Courtesy photo

LANSING — State officials joined Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium in honoring the Cory Budnick State Farm Insurance Agency of Rogers City and licensed insurance agent Delilah Santiago with 2026 Michigan Works! Impact Awards, a youth-to-career success story that began in a high school classroom and ended with a professional credential.

Cory Budnick, a State Farm agent in Rogers City since 2012, has partnered with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium to create career pathways for local youth through work experiences, career expos and On-the-Job Training.

“Participating in the On-the-Job Training program has enabled us to provide valuable training to our employees effectively, helping us build a skilled workforce that meets our business needs,” said Budnick. “The support from Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium has had a significant impact on our company, particularly in terms of employee retention and expanding our talent pool.”

Delilah Santiago connected with the agency as a high school senior. With support for transportation and career coaching, she began a paid work experience at Cory’s office, quickly earning a permanent role. Through continued Michigan Works! support, including On-the-Job Training, Delilah advanced professionally and earned her insurance license in 2025. She now gives back by sharing her story with local students, demonstrating the power of staying and building a career in Northeast Michigan.

“This program is designed to support individuals, as they offer resources and assistance that can lead to significant positive change,” said Santiago. “I am pleased to have been involved in such an efficient program.”

“Watching a young person from Rogers City go from a high school work experience to a licensed insurance professional is exactly what we’re working toward in Northeast Michigan,” said Rep. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan). “Delilah’s success shows that when local employers and Michigan Works! invest in young people, our young people don’t have to leave home to build a great career.”

“Delilah Santiago is a role model, for Rogers City students, for the region and for the power of youth-to-career pathways,” said Sen. Michele Hoitenga (R-Manton). “Cory Budnick bet on a high schooler and won, and Michigan Works! made that bet possible. That’s exactly the kind of partnership our communities need.”

The Michigan Works! Impact Awards bring lawmakers together with talent development leaders to recognize individuals and organizations from across the state who have overcome adversity or helped others achieve career success through involvement with the Michigan Works! network.

“Delilah’s journey from high school student to licensed professional shows what’s possible when employers, educators and workforce systems all commit to young people’s success,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “And the fact that she came back to speak at the Career Expo tells you everything about who she is.”