Determination Meets Opportunity: Essence Pye Honored with 2026 Michigan Works! Impact Award
Essence Pye, a medical assistant at Bronson Family Medicine – The Groves, has been honored alongside Bronson Healthcare as a 2026 Michigan Works Southwest Impact Award recipient. This statewide recognition celebrates individuals and organizations that strengthen Michigan’s economy by creating opportunities, developing talent and supporting workforce growth. For Essence, the award reflects not only her achievements but the remarkable journey she took to build a career she is proud of.
Essence’s path to becoming an MA was anything but easy. Early in her working days, she moved from job to job, unsure of her direction and struggling to find stability. At one point, she even experienced homelessness. As a single mother raising a young son, she needed a career that would provide real purpose and lasting security. With previous patient care experience and a deep passion for helping others, she set her sights on becoming an MA.
Transportation challenges, childcare needs and the financial strain of returning to school made it difficult for Essence to move forward. Michigan Works! Southwest became a crucial source of support, providing bus passes, stipends and the guidance of a career coach who helped her manage the many demands of pursuing her degree. The agency’s partnership with Bronson continues to create meaningful pathways for people like Essence looking to enter the healthcare field.
“I’m incredibly proud of Essence and Bronson for earning this recognition,” said Rochelle Hoskin, Bronson vocational program coordinator. “Our partnership with Michigan Works! is not just valuable. It is transformative,” shared Rochelle Hoskin, vocational program coordinator.
Essence began her MA certification program in September 2024 and completed it just four months later. She graduated at the top of her class, earned a pin for excellence and was even chosen as the class spokesperson! “I pursued this career in healthcare because it’s my passion. It’s in my family and I love taking care of others,” she said.
After graduation, Essence completed an internship and accepted her first full-time role at Bronson Internal Medicine. From the beginning, she was eager to keep growing. Rochelle recalls their first conversation. “She was asking, ‘What can I do? What are my next steps?’ She knows she wants to go further in her career.”
When she later joined Bronson Family Medicine, her leaders and teammates quickly noticed her drive and positivity. Her practice manager at Bronson Family Medicine – The Groves, John Singleton, shared, “Her energy is infectious and her ability to communicate with her team and reassure her patients that they are in good hands is something we deeply value.”
Today, Bronson continues to support Essence as she works as a medical assistant and pursues her nursing degree at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Her dream is to become a registered nurse and work in an OB/GYN office. “I am very eager. I’ve always wanted to work with babies,” she said.
For Essence, the transformation has been life-changing. “I don’t feel like I just have a job – it’s a career and I am so excited about that!” she said. “Bronson has so many things to offer, like helping you further your education. They are very supportive, and I like that because it makes me feel like part of a family.”
Essence’s journey demonstrates how determination, when partnered with the right opportunity and supportive guidance, can change lives and strengthen communities.
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