Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) is the administrative and fiscal agent for workforce solutions for the City of Detroit, meaning they are responsible for assisting Detroit employers with finding employees and jobseekers with finding jobs. Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation was formed as a non-profit on July 1, 2012. DESC is a part of the Michigan Works! Association, and is one of 25 Michigan Works! Agencies located around the state. Like other Michigan Works! agencies, DESC receives the majority of its funding from the federal government. These funds can only be spent on programs and initiatives for which they are intended, and that are consistent with Office of Management and Budget guidelines. Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation reports to the Detroit Workforce Development Board, which is established by the Mayor of Detroit. Pamela Moore, President and CEO, serves as DESC’s representative on WIN’s board.
As Chief Operating Officer of DESC, Michelle Rafferty is responsible for the development and operation of strategic workforce initiatives that equip Detroiters with skills and opportunities that lead to family-sustaining employment.
For over a decade, Michelle has worked to create and launch efforts that promote racial and socio-economic equity and reduce unemployment and poverty. She is skilled in strategic planning, resource development, leadership and project management and has the proven ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships across organizations. Michelle earned a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Michigan.