Dec. 12, 2024 For a group of Grand Rapids Community College Practical Nursing students, a recent pinning ceremony celebrated their entrance into a field brimming with possibilities.  The event, which took place in October at the Kroc Center in Grand Rapids, featured student and faculty speakers before each of the graduates received a special pin and took an oath known as the Nightingale Pledge, signifying their newly minted status as nurses. Yasmeen Rubante, one of the graduates, said it was an emotional experience. “I had my parents pin me, and it was really beautiful. My dad is a Cuban immigrant, and both he and my mom have been through so many struggles in life,” Rubante said. “I can’t even put into words the feeling of making them proud and having them there to usher in this new chapter of my life with me.” Rubante and 21 other graduates completed GRCC’s  Practical Nursing Certificate , which offers participants a high-quality, affordable path to becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in under a year. The program mixes classroom instruction with clinical lab work – giving students direct, hands-on health care experience. A variety of clinical partnerships also provide in-depth learning opportunities while connecting them with potential employers, and Practical Nursing graduates successfully complete licensure exams at rates above the national and state averages. All of this makes a  Practical Nursing certificate  from GRCC a valuable asset in a high-demand job market.  Nursing shortages exist across the nation, and Michigan is no different.  Data compiled by the Michigan Health Council (MHC)  indicates that, by 2033, Michigan will have a shortage of 4,611 registered nurses and 520 LPNs to fill open positions. And, from 2018 to 2023, Michigan experienced the most significant decline in its LPN workforce of all the Midwest states studied. This shortage, combined with high wage earning potential for LPNs in Michigan – the MHC also ranked Michigan’s LPN wages as the  second highest in the Midwest – means that great things are in store for the recent Practical Nursing graduates.  In fact, in 2020-2022,  100% of Practical Nursing graduates were employed when surveyed by GRCC . Practical Nursing graduates turn certificates into career success Rubante and her fellow graduates are already putting their studies to good use. Rubante has worked for the past five years as a certified nurse assistant in a variety of health care settings across West Michigan and, with a Practical Nursing certificate in hand, has secured a job with Corewell Health as an LPN. “If you’re a GRCC student, workplaces know what you’re coming in already well-prepared for the job,” Rubante said.  Jessica Colby, who helped organize and emceed the pinning ceremony, and Monica Hunn are two more of the recent graduates who are already seeing career success, having earned their Practical Nursing certificates. Colby spent years as an occupational therapist before leaving the field to raise two young children, eventually returning to health care when they reached school age.  “I’ve been working as a medical assistant at a podiatry clinic, but now I’m getting promoted there as an LPN,” Colby said. “I’m also on-call at Mary Free Bed, and I hope to someday work on an orthopedic floor in a hospital.” Hunn worked as a certified nurse assistant for decades before deciding to enroll in the  Practical Nursing program . “I must have done pretty well in my clinical placement because, on day two, they offered me a job,” added Hunn with a laugh. When asked, all three graduates said they would recommend the program to anyone looking to be well-prepared for an exciting career. Rubante articulated it best, saying: “I feel like GRCC really set us up for success.”  This story was reported by Alissa Griffin.  

Dec. 11, 2024 Krista Steffens walked into a company on a temp job one day and found herself on the floor of the welding department. The supervisor was aware of her lack of experience, but needed help, and she was there. Steffens dove in to figure it out and, as time went by, managed to learn what she needed to get the specific jobs required by the company done, but she knew she lacked the experience to grow in her field.  Then the company offered her the opportunity to join the Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp at Grand Rapids Community College. The bootcamp is made possible through a partnership with Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands. “I was already welding prior to the bootcamp,” Steffens said. “The company knew we needed some more skills. I’m always up for learning something new so I was really happy about the opportunity.”  After working for almost 10 years, on the first day of the course, Steffens recognized she had some limitations in her skillset.  “In the classroom, they go really in depth with the fundamentals. Like all the different types of welding, the machines, you don’t really get to learn that on the job. You learn as you go, or they have specifics they use for that particular job,” Steffens said. “The difference with learning in the classroom is it is nice to gain more knowledge to understand the variations between blueprints and different welding symbols. The classroom really helped me be more versatile.”  Steffens found herself moving companies and shifting her focus in 2020 because of the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Things became more difficult than they had been in prior years. Steffens wanted to do something more with the talent and skill set she brought to the welding industry. “I initially took the bootcamp in 2019. I had the opportunity to take it again and finished in August of 2024. The course gave me more precision tools to do what I was lacking in the job field,” Steffens said. “It helped me become much more fluid and versatile. I was able to get an OSHA certificate in my first camp and continued to gain new skills in the second camp since we did different projects.”  After taking the second round of the bootcamp, Steffens knew the course set her up for success to pursue her own endeavors. Last year, Steffens and her husband started their own company called Lynn’s Mobile Repair.  “I was able to take the risk and start our own company,” Steffens said. “My husband is a diesel mechanic and with my experience and skill set as a welder, we can really help the rural communities that do not have a repair shop near them.”  The Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp was a key to inspiring Steffens and her husband to succeed with their own venture. “The classes have not just been fun, they’ve been enriching and educational. It lit a spark in me. Pun intended. It ignited something in me that has made me very hungry for it. I’m excited to start my own company and have that be my full-time job,” Steffens said. “There’s a huge need for trade work right now. It wasn’t something they pushed earlier coming out of high school. Now that the previous generations are retiring, there is a huge need continuing to come up. This kind of bootcamp helps you get into the industry quickly.”  In partnership with GRCC, the Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp offers opportunities for students of all ages and walks of life to enter the welding industry after the 15-week course. Steffens experienced the benefits of being in the industry on the job and having the chance to get back into the classroom.  “I had been doing welding for a few years,” Steffens said. “But meeting with the instructors, I learned a lot more. Learning in the classroom aspect rather than just the field, it really benefited me to learn the tasks we had to accomplish. I was able to mentor other women in the class while also learning new skills and refining my current abilities. The bootcamp woke me up. It helped me love what I’m doing and not just collect a paycheck. And now, I’m excited to do it with my own company, Lynn’s Mobile Repair.”  The next session of the Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp starts January 9. Learn more about the bootcamp offered at GRCC. This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell.

12/10/24 An entrepreneur, a sex trafficking survivor and a pastor are among those receiving honors at the 2025 GIANT Awards. Established in 1983 by Dr. Patricia Pulliam and Cedric Ward, the GIANT Awards pay tribute to notable African Americans who have made significant contributions to the betterment of society. Each of the 12 annual awards is named after a local “giant,” individuals of exceptional importance who shaped the legacy of Grand Rapids. The recipients of the 2025 GIANT Awards were selected for their commitment to advancing the spirit of equality, justice and community progress. The prestigious "GIANT Among GIANTS" award will also be presented to a recipient chosen for their extraordinary leadership and commitment to the community. That name will be revealed during the 42nd GIANT Awards ceremony which takes place on Feb. 1, 2025 at the DeVos Place. Sponsorship and ticket information can be  found online . Proceeds from the GIANT Awards Banquet will benefit the Junior GIANT Scholarship, which empower the next generation of leaders. 2025 GIANT Award Recipients Enid Gaddis  –   W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award A tireless advocate for equity and inclusion, Enid Gaddis has brought transformative leadership to Arbor Circle and is dedicated to creating opportunities for others. Doyle Hayes  – William Glenn Trailblazer Award Doyle Hayes has spent over 20 years shaping the future of students, especially young professionals of color, guiding them to executive leadership roles. Jessica Ann Tyson & Monica Sparks  – Milo M. Brown Business Award Sisters Jessica and Monica have dedicated their careers to empowering marginalized voices, serving as champions for community development and economic opportunity. Katrina Springer-Terry  – Martha Reynolds Labor Award Katrina Springer-Terry has spent over 30 years working in union leadership, advocating for inclusion and diversity in the workplace. Chester Huff  – Hattie Beverly Education Award  Chester Huff’s decades-long dedication to education and his mentorship have had a lasting impact on generations of students in Grand Rapids. Rev. Dr. Daniel Smith  – H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award  Pastor Daniel Smith has led Messiah Baptist Church with compassion, vision, and advocacy, driving change within the community for social justice and equality. Leslie King  – Floyd Skinner Justice Award Leslie King has worked tirelessly to combat sex trafficking, advocating for survivors and providing essential resources for their healing. Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) – Eugene Browning Medical Service Award GRAAHI has led efforts to address health disparities, providing essential health services and resources to underserved communities in West Michigan. Tyreece Guyton  – Ethel Coe Humanities Award Tyreece Guyton has dedicated his life to using music and the arts to unite communities, fostering cultural appreciation and youth mentorship. Marian Barrera-Young  – Walter Coe Public Service Award Marian Barrera-Young has spent nearly 40 years fostering relationships between law enforcement and the community, driving positive change through collaboration and trust. Jamon Alexander  – Raymond Tardy Community Service Award  Jamon Alexander, President and CEO of WMCAT, has dedicated nearly 20 years to creating equitable access to opportunity through adult workforce development, arts education, health and well-being and building social capital for change in West Michigan. Denise Evans  – Phyllis Scott Activist Award Denise Evans has led numerous initiatives to improve maternal and child health outcomes in Grand Rapids, becoming a champion for social equity. The Junior GIANT Scholarship Recipients Cedric Ward Leadership Scholarship Elzadie Ladomato-Fisher – Top 1% at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, student athlete and leader. Kamora Price – Co-captain of the varsity cheerleading squad, National Honor Society officer, and representative on the Superintendent Council. Aaron Gholston – Multi-sport athlete, community volunteer, and entrepreneur. Dr. Patricia Pulliam Leadership Scholarship Sahara Tharbs-Hill – Full-time GRCC student aspiring to become an early childhood educator, active volunteer. Floyd Tucker III – Junior at Hampton University, Division 1 Track and Field athlete, and volunteer for Kids Food Basket. Morgan Robertson – Senior at Western Michigan University, sports management major, and student ambassador.

