West Michigan Works! frontline staffer wins state recognition

As a career navigator, Eddie Solis is passionate about connecting people with jobs that can give them a step up economically. 

That commitment is why the Holland man was honored by Michigan Works! as a 2022 Shining Star Award recipient. The Shining Star Award program recognizes frontline staff who, through dedication and outstanding contributions to workforce development, personify the Michigan Works! mission. 

Solis and 15 other frontline workers from across the state were recognized at the Michigan Works! Annual Conference at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mount Pleasant in September. 

Solis began working at West Michigan Works! in May 2009. The regional government agency provides a network of employment and training programs and services for employers, employees, and job seekers in Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon and Ottawa Counties. 

Helping job seekers at all stages

In his current role as career navigator, he helps job seekers secure employment opportunities and navigate the unemployment process, providing help with resume development and career exploration.

“The Shining Star Award means that I have been doing a good job listening to our job seekers and making a change in their lives,” Solis says. “Some individuals have been working for many years and now face an unexpected loss of work. Others have not yet started their career journey and need help getting the skills they need to do so. I am here to help with those next steps.”

Solis was nominated by his supervisor, West Michigan Works! talent solutions manager Rosa Hernandez. 

“Eddie has exhibited unselfish devotion to duty above and beyond his job requirements. He consistently attempts to lift the spirits of people who come into our office,” Hernandez says.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Solis often serves Spanish-speaking job seekers, including migrant and seasonal farmworkers who come to West Michigan Works! looking for employment or a career change.

“Eddie is often helping job seekers who are stressed with concerns about their unemployment or unexpectedly needing to find their next career,” Hernandez says. “He solves customers’ problems and concerns quickly and innovatively. Whether assisting them personally, connecting them to resources or simply listening to them and letting them know it will be all right, Eddie always exhibits remarkable empathy and expertise in his service.”