Voices That Shaped SEMCA
Celebrating 30 years of SEMCA, we’re proud to share a selection of reflections, memories, and congratulations from partners, businesses, community members, and current and former staff who have been part of this journey. These messages highlight the people and partnerships that have shaped SEMCA Michigan Works! and the work that continues to make an impact today.
On behalf of Monroe County Community College and the technology division, I would like to extend my congratulations to SEMCA on its 30th anniversary. Congratulations are also due for securing many grant funds over the years that have helped us to serve our respective constituents with great efficiency and effectiveness. Thank you and congratulations!
Parmeshwar Coomar – Dean of Applied Sciences and Engineering Tech | Monroe County Community College
I have so many wonderful memories from my time at SEMCA. The youth participants inspired me every day, and I truly enjoyed working alongside my coworkers and contractors, who became dear friends. The 2009 Summer Youth Employment Program—where we placed 914 youth—will always stand out as one of my favorites. I also loved Manufacturing Day, Talent Tours, the Foster Care Summer Employment Program, Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates, the Wayne County College Access Network, and so many more meaningful initiatives.
Thank you, SEMCA, for the incredible impact you’ve had on the lives of so many people, including mine.
Patricia LeBlanc – Randolph Career Technical Center
Christian Hadden – SEMCA
Celebrating SEMCA’s 30th anniversary is deeply meaningful to me because this organization has truly been a family affair.
My connection to SEMCA began long before my own career did. My mother, Ruth Sebaly, served as Chief Operating Officer from 2007-2014, and through her, I saw firsthand what mission-driven public service looks like in action. I watched her pour her energy into building systems, supporting partners, and strengthening opportunities for people across Southeast Michigan. SEMCA wasn’t just where she worked: it was where purpose met impact.
Years later, I had the privilege of joining SEMCA myself as an employee of the Workforce Intelligence Network. That experience shaped me in ways I still carry every day. Working alongside leaders like Greg Pitoniak taught me what real leadership looks like: leading with grace, strength, humility, and an unwavering commitment to partnership. SEMCA instilled in me the importance of collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and always keeping people at the center of the work.
So much of what I bring into my professional life today– how I lead, how I partner, how I think about workforce and economic opportunity — was grounded in my time at SEMCA. This agency helped lay the foundation for a career dedicated to making a difference in this region.
As SEMCA celebrates 30 years, I celebrate the people, the partnerships, and the lasting impact that have shaped not only Southeast Michigan but also my own journey. Congratulations on this incredible milestone, and thank you for being such an important part of my story!
Sarah Gregory – VP, Strategic Partnerships | Detroit Regional Partnership
Congratulations SEMCA, on your 30th anniversary! It is an honor and pleasure to work alongside the incredible team at SEMCA. You are a gem in the community – whether serving job seekers and businesses through your Michigan Works! locations, coordinating the Talent Transformation pillar of the Global Epicenter of Mobility, or supporting the extraordinary Workforce Intelligence Network – SEMCA continues to deliver action and results. SEMCA is the perfect example of the value of collaboration, innovation, and partnership, and the impact it can have on residents, businesses, and the community. They set the bar for excellence and inspire all of us in the workforce development space to continue to strive to be the type of organization that SEMCA is – innovative, impactful, and collaborative. A special congratulations to CEO Greg Pitoniak for his steadfast and thoughtful leadership. I am thankful and blessed to call him a colleague, but more importantly, my friend. Best wishes on 30 years, SEMCA! Looking forward to working alongside you all for 30 more!
Jennifer Llewellyn – Director | Oakland County Michigan Works!
I would like to acknowledge Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) for your longstanding presence and service in the Wayne County community. Launching and administering new programs is never simple, and implementation often requires adjustment and refinement. The effort required to stand up initiatives that serve residents in real time is significant, and that continued engagement matters.
SEMCA remains an important partner in delivering services to Wayne County residents. Collaboration, responsiveness, and a shared commitment to strengthening outcomes are essential to this work.
Congratulations on the progress made to date. I look forward to continued improvement, accountability, and measurable impact in the months ahead.
Shauntika Bullard – Director of Grant Contracts and Compliance Mgt|Charter County of Wayne, MI
Congratulations on 30 Years of Excellence!
