Tour the New Southfield MI Works! Career Center

On August 23, the new Southfield MI Works! career center officially opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate this exciting next chapter for the organization. Joining the Southfield City Centre District and Lawrence Technological University, this new space is the only job center in the nation that is located on a university campus! 

Through a partnership between the City of Southfield, Oakland County and LTU, this center is designed to meet the talent needs of Southfield businesses and the employment needs of individual citizens.

The Genesis of Southfield MI Works!

Mayor Siver of The City of Southfield shared that the history of this entire operation was born from Gloria Kennedy. Gloria Kennedy (who passed in March at age 92) wore many hats in the Southfield city government—acting as a neighborhood president, championing the historical society, leading the Keep Southfield Beautiful initiative and winning various awards for the city. In the late 1960’s, Gloria started a youth employment program that was the genesis of what Southfield MI Works! is today. Through the support of the City of Southfield, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Oakland County, Gloria’s program evolved through the years and today, is still focused on creating connections to empower others. Mayor Siver stated that, “she would be thrilled to see this center today.”

Turning an Idea into a Reality

In December 2015, Lawrence Technological University acquired the Southfield MI Works! property, making a conscious decision to foster collaboration and economic development in partnership with the City of Southfield and Oakland County. With the recent establishment of the Southfield Centrepolis SmartZone and LTU Collaboratory startup business accelerator, it was the perfect time for Southfield MI Works! to expand their offering in a new location. And with the support of LTU’s knowledge, technology and talent, Southfield MI Works! is better positioned to provide innovative workforce planning and services.

Since 2015, Southfield MI Works! has assisted 836 companies with their talent and growth needs and has welcomed over 37,000 visitors seeking assistance in landing a job, acquiring a new degree/certification or earning a promotion. The staff has also established effective, results-driven engagements with Southfield public schools, CISO, ABS and the American Society of Employers in order to expand their services, cultivate new relationships and launch innovative programing that supports the Southfield community and businesses.

Today, the team at Southfield MI Works! is ready to take on the next chapter and continue to make a difference in their new center!

Tour the Space

The new state-of-the-art center space was designed to inspire collaboration, and features an open layout, artistic elements and conference rooms to host meetings and workshops.

To connect with Southfield MI Works! contact manager Lisa Straske at 248-796-4580.