South Central Mississippi Works (SCMW) proudly celebrated excellence in workforce development with the 2025 SCMW Workforce Awards, honoring individuals, employers, and community partners whose work is strengthening the regional talent pipeline and expanding economic opportunity across central Mississippi.
The awards were given at the December 11, 2026, Workforce Board Meeting. Recipients were recognized for driving opportunity, removing barriers, and preparing Mississippians of high wage, high demand careers in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, construction, information technology, logistics, and healthcare.
“These honorees represent the best of what our workforce system can be, collaborative, people centered, and always focused on impact,” said SCMW Workforce Director Robin Parker.
Workforce Impact Award: Krystal Culver
Krystal Culver was honored with the Workforce Impact Award for her vital leadership in building cross sector partnerships and strengthening regional workforce ecosystems. As one of Mississippi’s first Ecosystem Coordinators under Accelerate Mississippi, she helped align workforce boards, employers, educators, and economic development organizations around shared goals. Her work continues as a Program Manager at Accelerate Mississippi, where she supports grant development, program launches, and ongoing collaboration with SCMW.
Workforce Ally Award: McNeely Plastics
The Workforce Ally Award recognized McNeely Plastics as an employer that champions workforce development. Through proactive collaboration with Hinds Community College and SCMW, the company created robust internship training that blends classroom knowledge with real world manufacturing experience, preparing participants for meaningful careers while also strengthening the local talent pipeline.
Trailblazer Award: Yazoo County Board of Supervisors, B. S. Ricks Memorial Library & MDES
This multi partner team received the Trailblazer Award for an innovative approach to workforce access. In response to federal funding reductions that threatened local career services, the partners launched Mississippi’s first Workforce Digital Access Center inside the B. S. Ricks Memorial Library. The center connects jobseekers to employment services, virtual specialists, training resources, and résumé support even without personal internet access, a transformative model for rural workforce delivery.
Catalyst Awards: Eddie Antoine & Jana Carter
Catalyst Awards honor exceptional Career Coaches who bring the promise of success to students every day:
Eddie Antoine (Amite County High School) Antonie is known for relentless support, Antoine builds opportunities through internships, job shadows, and personalized coaching, helping students navigate pathways from school to purposeful careers.
Jana Carter (Clinton High School) Carter’s energy and empathy have made her a trusted connector to non traditional opportunities, including SCMW’s Step Up and Reconnect initiatives, expanding options for students beyond traditional
college tracks.
Workforce Champion Awards: Angela Hayes & Angela Crain
Two leaders whose dedication has left a measurable impact on workforce outcomes were honored with Workforce Champion Awards:
Angela Hayes (Jackson WIN Job Center) From front line coaching to management, Hayes’ approach is deeply personal, walking alongside jobseekers through every stage of their journey.
Angela Crain (Reconnect Program Manager) Crain has elevated SCMW’s Reconnect training model, uniting employers, colleges, and state partners to expand access to skilled career pathways in fields such as advanced manufacturing, HVAC, electrical trades, and IT.
Looking Forward
The 2025 SCMW Workforce Awards highlight the importance of partnership, innovation, and steadfast commitment in building a more resilient regional workforce ecosystem. These honorees serve as models for how collaboration across public, private, and nonprofit sectors can uplift communities and drive long term economic success.
For more information about SCMW initiatives and workforce opportunities throughout Central Mississippi, visit SCMW.info.
