Shawn Ulreich

Shawn Ulreich, DSc, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, is chief nursing executive and senior vice president of a $6.9 billion not-for-profit integrated health system based in West Michigan. Shawn is responsible for the practice of nursing and pharmacy services within the 14-hospital system.

Shawn is a health care executive with more than 20 years of experience in leading nursing and clinical departments. She joined Spectrum Health in 2004 as chief nursing officer and vice president of operations. Throughout her tenure at Spectrum Health, Shawn has been responsible for a number of clinical departments, including laboratory, nursing, pastoral care, pharmacy, respiratory and surgical services, as well as Spectrum Health Aero Med and North Flight Aero Med. She currently has responsibility for 3,000 employees. Under Shawn’s leadership, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids has achieved Magnet Recognition Program® status three times.

Prior to joining Spectrum Health, Shawn served for five years as chief nursing officer and chair of the division of nursing at the Cleveland Clinic. In that role, she had direct responsibility for professional nursing practice within the division of nursing and surgical services. She also led that organization to its first Magnet designation. Within the Cleveland Clinic, Shawn held a number of roles of increasing leadership. Shawn started her career as a staff nurse at St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo, Ohio, and later joined Parkview Osteopathic Hospital as the director of staff development.

Shawn earned a doctoral degree in health service administration from the University of Alabama Birmingham, a master’s degree in nursing from Kent State University and a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing from Bowling Green State University.

Jamie Cooper

Jamie Cooper is the Founder and Managing Director of Sensi Connects. Formerly known as CannaBIZ Connection, Sensi Connects is a B2B networking and lead referral organization focused on the growing cannabis industry. Currently, Sensi Connects hosts weekly virtual speed networking events in Michigan, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma and New England.

Jamie also serves as the Publisher and Market Director of Sensi Magazine, an award-winning magazine that publishes print and digital magazines nationwide and helps connect people in local markets with a focus on fun-loving, healthy lifestyle. The Grand Rapids Business Journal selected Jamie as a Top 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan in 2020 & 2018, a 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan in 2020 & 2019 and a 40 Under 40 Business Leader in 2019. 

Michelle Rabideau

Michelle Rabideau is a national leader in philanthropy raising more than $100 million for various organizations over 25 years. She is currently President of Saint Mary’s Foundation, the philanthropic arm for Mercy Health Saint Mary’s. Michelle serves on the National Kappa Delta Foundation board and was Governor-appointed to the Michigan Community Service Commission. She served two terms in public office on the East Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education. Michelle has been recognized as a recipient of the YWCA Tribute! Award in the Professions category, as one of “50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan” and with the Benjamin Franklin Award for Outstanding Fundraising Professional. She is passionate about health care, empowering women, public education, community service, her family and friends, and traveling.

Michelle Peña, MSN,RN,NEA-BC

Michelle brings over 20 years of nursing leadership experience. She currently serves as Chief Nursing Officer for Mercy Health Saint Mary’s and Mercy Health Physician Partners Grand Rapids. Michelle has spent her career in the areas of critical care, emergency services and nursing leadership. She has held progressive leadership positions at Mercy Health. Michelle has experience in healthcare design, programmatic development and innovative healthcare models. Michelle served for 16 years as a Clinical Service Director for Emergency/Trauma and Critical Care services. In that role, she co-led the building and planning of the Hauenstein Center, the Southwest Campus, the development of the organization’s first urgent care centers and the area’s only freestanding emergency department. In addition, Michelle also designed the innovative care model of acuity adaptable units. Michelle is a past long -term Executive Board Member of Kent County EMS (KCEMS) and the Kent County Human Trafficking Medical Subcommittee. She became involved in Human Trafficking education after working with Senator Judy Emmons’ office and the Michigan Women’s Coalition. Most recently, Michelle co-led the organization through the unprecedented time of COVID-19 preparedness and response. Michelle currently serves on the Board of the West Michigan AHA and is leading the path to Mercy Health Saint Mary’s third Magnet® Designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, demonstrating Michelle’s transformational leadership style. This is the nation’s most prestigious honor for nursing achievement excellence, a measure of quality earned by only about six percent of U.S. hospitals. Magnet designation is the national verification of the excellence in nursing care.

