Aaliyah Archie

  • Youth (WIOA)

When Aaliyah Archie walked through the doors of the SEMCA Michigan Works! Southgate American Job Center with her father, she was searching for more than just a job—she was searching for a fresh start and a chance to see what she was capable of. Her father knew she had the drive and believed SEMCA Michigan Works! could help her turn that potential into a real future.

Together with her Career Coach, Aaliyah quickly pinpointed what was holding her back—a lack of marketable skills and real work experience. After learning about the youth program and its services, she decided to bet on herself and enrolled in October 2024.

Determined to gain hands-on (and paid) work experience, Aaliyah joined a 12-week Earnternship at Gallery Beauty Supply just a month later. She worked full-time as a cashier, learning to handle cash and credit transactions, deliver excellent customer service, manage inventory, and operate a point-of-sale system—all while earning $15 an hour. She finished her Earnternship in February 2024 with new skills and a renewed sense of confidence.

Looking back, Aaliyah shared, “I was dealing with a lot of uncertainty and feeling overlooked. SEMCA Michigan Works! helped me find my footing again. It gave me tools, but more than that, it gave me space to believe in myself. That was the shift I needed.”

Ready to build on her momentum, Aaliyah enrolled in MICOACH (Michigan Career Opportunity Academy for Community Health) in April 2025—a 12-week virtual training focused on behavioral health, an in-demand field in her community. When a lack of equipment threatened to derail her progress, her Career Coach stepped in and secured supportive services to provide her with a laptop—ensuring she stayed on track.

Aaliyah put her new knowledge to work during her internship at The Guidance Center’s Walter White CRC & Community Garden, where she helped local families connect with vital health resources. “I liked that it wasn’t just surface level,” Aaliyah said. “It actually made me think deeper about my goals and how I show up for myself. It felt personal—like it was built to help me understand my own path instead of trying to fit me into someone else’s.”

In June 2025, Aaliyah completed her training—emerging with practical experience, new credentials, and a clear plan for her next steps. Today, she’s working closely with her Career Coach, training provider, and the SEMCA Michigan Works! Business Services team to update her resume and find the right opportunity to launch her career.

“It helped me get clear on what I want and how to move toward it,” she said. “It reminded me that I don’t have to have everything figured out—I just have to keep showing up. If you feel stuck or unsure, I’d definitely recommend this program. It’s a space where you can grow without pressure and where your voice matters. I’ve felt supported every time I reached out. It’s good to know there’s a team behind you that actually wants to see you win.”

Aaliyah’s journey shows that sometimes all it takes is the courage to take the first step—and the right support system to help you keep going.