The mission of Oakland80 is clear: ensure 80 percent of Oakland residents obtain a post-secondary college degree or certification that leads to greater career opportunities. This goal is deeply intertwined with Public Health, where we understand the profound link between educational attainment and health outcomes.

In Oakland County, nearly 20 percent of mothers lack post-secondary education beyond high school, which negatively impacts their access to employment opportunities, as well as prenatal services and maternal health. Recognizing education as a social determinant of health, equipping all mothers and residents with higher education and career resources will yield benefits across all health services. Nationally, there is a positive correlation between health and educational levels: nearly 60 percent of bachelor’s degree holders report their health being excellent or very good, largely due to increased opportunity and access. Higher education correlates with improved well-being and societal progress, empowering individuals to make healthier choices and enhancing both the physical and mental health of our communities.

When I was asked to write this piece, I was reminded of my own journey rooted in the intersection of education and opportunity. Born and raised in Pakistan, I moved by myself to the United States on a high school scholarship to the United World College in New Mexico, which later led to another scholarship at Middlebury College in Vermont, where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree. I was urged by my family to focus on computer science and economics, but my liberal arts education exposed me to various career paths and I found my passion for public health. I moved to Washington DC to work and used my evenings to complete my Master’s Degree in Public Health at George Washington University. The 16-year-old me landing at JFK airport would have never imagined that my path would one day lead me to a career in local government serving the community I now live in and love. I am fortunate for all the opportunities I received through my career and the people who supported me along the way.

My story is similar to the many people of Oakland County: the diversity of our people is what makes it special. As an immigrant, I understand the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating a new environment. Oakland80 presents a multi-solving approach, driving economic development, nurturing talent and, in turn, promoting health across our diverse community.

As the Deputy Executive, I oversee on-the-ground programs that allow me to engage with our residents. One observation remains clear: talent exists everywhere, but opportunities do not. I applaud the efforts of Oakland80 and partner organizations for collaborating with residents who come from various backgrounds to identify tailored opportunities, enabling them to reach their fullest potential and, by effect, live healthier lives.

Thank you for being a part of this mission.

Llewellyn added the TRAC certification program is a great example of a partner that is contributing to Oakland County’s effort to have 80 percent of eligible adults obtain a college degree or certification by 2030.

“Our Oakland80 goal is ambitious, and we need everyone’s help to reach it,” she said. “Partners like Troy Continuing Education are playing a key role in helping us hit our target.”

This fall, TCE also is planning the launch of a pre-apprenticeship pilot program, featuring 18 foreign students who are taking the first step in becoming clinical medical assistants and pharmacy technicians. All of the spots for the first cohort are already filled.

“We quickly filled the pre-apprenticeship spots with internal candidates,” Brown said. “Everyone is excited to be part of the program.”

Key to the success of TCE’s refugee and immigrant programming are the partnerships with local employers and community partners like Oakland County Michigan Works! Recently, several employers participated in mock interviews with TRAC students and were pleasantly surprised with their skill sets and impressed with their English proficiency. They emphasized the significant value that their bilingual skills and international experience bring to employers.

“There is this stereotype surrounding the refugees and immigrants that come here,” Brown said. “We need to change this narrative. They are skilled and ready to work. Our employers need to see it to believe it.”

In addition to working with refugees and immigrants, TCE provides a number of other services, including high school completion, GED certification, basic education classes and more.

Local Mental Health Pro Makes Career Switch to Oakland80 and Helping Students

A mental health counselor’s career working with children led to her recently joining Oakland80 as a Career & Education Navigator, helping high school students prepare for college and other post-secondary education opportunities.

Marie-Helene Mickell joined the staff at a local mental health clinic in 2022. While she enjoyed working with young people, she struggled with applying her project management skills to the job. This led her to believe additional training and skills enhancement could make a difference.

Last year, Mickell connected with a nearby Oakland County Michigan Works! center and, working with her counselor, she pursued advanced program management training, generously funded by Oakland County Michigan Works! and an Oakland80 scholarship.

Her journey with Oakland80 began soon after, when she left the clinic and began looking for a new career opportunity. Her counselor at Oakland County Michigan Works! thought her skill set and management background aligned with the County’s program to promote post-secondary education. There was a need for Career & Education Navigators to assist high school students in exploring options post-graduation.

“Oakland80 managers Tamara Miles and Carlton Elam shared their work and I immediately felt at home,” she said. “My project management background, including goal setting, budgets, team building and deadlines aligned with their goals. I’m using these skills now to serve a diverse population of high school students.”

Mickell said her role as a Career & Education Navigator in a high school setting also helped her discover the vast array of services and options available to her teenage daughter. She said working to promote Oaklnad80 has not only advanced her career, but also helped her recognize the profound impact of community support and continuous learning.