Dec. 9, 2024 Mariana Zaragoza ran the best season of her cross-country collegiate career in 2024 after overcoming a torn ACL less than a year ago. Defeating the odds, she beat her personal record at the National Junior College Athletic Association regional competition putting her in fifth place and securing a spot for the Grand Rapids Community College women’s team to compete in the national competition.  Sharon Becker, GRCC’s women’s cross-country coach, knew Zaragoza was going to be a pivotal part of the team.   “Zaragoza was our fifth runner,” Becker said. “She was crucial to us being ranked third, for us winning regionals, and for us winning the conference.”  Zaragoza’s accomplishment came after a great deal of hard work to get her there. The previous season, Zaragoza tore her ACL playing basketball two days before the cross-country season was set to begin. She spent the next six months working to gain her mobility and strength back after surgery. She would miss the entire cross-country season in physical therapy. Zaragoza reflected on the moment she knew she was seriously injured. “Having a big part of my personality, my athleticism, taken away from me so instantly was really hard on me,” Zaragoza said. However, Zaragoza was no stranger to overcoming the setbacks an injury can bring.  A love for running leads to new determination  At 3 years old, Zaragoza’s leg was run over by a lawn mower. “I don’t remember the accident itself. I remember sitting in a sink of ice while my Grandmother sang to me, “Zaragoza said. “I remember I spent the whole summer in the hospital.”  Zaragoza’s mother, Rebeckah, recalled the moment the doctors came to speak to her. “They said it would be easier to just cut off her leg. I told them no, unless it’s her life or her leg,” Rebeckah Zaragoza said. “After multiple surgeries, the doctors couldn’t believe how her body was healing itself so remarkably. Zaragoza’s bones were regrowing surprisingly quickly. She walked out of there months later with just a skin graft. I always told her; you are a miracle and you’re going to do great things.”  Zaragoza’s injury left her without an ankle bone and an inefficiency in her blood flow. That didn’t phase her at all. She was an even more active child after her surgeries than before. After following in her oldest sister’s footsteps, Zaragoza took up running in the fourth grade when her family moved to the Upper Peninsula. When she ran her first race at 8 years old and came in first place, she knew she was on to something big.  Overcoming setbacks to achieve a personal best After tearing her ACL, Zaragoza knew she had overcome difficult hurdles before. Her determination had been tested in the past and she persevered in ways only a miracle could. After almost seven months of rehab, relying on a strong support system and dedicating herself to the hard work or recovery, Zaragoza pushed herself to run again. She decided to rejoin the cross-country team after Becker encouraged her to return. “Sharon really cares about each one of her athletes on a personal level. She didn’t want me to give up. She knew I could do it,” Zaragoza said of Coach Sharon Becker. “The doctor told me after my ACL surgery that I could be two to four minutes slower. After a lot of hard work, I knew I was going to be okay.”  Less than a year back from her injury, Zaragoza ran a personal record coming in more than 10 seconds under her fastest time.  Zaragoza recalled how much her support system gave her the extra motivation to keep going.  “I accepted that I may not be able to run again. That I am more than an athlete. I’m a student, I’m a daughter, I’m a granddaughter. I’m someone’s friend, I’m someone who people can come to when they need someone,” Zaragoza said. “The ACL surgery helped me see that. My injury as a child wasn’t a setback. It motivated me to never use anything as an excuse. It helped me actualize my determined spirit to never limit myself. If I can overcome that, I can overcome this. I’ve done it before, I’ll do it again.”  Zaragoza not only came back to the sport of running when she rejoined GRCC’s cross-country team, she achieved her personal best. She proved to herself once again that she can do whatever she puts her mind to and motivated many people along the way.  “It’s something I’ve worked hard for. The accident as a child didn’t define who I was. My hard work because of what I went through defined who I was,” Zaragoza said.  “In a way it made me who I am and I worked really hard to get here.”  Zaragoza’s positivity and determination to work through the challenges not only brought her to new levels in her collegiate running career, it helped her appreciate the journey that much more.  This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell.