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 Victor for more information
Victor Joaquin
Talent Program ManagerAs Talent Program Manager for The Right Place, Victor works on establishing collaborative relationships between businesses, colleges, universities, and organizations dedicated to the flourishing of communities in West Michigan.
Full Bio

Victor Joaquin
Talent Program ManagerAs Talent Program Manager for The Right Place, Victor works on establishing collaborative relationships between businesses, colleges, universities, and organizations dedicated to the flourishing of communities in West Michigan.
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.
Become a Hello West Michigan member company
Rachel Gray
Executive Director, Hello West MichiganAs the Executive Director for Hello West Michigan, Rachel leads the organization’s strategy, operations, and membership. She helps educate employers and prospective candidates about the region.
Full Bio
Jessica Kuster
Program Manager, Hello West MichiganJessica serves as the Program Manager for Hello West Michigan, where she oversees the internship and candidate connection programs, marketing and communication needs, and facilitates member orientation and training programs.
Full Bio

Rachel Gray
Executive Director, Hello West MichiganAs the Executive Director for Hello West Michigan, Rachel leads the organization’s strategy, operations, and membership. She helps educate employers and prospective candidates about the region.

Jessica Kuster
Program Manager, Hello West MichiganJessica serves as the Program Manager for Hello West Michigan, where she oversees the internship and candidate connection programs, marketing and communication needs, and facilitates member orientation and training programs.
Upcoming Talent Learning Labs
Talent Learning Lab: How to Combat Unconscious Bias in Recruiting
Save the date for our Talent Learning Lab on March 29.
Talent Learning Lab: Protecting your Workplace from Toxic Behavior
Save the date for our Talent Learning Lab on April 11. More info coming soon!
Tech Founders Happy Hour
Join the Technology Council of West Michigan and The Right Place for the Tech Founders Happy Hour!