Graduate Spotlight – Christi C.

Christi was having trouble finding local employment opportunities in Cheboygan, Michigan, that fit her professional background in education. She had been unemployed for months, had her bags packed, house listed to sell, and was moving in with relatives downstate within days. Then a phone call changed her plans.

Christi had signed up for the on-the-job training program through MichiganWorks!, a partner of the Digital Works program in Cheboygan. Digital Works leadership was interviewing candidates for the Facilitator position for its first Michigan location. After seeing Christi’s resume, Digital Works staff called her to conduct a phone interview and follow-up interviews soon after. Through the OTJ program with MichiganWorks! and Digital Works collaboration, Christi received Facilitator training and became the Digital Works Facilitator for the Cheboygan location.

“I’m blessed to have this opportunity,” said Christi. “Digital Works offered me a living wage, great people to work with, and a chance to get back in the education field without having to relocate.”

From her experience being unemployed and on the verge of a complete lifestyle change, Christi adds: “It was hard to have to depend on other people. But that is how relationships are encouraged and investment occurs. And now I get to encourage relationships and invest in each person that comes through the Digital Works program.”

And Digital Works – Cheboygan is a true example of community collaboration—from the long list of partners that made the modern, online work training and placement program a possibility for Cheboygan and area residents, to the continued community relationships being built and strengthened each day. Digital Works – Cheboygan is connecting people and jobs, and Christi is a key part of the program.