Madison County Celebrates Workforce Achievements, Community Partnerships
An Edwardsville ceremony celebrated residents overcoming obstacles to education and employment, alongside businesses and partners helping open doors to new opportunities.
EDWARDSVILLE — Determination, perseverance and the pursuit of brighter futures took center stage Thursday as Madison County Employment and Training recognized individuals, businesses and community partners making a difference in the local workforce.
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The recognition ceremony celebrated individuals who overcame challenges to achieve educational and career goals, along with employers and organizations helping create opportunities throughout Madison County.
Madison County Employment and Training Director Darlene Ladd said the event highlights the importance of recognizing both personal accomplishments and the partnerships that make them possible.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing what happens when someone is given an opportunity and makes the most of it,” Ladd said.
The ceremony opened with the Partners in Progress Award, presented to Metro East Humane Society for its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace and providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The award, originally presented through the Accommodations for Success recognition event in September, honors employers and organizations that remove workplace barriers and promote inclusive hiring practices.
Metro East Humane Society earned recognition for accommodating an individual’s needs, allowing him to successfully complete an apprenticeship and maintain employment.
Metro East Humane Society Director Anne Schmidt attended the ceremony to accept the award.
The county also presented five Individual Achievement Awards, recognizing participants in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program who demonstrated perseverance and determination in overcoming obstacles to achieve educational and career success.
For Brittanie Swarringin, an unexpected layoff became an opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a registered nurse.
After losing her job following the closure of a distribution center, Swarringin enrolled in an accelerated nursing program at Lewis & Clark Community College. She excelled academically, earned recognition through an academic honor society and now works as a registered nurse.
Kaydenze Pickens overcame transportation difficulties and other educational challenges to earn her Illinois High School Diploma through Southwestern Illinois College on Sept. 25.
Pickens hopes to attend college and become a registered nurse, making her the first person in her family to pursue higher education.
Seventeen-year-old Patricia “Tee” Becerra shared his experiences overcoming medical challenges and disabilities while pursuing his education and employment goals.
Through WIOA, Becerra turned a volunteer position at Happy Trails Farm into paid employment. Now attending college, he hopes to become an invasive species technician.
“Even on the bad days, I keep going because I know there will be a good day just around the corner,” Becerra told attendees.
He credited the program with helping him gain independence and pursue opportunities that once seemed beyond his reach.
“Now, the vast river of my obstacles doesn’t seem so vast anymore,” he said. “In fact, it seems more like a creek.”
Two additional recipients, JeKeena Houser and Kaelyn Cupil, could not attend the ceremony.
Houser advanced from certified nursing assistant to licensed practical nurse through the Practical Nursing Program at CALC Institute of Technology.
Cupil earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and now works as a registered nurse.
The ceremony also recognized businesses and community partners whose efforts strengthen connections between employers, workforce programs and job seekers.
Ann Lesemann, of Alton Steel Inc., received the Charging Forward Award for her advocacy and continued support of workforce services. Lesemann helped employees access unemployment assistance, résumé development and employment resources during workforce transitions.
Jason Harrison, owner of LaMay’s Catering, received the Community Connector Award for his leadership and commitment to connecting local employers with workforce development resources.
Ladd praised Harrison for his willingness to collaborate on initiatives that create employment opportunities and strengthen relationships with local businesses.
The Pathways to Success Award recognized a workforce partner Mike Conley from SWIC, for helping individuals connect with apprenticeship programs and career training opportunities, while strengthening relationships among employers, educators and workforce development organizations.
Madison County Employment and Training also honored Gerard “Gerry” Schuetzenhofer with a Special Recognition Award for his leadership and service to the Madison-Bond-Jersey-Calhoun Workforce Innovation Board from 2015 to 2026.
Schuetzenhofer, who could not attend, received recognition for his longstanding commitment to workforce development throughout the four-county region.
Madison County Board Chairman Chris Slusser and Danielle Wisely, representing the local workforce board, joined Ladd in recognizing the recipients. Charlie Juneau, also attended representing the Madison Bond Jersey Calhoun Workforce Board.
Ladd said the achievements of the honorees demonstrate the importance of providing opportunities for individuals to improve their lives while recognizing the businesses and organizations that support those efforts.
“We are proud to recognize individuals and businesses who make a difference through their own efforts and contributions,” Ladd said.
Photo captions
Charging Forward and Pathways to Success Awards
From left, Mike Conley, recipient of the Pathways to Success Award; Ann Lesemann of Alton Steel Inc., recipient of the Charging Forward Award; and Madison County Employment and Training Director Darlene Ladd celebrate their recognition during the county’s workforce awards ceremony.
Individual Achievement Awards
From left, Madison County Employment and Training Director Darlene Ladd joins Individual Achievement Award recipients Patricia “Tee” Becerra, Brittanie Swarringin and Kaydenze Pickens. The awards recognize individuals who overcame challenges to achieve educational and career goals through workforce development programs.
Community Connector Award
From left, Workforce Board Chair Danielle Wisely, Madison County Board Chairman Chris Slusser, Kayla Harrison, Community Connector Award recipient Jason Harrison of LaMay’s Catering, Madison County Employment and Training Director Darlene Ladd, Assistant Director Kayla Boesing and Brooke Andrew. Harrison received recognition for connecting local employers with workforce development resources.
Partners in Progress Award
From left, Madison County Board Chairman Chris Slusser, Workforce Board Chair Danielle Wisely, Metro East Humane Society Director Anne Schmidt, Madison County Employment and Training Director Darlene Ladd and Assistant Director Kayla Boesing. Metro East Humane Society received the Partners in Progress Award for its commitment to inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
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