Kristen K. Brown, MD, MMM

Kristen Brown serves as the President of Mercy Health Physician Partners, West Michigan – a multispecialty medical group consisting of over 800 providers and 95 clinics. In this role, she has responsibility for strategy design, clinical and financial operations, and cultural integration. Previously, she held executive positions as Vice President of Mercy Health Physician Partners, Muskegon – a 250-provider medical group with 42 clinics – and Medical Director of National Solutions at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She practiced as a family physician for 13 years prior to starting her executive career. She has extensive background in practice and organizational transformation having led the evolution to patient centered medical homes locally and the integration of a large, complex multispecialty medical group. She is a certified facilitator of Insights Discovery®, as well as a trained executive Coach. She received her Masters of Medical Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University, Heinz School of Business.

Karla Huitsing

Professional Experience: Owner/Operating Principal of Keller Williams Realty-Rivertown & Harbortown/Holland, one of the top producing real estate offices in Grand Rapids. 26 years experience in residential real estate that includes 14 years in broker ownership and management. A real estate career offers many opportunities of which I have been blessed to experience. They include being the President of the local Grand Rapids Board of Realtors, serving on the National Association of Realtors Board of Directors and other related boards. Servant Leadership is to empower those around you to grow and learn to lead. Identifying the gifts and skill sets of employees and agents maximizes the fulfillment and happiness of others. Real estate is one of the most fascinating and exciting careers on the planet as we build communities, neighborhoods and assist the American dream of homeownership to come true for all.  

Personal Interests: Golf, football, tennis, coaching and training, exercise, health, wealth building.

Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt

A Michigan native, Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt received her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Temple University, Philadelphia, and has worked with schools on three continents. With a special passion for reaching children living in poverty or born with learning or physical differences. Schmidt’s areas of specialization include early childhood, special education, second language learners and at-risk student instruction.

Dr. Schmidt lives with her husband in Texas, where they are art collectors. The Bennett Collection of Women Realists®, focuses on figurative realist paintings of women by women artists. This undertaking has afforded them the opportunity to meet many women artists as well as to create a collection of paintings showing women from all walks of life. As their collection grew, so did their awareness of inequities that confront women in the arts. In 2018, Dr. Schmidt and her husband founded The Bennett Prize, which awards $50,000 to a woman artist to create her own solo exhibition of figurative realist paintings, which then travels the country.

Dr. Schmidt has curated a number of art exhibitions including “Visions of Venice” at the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago and The Flinders Lane Gallery in Australia. Currently, she and Bennett are curating “Iconic” and “Painting the Figure Now IV” at the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art in Wausau, Wisconsin in 2021.

Rachel Allen

• Founder of Women in Marketing Connecting and Beyond Your Title
• BISSELL Brand Manager, Current
• Perrigo Marketing Manager, 4 years
• Speedway Marketing and Operations Management, 7 years 
• Cosmetology, 4 years
• Western Michigan University (WMU) Graduate Assistant and Student Associate, 2 years 
• WMU MBA, Marketing Concentration
• WMU BBA, Sales and Business Marketing Major
• Lives in Grand Rapids, MI with husband Greg,  son Gavin, and dog Bo Beau.
• I have a passion for helping women in marketing stand up, stand out and make an impact

Danielle Josephine DeWitt

Danielle has worked in the nonprofit sector, including higher education and healthcare, for 14 years. She joined the team at the Spectrum Health Foundation and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation in August 2016 and began building a comprehensive donor stewardship program for donors throughout the Spectrum Health System. Every day, she has the pleasure of sharing the tremendous impact of philanthropy on the world-class care, support for patients and their families, and innovative research throughout Spectrum Health, creating meaningful moments to recognize those who make so many programs and services available to patients and families and strives to make gratitude for the health system’s donors front and center.

In addition to her work at Spectrum Health, Danielle serves as the Chair of Michigan Women Forward’s West Michigan Advisory Council and will be co-directing the Colon Cancer Coalition’s Get Your Rear in Gear Grand Rapids in 2021. She has been blessed with many incredible mentors along the way and enjoys paying it forward by mentoring young women and supporting them as they grow professionally.

In her free time, she is an avid reader, loves spending time with her family and friends, and describes herself as a lifelong learner who hopes to one day co-author a book about the importance of stewardship in philanthropy.

