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 our Talent Team for more information

Ta Rita Johnson 2024

TaRita D. Johnson

Senior Vice President, Talent & Diversity

TaRita is the Senior Vice President of Talent and Diversity at The Right Place Inc. She works to collaborate with workforce development organizations, employers, and investors to lead strategies to ensure West Michigan attracts, develops, and retains diverse talent.

Full Bio
Victor Joaquin 2024

Victor Joaquin, SHRM-CP

Talent Program Manager

As 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.

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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.

More on Education

Regional Workforce Data

View the most recent data on Greater Grand Rapids' regional workforce, including top occupation groups, average wages, union membership and more.

More on Workforce

Demographics Data

View the most recent data on Greater Grand Rapids' demographic makeup.

See Demographics Data

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.

Get Involved

Become a Hello West Michigan member company

Rachel Gray 2024

Rachel Gray

Executive Director, Hello West Michigan

As 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.

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Jessica 2022

Jessica Kuster

Program Manager, Hello West Michigan

Jessica 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