10/05/2026
Finally, I can scream it loud… It’s Launch Day!
I know that might sound funny considering I’ve spent the past decade doing this work within organizations, workforce systems, and educational spaces. But this launch represents something different. It represents the decision to fully step into the vision God placed on my heart and build something of my own.
Before anything else, I want to lead with gratitude because none of this would be possible without my experience at Capital Area Michigan Works!
Serving as Career & Education Director was truly an honor. I had the privilege of learning under three powerhouse women whose leadership sharpened, challenged, and inspired me in ways I will carry forever.
Under the visionary leadership of CEO Carrie Rosingana, the supportive direction of COO Tekea Norwood, and the strategic financial guidance of CFO Becky Powers, I was given the space to innovate, lead, create, succeed, and sometimes fail — all experiences that stretched me beyond theory and into real impact.
My time in workforce and education systems taught me something powerful:
real transformation happens when we are willing to think differently, challenge limitations, and create opportunities that truly meet people where they are.
That is what makes this moment bittersweet.
I am deeply grateful for the growth, experiences, and relationships I gained at CAMW!, but I also recognize that my purpose and impact are meant to extend beyond the walls of any one organization. Creating opportunities has always been personal for me.
As a child, I experienced instability, financial hardship, and constant transitions. Eventually, my mother moved my little brother and me from the west side of Chicago to Lansing, Michigan.
Everything changed.
For the first time, I felt safe. I saw stability. I saw possibility. I saw a future.
That experience shaped the foundation of who I am today.
I chose to honor my grandmother by boldly walking in the name she gave me because “Amirika” represents resilience, innovation, and the courage to move beyond traditional boundaries.
Having personally experienced systems that both supported students and failed to fully reach them gave me a perspective that cannot be taught in a classroom. It allowed me to connect authentically, build meaningful partnerships, and impact thousands of students across our communities.
Made In Amirika is more than a launch.
It is a commitment to advancing conversations around workforce development, education, leadership, innovation, opportunity, and community impact.
It is about building pipelines that empower the next generation to dream bigger, lead boldly, and create meaningful change in their communities.
This is only the beginning.
If you would like to support please feel free to connect with me or leave feedback using the form below:
https://lnkd.in/gMVp4ABp
Amirika Richardson