Rachel VerWys

Rachel VerWys’ experience roots itself in a variety of communities from Southern California to Western Michigan.  She is the Co-Creator and Executive Director of SEE: Solutions to End Exploitation a collective impact organization which utilizes collective storytelling research locally and nationally, facilitates cross sector collaboration with the Kent County Area Human Trafficking Coalition, and strategizes for creative possibility to create a future free from human trafficking. She was recently honored by the Grand Rapids Business Journal as one of 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan and 200 most powerful Business leaders. She has taught as an adjunct professor at Calvin University and consulted with organizations for strategic planning and community listening. Her formal education includes a BSW degree (Calvin University) and an MSW degree (University of Southern California) with an emphasis in community organizing, planning and administration. She has been a part of holistic community development on multiple levels, in her own neighborhood, city, and the broader community.

Angie Hultgren

Angie Hultgren is the Practice Manager at Skin CoLAB.  A new, developing aesthetic practice located in Downtown Ada.  Growing a business from the ground up requires collaboration, trust and passion.  Angie has worked in sales and marketing for the past two decades.  A people person, Angie believes that relationships are the most important piece of the professional path.  ”Each person you work with plays a part in how you grow and lead as an individual.”  Angie earned a Bachelors of Business Administration from Aquinas College.  She has dedicated her time on the board of Now Playing 4 Kids, a local non-profit that sends at risk children to local events allowing them a creative space to explore, imagine and dream.  Her family life includes two children Evelyn & Jack, husband Eric. 

Mary Anne Jones

Mary Anne Jones is senior vice president of finance and operations at Priority Health. Jones’ areas of expertise span financial planning and reporting, capital optimization, operational planning, leadership in managed care and organizational and cultural alignment. Jones has more than 30 years of experience.

Operational responsibilities include project value transformation, claims payment and integrity, group enrollment fulfillment and billing services, member services/call center operations and other business operations of the organization.

Prior to her current position at Priority Health, Jones held numerous leadership roles throughout Priority Health and Spectrum Health. Before joining Priority Health, she was Chief Financial Officer at Spectrum Health United Hospital. She also held leadership positions at Ernst & Young and Arthur Andersen.

Jeanine Ward-Roof

Jeanine Ward-Roof, Ph.D. began at Ferris in 2014 and has over 30 years of experience in the Student Affairs field. She is responsible for the leadership, direction, supervision and assessment of the Division of Student Affairs which includes admissions, Birkam health center, Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services, commencement, dean of student life, enrollment services, financial aid, GLBTQ+ Center, Greek life, institutional research and testing, multicultural student services, orientation, personal counseling center, records office/Registrar, student conduct, student employment, Title IX, University Center, university recreation and Veterans’ services.

Jeanine is active in the National Orientation Directors Association and the National Association of Student Personnel Association where she has held many positions and presented and published on a myriad of topics throughout her career. At Ferris State, she is also Co-Chair of the Ferris United Way Campaign, serves on the President’s Council, is Chair of the FSU Re-Entry Committee, is a member on the Strategic Planning and Resource Committee and the Higher Learning Commission Committee and is one of the Advisors for the FSU Student Government Association.

Ward-Roof earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Ohio University, a master’s in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Clemson University. Additionally, she has received numerous awards, two of the most notable being the NODA Circle of Excellence in 2019 and the NASPA Foundation Pillar of the Profession in 2015.

Jeanine has spent her career working with college students and their families and can think of no better way to support student success then creating diverse and inclusive environments where students can explore their values and debate knowledge in a close community setting. Additionally, her immediate family is comprised of her husband Mark, a young daughter and two energetic labradoodles.

Marissa Harrington

Marissa Harrington is originally from Los Angeles, California and has lived in Kalamazoo for 11 years.  She is a local Realtor with Five Star Real Estate, as well as a founding member of The Black Arts & Cultural Center’s Face Off Theatre Company.  Marissa graduated from Western Michigan University’s Theatre program with a BFA in Theatre Performance in 2013.  Additionally, she enjoys serving the community as a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.-Rho Theta Zeta chapter, and as a board member of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, Read and Write Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo Civil Rights Board, and Western Michigan University Theatre Guild. She resides in Kalamazoo with her husband Harold, beautiful children Lyla, Hunter, Estelle, and dog Enzo.

Emma García

Emma García is Co-Executive Director at Access of West Michigan, where she has served in various roles since 2009. Emma supports the programmatic elements of Access’ work, including grant development, fostering community partnerships, and providing speaking and training opportunities. Emma’s greatest professional joy is supporting her staff in cultivating leadership and non-profit skills as they impact the community with the mission of Access. 

