![](/capitalgains/images/jobslanded/jenesch.jpg?s=f)
As Consumer Programs Manager I manage two statewide educational programs for the Department of Attorney General: Michigan CSI (Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative, www.michigan.gov/csi); and Senior Brigade (www.seniorbrigade.com). We educate Michigan's most vulnerable citizens against dangers that continue to exist. Both programs are free and available to anyone who can organize an audience.
Young people are born into technology and the evolution of these new technologies has created a significant digital divide between many parents and their children. Our presenters, all college educated and most of whom are educators themselves, cross the state providing assemblies in schools to help protect young people online. We also help parents learn valuable concrete tools to better protect their children online. Since its statewide launch in 2007, Michigan CSI has reached more than 600,000 students and more than 20,000 adults.
Fast forward to our later years, you know – the point where we many of us have nice little nest eggs and assets secured – and vulnerabilities are a little different. Seniors are the most actively targeted group when it comes to scams and fraud such as identity theft, phone and mail scams, or other financially crippling threats. Senior Brigade presenters also travel the state offering seminars on how to avoid these scams and protect our investments. Since its September 2009 launch, the program has reached nearly 20,000 seniors throughout Michigan.
I have been involved with every step of the research, development, piloting, launching, and now managment of both programs. The rewards cannot be expressed in a few short words. Helping others help themselves is an amazing feeling.
Ironically, I originally went to MSU to become a high school English and Government teacher but changed course when I realized my passion for state government and wanted to get involved. Since 1995, I have been involved in campaigns and, after various jobs in the Governor's Office and Legislative Branch, in 2006 landed a legislative assistant job in the Department of Attorney General. My responsibilities in the Department have shifted to this position where I am developing training material, training presenters, and occasionally giving presentations myself. An initial goal of helping educate young people has been realized by the advancement of my career. Total fulfillment.