Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce CEO, Vonnie Mikkelsen, named ACT Workforce Champion

The ACT College and Career Readiness Champions are high school seniors, K-12 professionals, post-secondary professionals and workforce professionals who are making a positive impact on their communities through their efforts to advance college and career readiness for all.

The ACT College and Career Readiness Champions are individuals across the country who support ACT’s mission of education and workplace success.

“We all know inspiring individuals who work tirelessly for the advancement of college and career readiness for all students,” said ACT Senior Vice President of State and Federal Programs Scott Montgomery. “The ACT College and Career Readiness Champions initiative lifts up their stories so that more people can be inspired to find their own path to success.”

ACT State Councils – comprised of education and workforce professionals from all 50 states – serve as the selection committee and select one Champion per category for each participating state.

Mikkelsen received the ACT Workforce Champion Award for her launch and development of the #WorkReady initiative, in partnership with the Springfield School District and the City of Springfield.

“Our Springfield Chamber #WorkReady community is invested in a vision that values impact, solutions, and shared accountability,” said Mikkelsen. “It’s one where employers, educators, students, and civic leaders from all walks of life rally around the same goal. We’re opening eyes, ears, and doors for students and employers while building a local pool of highly qualified talent together. By doing so, we ensure prosperity and economic opportunity in our local community.”