Ingrid Cheslek

Most recently serving as the Chief Operations Officer at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ingrid has been involved in healthcare for over 40 years with 18 years in executive leadership.  Combining her nursing experience with executive leadership in clinical operations, Ingrid has been able to provide leadership that is focused on relationships, execution and operational efficiency. Outside of her professional career Ingrid has been married 46 years to her husband Don.  Together they enjoy their children and their spouses as well as 6 grandchildren.

Dr. Jennifer Bradley

“What I really find rewarding is the fact that I can affect change…fairly quickly.”

Jennifer Bradley, M.D. is a resident member of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Bradley received a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and a Bachelor of Science degree in human resources from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit where she went on to complete her General Surgery Residency at Wayne State University’s Detroit Medical Center. Dr. Bradley has been trained in all areas of general surgery and has a special interest in surgical endoscopy and colonoscopy. Dr. Bradley is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. As lifelong Michigan residents, Dr. Bradley and her husband reside in Norton Shores with their two daughters.

Christina Elmore

Judge Christina Elmore was elected to the 17th Circuit Court for Kent County andbegan her 6-year term on January 1, 2019.  Before she was elected to this court, she was a judge on the 61st District Court for the City of Grand Rapids. 

  Judge Elmore began her legal career as a Judge Advocate General in the United States Air Force, where she served for 13 years on active duty and in the reserves.  She also worked as an assistant prosecutor for the Kent County Prosecutor’s office and then an Assistant Attorney General for the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

  After working at the Attorney General’s Office, Judge Elmore spent 8 years in private practice where she was defense counsel on criminal cases, represented parents and children in child abuse and neglect cases, advocated for juveniles in delinquency cases, and assisted clients with various other legal issues.  She also continued to prosecute individuals for failing to pay child support as a Special Assistant Attorney General.  In addition, Judge Elmore has taught at both Grand Rapids Community College and Cooley Law School.

  Judge Elmore earned her law degree from Tulane Law School and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.

Kelsey Perdue

Kelsey Perdue is the Kids Count Project Director at the Michigan League for Public Policy where she oversees data analysis and advocacy as part of a national effort to improve children’s well-being. Prior to joining the League, Kelsey managed and delivered direct service programming for children and families in the education, health and technology sectors in West Michigan, Washington, D.C. and abroad.

Kelsey was recently appointed by Governor Whitmer to the Black Leadership Advisory Council where she will help address issues of inequity for African Americans throughout the state. She also serves as vice-chair of the Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission, on the leadership team of Equity PAC and as social action chair of the Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Kelsey was named a 40 Under 40 Business Leader in 2019 by the Grand Rapids Business Journal, recognized by LINC UP with the 2017 Community Spirit Award and her work has been highlighted in several online and print publications.

Originally from Grand Rapids, Kelsey is an alumna of City High School and summa cum laude graduate of Howard University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and was a 2018 fellow in the Michigan Political Leadership Program.

Lynn L. Chen-Zhang

Ms. Chen-Zhang is a partner and COO with Zhang Financial, a leading

Fee-Only Wealth Management Group in the nation. She is a CFP® and a CPA, and has over 23 years of experience in the financial service industry. Ms. Chen-Zhang was ranked as one of the nation’s Top Women Financial Advisors by Barron’s and Financial Times, has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, and quoted in national media and publications, including CNBC and Barron’s.

Ms. Chen-Zhang received her MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University and her MS in Accountancy from WMU. She also completed the Executive Education program at Columbia University and The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Chen-Zhang and her husband, Charles, were the authors of the book “Make Yourself a Millionaire” (McGraw-Hill, 2003).

Lynn has provided years of dedicated service to WMU and the community. She is currently the Vice President of WMU’s Board of Trustees. Lynn has been a member of the WMU Foundation’s Board of Directors for over 20 years, and is currently the President of the Foundation. She also serves on WMU Foundation’s Investment Committee and the Committee on Directors. She is a member of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s Board of Directors and serves as the chair on the Investment Committee. Besides her local volunteer board involvements, Lynn is also a member of the Steering Committee for Columbia College,

Columbia University, a member of the Economics Advisory Council for

Department of Economics at Columbia University and is a COUR Member (The Committee on University Resources) for Harvard University.

