healthcare workforce innovation, mobility and advanced manufacturing partnerships, and labor market intelligence efforts that continue to shape workforce strategies across Michigan.
One of the central themes of the celebration was the importance of partnership and collaboration. Over the past 15 years, WIN has worked alongside employers, educational institutions, workforce agencies, economic development organizations, foundations, government entities, and community-based organizations to develop solutions that strengthen talent pipelines and support both workers and businesses.
The event also highlighted the evolution of the WIN mission and strategic priorities. Earlier this year, the WIN Board of Directors adopted an updated mission statement:
"To build and scale intelligent workforce solutions by convening education, workforce agencies, employers, and stakeholder partners to deliver measurable economic resilience and impact.”
This mission reflects WIN's continued commitment to serving as a trusted convener while developing scalable, data-driven workforce solutions that respond to emerging labor market needs.
As part of the anniversary celebration, attendees recognized current and former board members, staff, partners, and stakeholders whose leadership and dedication have contributed to WIN's success over the years. The event concluded with a celebratory toast honoring the many individuals and organizations that have helped shape WIN's journey.
While the anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate past accomplishments, it also reinforced WIN's focus on the future. Through initiatives such as the Workforce Quality Pell Hub, apprenticeship expansion efforts, healthcare workforce partnerships, mobility and advanced manufacturing collaboratives, and new federal funding opportunities, WIN continues to build innovative solutions that strengthen workforce systems and support economic growth across Michigan.
WIN extends its sincere gratitude to Schoolcraft College for hosting the event, SEMCA Michigan Works! for their generous sponsorship, to all featured speakers, and the many partners whose collaboration has made 15 years of impact possible!
Together, we celebrate the past, embrace the future, and look forward to continuing our mission of building intelligent workforce solutions that create opportunity, strengthen communities, and support economic prosperity throughout Southeast Michigan and beyond.
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