Big News: Carolyn Racine Honored with Michigan Works! Southeast Impact Award

Big news for SBWI: Our Vice President of Continuing Education, Carolyn Racine, has been recognized with a 2026 Michigan Works! Southeast Impact Award.

Racine was honored during the annual Michigan Works! Impact Awards luncheon held at the Michigan State Capitol, a statewide event celebrating individuals and organizations strengthening Michigan’s economy through workforce development and job training.

Carolyn’s journey is a powerful example of that mission in action. After returning to Michigan from California to enroll in SBWI’s furniture design program, she continued her training with support from Michigan Works!, ultimately stepping into a newly created leadership role that has helped expand SBWI’s continuing education offerings and national instructor network.

“I’ve felt really supported,” Racine shared. “In this role, I get to connect with instructors around the country to develop our classes. I feel that I’ve grown my network in a really meaningful way.”

Her impact has come at a time of major growth for SBWI. As the school prepares to break ground on a new 30.5-acre campus set to open in Fall 2027 programming for both continuing education and the 9-month trade school program continues to expand across furniture design, historic preservation, and mass timber.

“Carolyn’s journey is exactly the kind of story that shows why workforce development matters,” said SBWI President Luke Barnett. “She represents the creativity, leadership, and momentum that are helping shape the future of skilled trades in Michigan.”

We’re so proud to celebrate Carolyn and the role she’s played in building opportunities for our students, instructors, and the broader trades community.