Lynn was awarded the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award by Invest in Others Charitable Foundation. She is the recipient of 2019 Women of Achievement and Courage Award by Michigan Women Forward and is named by Grand Rapids Business Journal as one of The 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan 2020.

Donna Groce

Donna Groce has served as a Paralegal, Office Manager and Executive Assistant to high-level executives at American Seating, Steelcase Inc. and currently The Windquest Group.

Her formal education includes a Paralegal Degree from Ferris State University, a Bachelor’s in Business and Master’s in Management from Aquinas College.

Donna was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, raised her son and daughter in Kentwood, and continues to reside there with her husband.

Ashley Ward

Ashley Ward is the Founder and CEO of Hire For Hope, which is a boutique talent consulting and recruiting firm based in Grand Rapids. She leads community involvement, business development, and acts as the liaison between the talent optimization and recruiting departments. Ashley founded Hire For Hope in 2017 with a mission to start a philanthropic business that gives ten percent of its profit to nonprofits that empower women experiencing domestic violence. 

  Prior to founding Hire For Hope, Ashley was an Executive Recruiter for a boutique headhunting firm. She also worked for a freight brokerage business based in Cincinnati and recruited the founding team for the new Grand Rapids office. Previous to her work there, she spearheaded the recruiting efforts for a national insurance company based in Grand Rapids. Ashley received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Cornerstone University and advanced through graduate coursework in counseling.

  Ashley serves on several executive boards in the West Michigan community. She currently serves on The City of Grand Rapids’ Downtown Improvement District Board and Grand Rapids Sister Cities International Zapopan Committee. She previously served on the Board for Safe Haven Ministries where she chaired their Corporate Impact Committee, as well as the City of Grand Rapids’ Mayor’s Next Gen Advisory Board.

  Ashley is the proud recipient of recent awards such as Grand Rapids Young Professionals’ 2017 Community Advocate Award and 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year, Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2019, and Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan in 2020. Her firm Hire For Hope has received such accolades as Local First’s 2018 Good for Grand Rapids Award, as well as 2018 and 2019 Startup of the Year at the American Business Awards in NYC. 

  In her spare time, Ashley is currently working on starting a nonprofit to empower women experiencing domestic violence, and two side hustles including: The Careerist, a virtual platform for online career coaching, and Ward Ventures, a real estate investment portfolio.

  The proud mother of a 9-year-old daughter, Ashley loves a balance between spending time at home and seeking adventure. She has a passion for travel, has been skydiving three times, and enjoys cooking, yoga, and upping her chess game. Ashley’s five-year goal includes expanding her businesses to warmer climates.

Rhonda D. Huismann

Rhonda serves as the Managing Partner for Crowe’s Grand Rapids Office, as well as a member of the leadership team for the Firm’s Construction and Real Estate Services Group, with a focus on Taxation and specializing in Tax accounting methods/tax deferral planning for contractors. Rhonda participated on the development team for the Crowe Construction Contract Optimizer software and is involved with development of other technology innovation for the Construction Industry. She has over 23 years’ experience in providing tax compliance and consulting services to both companies and individuals. She serves contractors of various sizes across the US, ranging from small closely held passthroughs to multi-billion-dollar multinational public and private owned companies. 

 Rhonda is passionate about community services and serves on various boards and committees, both locally and nationally, including the YWCA of West Central Michigan, The Grand Rapids Symphony, Talent 2025, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees, The Right Place, The Better Business Bureau serving West Michigan, The Grand Rapids Public Museum, and the Construction Financial Management Association. Rhonda is passionate about working toward racial equity in our community and has been involved with a number of West Michigan initiatives around this goal.

 Rhonda grew up in Newaygo, Michigan and attended Michigan State University for her Undergraduate degree in Accounting. She joined Crowe out of college, and then obtained her Masters in Taxation from Grand Valley State University during the early stages of her career. Rhonda is a wife and a mother to an 11-year-old daughter who is an avid dancer, and they reside in Sparta, Michigan on a small hobby farm. 

 Rhonda has been recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan, 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan, as well as by the AICPA as an Emerging Leader – Woman to Watch, and is a member of the GVSU Accounting Alumni Hall of Fame.

Lori “Maranda” Cook

Maranda is the WOTV 4 Women kids and family expert. She hosts a daily segment, “Where You Live” which features a combination of information, inspiration and insights for West Michigan parents. It’s taped around West Michigan and is about real family life.

“I love the new challenges everyday and connecting people with services they want and need,” said Maranda.

Maranda joined WOOD TV8, WOTV4 and WXSP-TV in January of 2001 as Children and Family Services Manager, but has served the community as an advocate for kids and families for more than 25 years. Maranda oversees the development of station projects on-air, online and in our community that target kids and families.

Besides finding Maranda on-air and online, she is on the radio too. She is the co-author of Maranda’s Guide to Family Fun in West Michigan, a book for parents and children. Maranda also offers weekly family fun updates on STAR 105.7 and Daybreak on WOOD TV8.

Maranda serves on several community advisory boards. These include the John Ball Zoological Society Board of Directors, Cornerstone University Board of Trustees, Wedgewood Christian Services Board of Directors, Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding Board of Directors, Careforce International Advisory Board and is the spokesperson for CampFire Boys and Girls Club Incredible Kid Day.

Maranda is the recipient of three Gracie Allen Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Women in Radio and Television West Michigan Chapter, an Emmy nomination, the Hope College Distinguished Alumni Award, a 2011 YWCA Tribute! Award, the 2014 Van Andel Institute Angel of Excellence Award, and 2019 Education Advocacy Award from Kent Intermediate Association of School Boards.

Amanda Fielder

Co-Chair of Warner’s Employment Litigation Practice Group. Known for her no-nonsense approach and fierce advocacy, Amanda has established a reputation for defending employer interests in employment-related issues. Amanda’s practice covers all aspects of employment law and she has successfully defended employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wrongful discharge, as well as other statutory, contract and tort-related employment claims. Amanda also regularly defends clients against class and collective action cases involving various claims, including employment discrimination, wage and hour issues and consumer claims. Passionate about her clients’ business needs and goals, Amanda prides herself on being a critical resource, regularly counseling employers on current and relevant employee relation issues. Moreover, Amanda’s in-depth knowledge of her client’s business practices has allowed her to counsel and represent clients in antitrust investigations and proceedings. A client called Amanda a great employment law attorney, adding: “She makes an uncomfortable situation – trying an employment dispute in court – as comfortable as possible. She gives us peace of mind. On top of all that, she has educated our management team so that we can avoid potential issues in the future.” Amanda also regularly counsels and defends her clients in supply chain disputes, including, among other things, pricing disputes, breach of warranty claims and injunction actions. Amanda’s experience and expertise have earned her recognition as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyer for the past four years. She is also a member of the firm’s Management Committee.

Mary Reagan Shapton

With a passion for learning, challenges and delivering solutions, Mary Reagan Shapton took a bold step in 1991 and left Steelcase to discover what’s next. At 28 years old, she started her own business in Grand Rapids, where she was born, raised and graduated from Grand Valley State University.

Fast forward 30 years and what she’s been most proud of is building a team and bringing stakeholders together to help clients develop strategies for what’s next for their organization—whether it’s for manufacturing, health care, small business or non-profit. Strategic thinking, innovation and design fuel her agency’s approach.

A generous portion of the agency’s time is spent on community outreach and giving back through mentoring and sharing team talents. RM+D supports a number of local and neighborhood efforts, and is proud to have supported the formation of FitKids360, Gilda’s Club LaughFest, the Refugee Education Center and Opening Village Doors. Mary has been on the boards of the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation. She is a current board member of Uptown Inc., member of the Wealthy Street Business Association and serves on the advisory boards of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and K-Connect. Mary is also a partner with 85 Miles, a Michigan based start-up company featuring lifestyle apparel and dedicated to preserving and protecting the Great Lakes.

In addition to leading a team of 30 employees, Mary has her own busy family of five that she aspires to keep up with—a senior in high school, two in college and a husband that’s always concepting a new project. She pays forward what people have come to expect from RM+D—hard work, honesty and doing what’s right (while having some fun).

Sara Knoester

Sara Knoesters roots have been implanted in GR for most of her life. She is a Alumni of GRCC and GVSU. Sara owns a local certified woman owned business that specializes in inclusive staffing and recruiting. At 24 years old, she founded a business without any knowledge or experience in HR or staffing but did have determination and the will to succeed. Sara is on 3 boards in Grand Rapids, she has won 13 awards and been in 6 publications. Sara has a desire to change the world and make a difference in others life. 