On behalf of The Information Center, we want to extend our warmest congratulations to SEMCA on celebrating your 30th Anniversary! It is a powerful reflection of your unwavering commitment to our community and the high standard of excellence you’ve maintained since day one. Looking back, we are struck by the immense impact you had on customers and businesses, including through best practices, innovative solutions, and legislative advocacy. Most importantly, we want to thank you for your partnership. Having a collaborator who values integrity and shared goals as much as you do makes our collective work more effective and our impact more meaningful. We look forward to seeing what you accomplish in the next 30 years. Cheers to your past successes and your bright future!
Beth Grant – President & CEO | The Information Center
We are grateful for your partnership, your vision, and your continued investment in programs that empower individuals and families toward economic stability and long-term success. The work you do not only transforms careersit transforms futures. Congratulations on this incredible milestone.
Mohammed Hizam – Education & Workforce Development Program Coordinator | LAHC
I interned at SEMCA in the Substance Abuse Treatment & Prevention Department under the amazing guidance of Darlene Owens and Theresa Webster. I gained such a strong foundation that it led me to continue the work in the field for many years. SEMCA’s high level of professionalism, quality of work, and team atmosphere helped nurture the start of my career and I’m honored to have SEMCA on my resume!
Mallory Teglash – Former SEMCA employee
It is such an honor to serve with Servant Leaders that help Businesses thrive and prepare individuals for success.
Regina Jones – Lead Business Services Representative | EDSI
Congratulations on 30 years of amazing service to the community! I am so fortunate to have served beside you as a SEMCA employee for many years. Being able to learn and grow under the supportive leadership of Greg, Kate, and Bill holds a very special place in my professional and personal journey.
Rana Al-Igoe | Oakland County
Congratulations! The ripple effect that SEMCA Michigan Works! has helped to create in the communities you serve is beyond measure!
Kevin Watson – Director of Customer Experience | EDSI
Congratulations to SEMCA for 30 years of remarkable service, outreach, and continuous forward-thinking with the implementation of workforce development systems. It is indeed an honor for RESA to partner with SEMCA as we continue to create strategies to develop our youth and re-skill and upskill our adult learners to further increase the workforce in Wayne County. We are beyond workforce and education partners; we are FAMILY!
Krista McKinney-King – Director of Workforce Development, CTE, Adult Ed & Career Counseling | Wayne RESA
Over the last nearly five years that I have been with Wayne RESA. I’ve had the privilege to work with numerous members of the SEMCA team. Whether it was guiding a young adult through challenging barriers, collaborating on programs to support career readiness, or building the tools, resources and processes to enhance economic mobility for the individuals we serve, they have always delivered. Their passion and work ethic are undeniable and I look forward to many more years to work alongside you!
Brad Minton – Post-Secondary Success Navigator | Wayne RESA
Congratulations to SEMCA Michigan Works on 30 years of outstanding service, transforming lives, careers, and communities across our region. Thank you for three decades of exceptional leadership and a continued commitment to strengthening our workforce and our communities.
Daveda Colbert – Superintendent | Wayne RESA
Greg and team, thank you for the 30 years of incredible service to the Conference of Western Wayne communities and our residents. We appreciate and value your partnership over these past three decades and look forward to many more years of working together for the betterment of our communities. Congratulations!
Jordyn Sellek – Executive Director | Conference of Western Wayne
SER Metro-Detroit and SERCO are proud to partner with SEMCA. SEMCA continues to be a strong leader in workforce development and truly values the organizations it works with. We were excited to grow our partnership and service area with SEMCA in 2020 and again in 2025.
And of course—congratulations to SEMCA on celebrating 30 years! What an incredible milestone. We’re grateful to be part of the journey and look forward to many more years of collaboration and providing great services to SEMCA customers.
Veronica Sanchez Peavey – Sr. AVP & Regional Director | SER Metro-Detroit, Jobs for Progress, Inc./SERCO, Inc.
Congratulations to SEMCA on 30 remarkable years of impact and service! Reaching this milestone is a testament to your unwavering commitment to strengthening Michigan’s workforce and building pathways to meaningful careers for thousands of individuals across our region.
Over the years, SEMCA has become an invaluable partner—one we deeply rely on and trust. Your team consistently brings forward exceptional labor market insight, helping us understand the ever‑shifting needs of employers and job seekers. That guidance has shaped how we approach talent attraction, strategy, and community engagement.
