Women Across Michigan Affinity Group (virtual)

Women Across Michigan affinity group 

Welcome to the newest Inforum affinity group, Women Across Michigan! This group's purpose is to connect professional women throughout Michigan while discussing statewide issues, topics and opportunities. This group will have a virtual monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of the month to connect women throughout the state!

About the speaker

Michelle LaJoye-Young has served Kent County for over 30 years. She has worked for the Sheriff's Office since 1989 in various roles within Corrections, Patrol, Communications, Support Services and as the Chief Deputy, Undersheriff, and now the Sheriff. Michelle has focused on developing a Strategic plan with an eye for ensuring peoples' needs are being met where and when they have them. A key component to this is a focus on community outreach, transparency and planning services around the changing needs of our community.

Michelle's involvement and outreach extends beyond the Sheriff's Office. She serves on many boards at the local, state and federal level including The Children's Advocacy Center, the YWCA, the Boys and Girls Club, Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley Police Academy Advisory Boards. She has been appointed to boards by 3 different Governors and has served to advice on 5 separate FBI committees and task forces.

Her dedication, innovation, and community engagement led her to being recognized as one of Grand Rapids Business Journal's 2020 Top 50 Influential Women in Business Leaders and Top 200 Business Leaders in West Michigan. She has been inducted to the Michigan State University Criminal Justice Wall of Fame and in 2018, she was recognized statewide as the Interoperability Person of the Year by the Michigan Governor for her communication involvement and innovation.

Michelle also served in the Army Reserves from 1985 through 1998 where she left as a Captain. She obtained her Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University, a Masters in Public Administration from Western Michigan University, MCOLES certification from Grand Rapids Community College, and graduated from Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. Michelle LaJoye-Young is a compassionate, driven woman who strives to be a guardian to every person in our community. She is blessed to be the mother of two wonderful young men and works to lead a balanced, purpose driven life.

Attendee List

Affinity Group Chairs

Carrie LeZotte, (313) 300-8233 contact@carrielezotte.com

Karla Kish (248) 909-2251 kmkish1@comcast.net