MichCDA Awards |

MichCDA Awards |

MichCDA recognizes career development professionals and practitioners in the state of Michigan for their service, dedication, advocacy, and innovation in the field. Recipients of these awards are nominated, and their awards are presented at the annual MichCDA Conference.

Award winners receive a commemorative gift, free 1-Year Membership (following their renewal), and free registration to the MichCDA Conference for the following year!

See below for award information and criteria.

Award Timeline:

  • Award Nominations open February 1st (self-nominations and nominations of others are accepted)

  • Deadline for nominations is February 29th

  • Nominations are reviewed and selected in March

  • Winners are notified and presented at the Annual MichCDA Conference on Friday, April 26, 2024

  • This award is presented at the MichCDA Annual Conference and recognizes an individual in the state of Michigan who has made a significant contribution to career development and has been in the profession for three (3) years or less.

    This individual:

    • Is an emerging career development professional who has gone above and beyond in fostering meaningful relationships and providing valuable insights and fresh perspectives to the field.

    • Creates and/or facilitates specific programming or initiatives enhancing the knowledge and professional growth of clients, students and/or other professionals in the field of career development.

    • Is personally committed to pursuing continuing education and staying current with new research and best practices in the field.

    Qualifications:

    • Nominees must have less than three (3) years of service in career development or a related field (Higher Education, Post-Secondary, K-12, Private Practice &/or Consulting, Business/Industry, Government or Non-profit/Community Organization settings, etc.).

    • This individual must have less than three (3) years of professional membership with MichCDA.

  • This award is presented at the MichCDA Annual Conference and recognizes an individual in the state of Michigan for outstanding excellence in diversity and inclusion initiatives within career development practices.

    This individual:

    • Significantly enhances understanding of and appreciation of the complex career development needs of diverse populations and historically marginalized groups.

    • Provides leadership, mentorship, and support for diverse clients, students and/or professionals in the field of career counseling.

    • Successfully advocates for systemic changes that lead to the elimination or reduction of barriers impacting the career development of diverse and/or historically marginalized individuals.

    Qualifications:

    • Nominees must have at least five (5) years of service in career development or a related field (Higher Education, Post-Secondary, K-12, Private Practice &/or Consulting, Business/Industry, Government or Non-profit/Community Organization settings, etc.).

    • This individual maintains active membership in MichCDA and regularly attends events, conferences, and/or webinars.

  • This award is presented at the MichCDA Annual Conference in recognition of an individual in the state of Michigan who consistently and significantly demonstrates innovation through specialized projects, initiatives, and/or contributions and has made an impact on the populations that they serve.

    This individual:

    • Contributes to the career development profession through dedicated service and mentorship to their students, clients, and/or fellow career professionals

    • Has demonstrated innovation in career development, whether through the implementation of cutting-edge technologies, novel methodologies, or creative solutions that significantly enhance the career paths of individuals.

    • Demonstrates leadership in the field by participating in and presenting relevant career development topics at events, conferences, and other related affairs related to the profession.

    Qualifications:

    • Nominees must have at least five (5) years of service in career development or a related field (Higher Education, Post-Secondary, K-12, Private Practice &/or Consulting, Business/Industry, Government or Non-profit/Community Organization settings, etc.).

    • This individual maintains active membership in MichCDA and regularly attends events, conferences, and/or webinars.

2024 Annual Award Winners

2024 Excellent in Diversity and Inclusion Award - presented to Joan Hawxhurst

2024 Outstanding Career Practitioner Award - presented to Kristen Garceau