Our collaboration around apprenticeships has been especially powerful. Together, we’ve created opportunities that open doors, develop skills, and build the next generation of talent. SEMCA’s leadership in innovative earn‑and‑learn models has made a lasting difference for both participants and employers.
We are equally grateful for your partnership around grant opportunities—from navigating the complexities to collaborating on data, outcomes, and impact. You’ve helped make funding accessible and actionable, ultimately bringing more resources into our talent ecosystem and expanding what’s possible for our community.
As you celebrate 30 years, please know the impact of your work extends far beyond programs and partnerships. You have strengthened industries, empowered people, and built a foundation that will shape Michigan’s workforce for decades to come.
Congratulations, SEMCA—and thank you for being such a trusted, forward‑thinking, and collaborative partner. We’re honored to celebrate this milestone with you and excited for everything we will continue to accomplish together.
AJ Evans – Talent Attraction Mgr | Corewell Health
One of my favorite memories was when Dan Martinez and Bill Hellar got the entire PATH team in a room to do a kaizen on the whole process. We spent the day writing on big pieces of paper on the walls, brainstorming ideas, and of course taking a big group picture to commemorate the event!
Followed closely by the PATH training we did at Kudos a couple of years ago. In between reviewing proper case noting and how to effectively coach, we were able to throw axes and throwing stars, play cornhole, and ping pong! It was a tremendous teambuilding and educational day and one that I won’t ever forget!
I’ve spent the majority of my career working with SEMCA, and I cannot think of a better organization to work with. Leadership is always responsive and caring, directives are clear, and it is the kind of place you can grow and build a career. Congratulations on 30 years, SEMCA! Your leadership in workforce development leaves a legacy you can all be proud of!
Stacey McCoy – Director | Monroe American Job Center Michigan Works! Monroe American Job Center, Monroe County Employment & Training Department
Congratulations on staying the course! I have several gratifying memories of being part of this much-needed program. One that stands out is the two years we purchased coats for our employees. One employee we supported had five children. He was promoted, and the next year, he was proud to tell us that he could buy coats for his children.
Tanya Hill – Partner & VP | Paradies Lagardere
SEMCA and your team has always been a great partner in supporting our families in the Detroit area. Your team are forward thinkers in your approach to programming and data-driven decision-making. Your commitment has helped shape how we design and how we provide services to support our participants.
Congratulations! Working with SEMCA has been great and the team has the pulse of what is needed for families in Wayne County. This is seen with the inclusivity of literacy councils and CBOs!
Karyn Goven – Sr. Director Workforce Development | MiSide (formally Southwest Economic Solutions)
SEMCA has been my first professional role after college, and the experience has exceeded my expectations in every way. I once imagined that a desk job would be uninteresting and that I would be surrounded by people simply working for a paycheck, but my experience here has been the complete opposite. I have been truly grateful for the kindness, passion, and dedication of my colleagues, and for the genuine care everyone shows in working to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Knowing that our efforts have helped improved the lives of MILLIONS of individuals is incredibly meaningful to me, and I am proud to be part of such an impactful and mission-driven organization. Thank you for this incredible opportunity.
Andrew Doran – Data Analyst | SEMCA
SEMCA has been a preeminent partner in Michigan Works! for much of its existence. Southeast. Rather, as a third-party fiduciary and employer of record all the way over to a tremendous thought partner and leader in grant administration for the region, SEMCA stands Tall as a true leader within the region. We are so proud to be a partner and beneficiary of the SEMCA brand.
Shamar Herron – Executive Director | Michigan Works Southeast Consortium
I would like to take a moment to reflect on our partnership and express my appreciation for the collaborative relationship we have built. Working together has reinforced the importance of shared purpose, mutual respect, and open communication in advancing meaningful outcomes for the individuals and communities we serve.
Through our partnership, I have observed how diverse perspectives, professional expertise, and organizational strengths can come together to enhance service delivery and problem-solving. I am grateful for SEMCA’s commitment to this partnership and for the shared dedication to continuous improvement and service excellence. I look forward to continuing our work together and to further strengthening our collaboration in ways that promote positive and lasting impact. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.
Argentina Abney – MDHHS PATH Liaison | Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Cadillac Place