Why Greater Grand Rapids
Talent
Greater Grand Rapids is a thriving regional economy with access to a robust talent pipeline. The region is home to more than 20 colleges and universities, and its workforce is comprised of motivated, innovative and highly skilled professionals.
The Right Place works closely with our strategic partner, Hello West Michigan, to make it easy for area companies to connect with top talent. Hello West Michigan serves as a single source for accessing, attracting, and retaining talent in West Michigan. By leveraging their expertise alongside your talent recruitment efforts, the result is a winning talent strategy across the board.
Contact our Talent Team for more information
Dr. TaRita D. Johnson
Senior Vice President, Talent & DiversityDr. TaRita Johnson, Senior Vice President of Talent and Diversity at The Right Place, is a bridge builder connecting employers, educational institutions, community organizations, workforce development partners, and the State of Michigan. She leads a team responsible for developing strategies in talent attraction, sourcing/recruiting, development, and retention, linking regional employers, educators, and community-based organizations to strengthen the workforce pipeline.
Full Bio
Karen George
Program Manager, Hello West MichiganAs Program Manager, Karen executes and manages all of the Hello West Michigan programs, and assists the Executive Director with strategy, membership development, and promotion.
Full Bio
A'Mya Saffore
Talent Program ManagerA’Mya Saffore is the Talent Program Manager for The Right Place. In her current role, she supports the implementation of regional talent initiatives that strengthen and diversify West Michigan’s workforce. She also collaborates with businesses, educators and community partners to advance programs that attract, develop and retain top talent across the region.
Full Bio
Dr. TaRita D. Johnson
Senior Vice President, Talent & DiversityDr. TaRita Johnson, Senior Vice President of Talent and Diversity at The Right Place, is a bridge builder connecting employers, educational institutions, community organizations, workforce development partners, and the State of Michigan. She leads a team responsible for developing strategies in talent attraction, sourcing/recruiting, development, and retention, linking regional employers, educators, and community-based organizations to strengthen the workforce pipeline.
Karen George
Program Manager, Hello West MichiganAs Program Manager, Karen executes and manages all of the Hello West Michigan programs, and assists the Executive Director with strategy, membership development, and promotion.
A'Mya Saffore
Talent Program ManagerA’Mya Saffore is the Talent Program Manager for The Right Place. In her current role, she supports the implementation of regional talent initiatives that strengthen and diversify West Michigan’s workforce. She also collaborates with businesses, educators and community partners to advance programs that attract, develop and retain top talent across the region.
Regional Education Data
View the most recent data on higher education in the Greater Grand Rapids region, including college enrollment numbers, top degrees by field and educational attainment rates.
Regional Workforce Data
View the most recent data on Greater Grand Rapids' regional workforce, including top occupation groups, average wages, union membership and more.
Demographics Data
View the most recent data on Greater Grand Rapids' demographic makeup.
Innovative Internships with Michigan STEM Forward
Ann Arbor SPARK and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) have launched Michigan STEM Forward, a statewide program that matches students attending Michigan colleges and universities with internship opportunities at the state’s leading innovative companies.
Upcoming Talent Events
Candid Conversations | February 20
Developing Talent Pipelines Through Internships and Strength-Based Hiring with Stacy Paul
Candid Conversations | June 18
Higher Education’s Role in Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce with Dr. Philomena Mantella
Candid Conversations | August 6
Becoming an Employer of Choice through Culture, Talent Development, and Inclusion with Misti Stanton