This is the story of creating opportunities that led to fulfillment and success for Konekca Woods, a single mother who had been on Welfare. In November of 2005 Konekca walked into the ETCS Michigan Works! Service Center. Her own triumphal success can’t be minimized – neither can the fact that, without the ETCS staff and the Work First services, she might never have had a chance to make a difference in her life.

Through the Service Center Konekca was able to access financial resources for occupational training and other expenses related to training and employment needs. With the help of staff, she enrolled in the Medical Assistant Program at Ross Medical, earning a certificate in June 2006.  Konekca excelled in her studies and was consistently on the dean’s list.  During her externship, Konekca says she was able to put to use many of the “book learning” practices she experienced in the classroom.

Over the course of her externship, Konekca experienced a number of challenges in the medical world, but she met them all with a professional outlook and a sense of “can do.”  It’s not surprising that Konekca was offered a full-time position as a medical assistant at the University of Michigan Health System where she works today. 

When she first started working with the ETCS staff at the Michigan Works! Service Center Konekca’s goals were to complete her studies at Ross Medical, to earn a certificate as a medical assistant and to use this certificate in a medical setting that would provide long-term employment.  Goals achieved, there’s no telling what further success this determined single Mom will reach.

Recently, MichiganWorks! Honored 25 Outstanding Participants and Konekca Woods was one of them!