Feb. 27, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – As the first director of Workforce Development at Latin Americans United for Progress, Grand Rapids Community College alumna Maria Morales strives to connect West Michigan residents to the skills that will give them satisfying careers as they fill crucial gaps for area employers.
Start at GRCC and go anywhere. Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC gave them the education and opportunity to be successful.
The “3+1” program allowed her to complete three years of a bachelor’s degree program at GRCC before completing the final year at Ferris State University. She credits GRCC’s equitable access and opportunities for her success.
“GRCC was indispensable to my education,” she said. “As a first-generation college student, I had the guidance of incredible advisors and professors who helped me navigate unfamiliar educational systems and structures, who believed in me and advocated for me each step of the way. Being able to enroll for online learning and the 3+1 program reduced the challenges of completing a degree as a full-time professional, wife, and mother to an infant."
Morales completed her bachelor’s in business administration with a certification in leadership and supervision from Ferris and is commissioned by the state as a notary public.
With her work at LAUP, she has come full circle – as she explores opportunities to collaborate with GRCC on building career pathways to better equip people to meet workforce needs.
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