Sara has overcome so much in her young life which has all helped form who she is today. Sara took a company with 1 employee in 2012, a net loss of  $26,000 in 2013 to an ever growing business employing over 1,500 people over the last 6 years. 

Gwendolyn G. Moffitt

Gwendolyn Gaines Moffitt joined the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) in 2008 as a Civil Rights Investigator in the Enforcement Division. During her tenure, she has investigated complaints of violations of Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, Michigan’s Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, HUD’s Fair Housing Act, and complaints filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Gwen has extensive experience working in the disciplines of Process Facilitation, Strategic Planning, Human Resources Recruitment and Selection, Organization and Workforce Development, Team Building, Training, Human/Employee Relations, Multiculturalism, Diversity, Racial Equity, Business Management Education, and Professional/Cross-Cultural Communications. She has worked directly for companies in various management and professional capacities including Reynolds Aluminum, Amway Corporation, Herman Miller, Inc., Seyfert, Spaulding, Tennyson, Inc. (a public relations firm), and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. She has conducted numerous consulting assignments at for profit and nonprofit organizations and devoted a considerable amount of her time to human relations, anti-racism, and equity-related causes. Gwen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alfred University (Alfred, NY) and a Master of Business Administration degree from Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, MI). She has also worked as an adjunct faculty member teaching graduate and undergraduate business management courses at the University of Phoenix and Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids.

Sandra Gaddy

Sandra Gaddy is CEO of Women’s Resource Center in Grand Rapids, MI. She previously served as vice president of advancement for Inner City Christian Federation-ICCF, and chief communication and development officer for Mel Trotter Ministries. Prior to her nonprofit work, Sandra spent 15 years in banking including serving as a Vice President in Retail and Business Banking and Wealth Management. Sandra is a passionate servant leader and social justice advocate to her core. With over 20 years of leadership experience she brings extensive expertise in team development, strategic planning, forming collaborative partnerships and fund mobilization. She’s a candidate for an Executive MBA degree from Grand Valley State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cornerstone University.

Some of her professional and community activities include:

• Hope College Board of Trustees and Executive Committee
• Michigan Non Profit Association (MNA) Board of Directors
• Grand Rapids Black Women Connect Council
• Inforum of Michigan Regional Council, West Michigan
• Grand Rapids Economic Revitalization Taskforce
• Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter

Leandra Nisbet

An entrepreneur with over 15 years of expertise in leadership, sales, and marketing, Leandra’s personal mission statement is to empower others by leading change and creating authentic, inspiring connections.

She’s passionate about leveraging her talents and resources to help others. Through Stingray Advisory Group, a two-time Grand Rapids Business Journal (GRBJ) Top Women-Owned Business honoree, she works hands-on with small-to-medium sized organizations to assist them with growth and sustainability. 

Outside of her entrepreneurial endeavors, Leandra serves on boards and committees focusing on local and state-wide initiatives. Additionally, she is the Managing Editor of Rapid Growth Media. Leandra is honored to be a GRBJ 40 Under 40 recipient.

Joan A. Budden

Liz Della Croce

Liz Della Croce is the creator and author of The Lemon Bowl®, a healthy food and travel blog. Since 2010, Liz has grown a loyal following of health-conscious readers from all over the world. Focusing on seasonal ingredients and whole foods, her collection of recipes is inspired by ethnic flavors from around the globe and the Lebanese dishes of her childhood.

Liz has appeared live on the TODAY Show and tapes regular cooking segments on her local NBC affiliate station.  Liz appeared on the cover of Woman’s World and has been featured in various national publications including Good Housekeeping Magazine, Real Simple Magazine, Shape Magazine, Food Network blog, Fitness Magazine, The Cooking Channel, TODAY Food and more.

Through healthy eating and regular exercise, Liz achieved long term weight loss success and has a passion for helping others reach similar goals. In 2013, Liz launched Healthy Habits, a feature on The Lemon Bowl where her loyal readers and growing audience can find practical advice, resources and information on creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Liz graduated from Boston University with a degree in Hospitality Administration and a minor in Marketing Management. She and her husband reside in East Grand Rapids, MI along with their two young boys ages 5 and 7.

Connect with Liz directly on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or via email: Liz@thelemonbowl.com

Sarah Tupper

Maven of management, from the minor to most major details. Social circle stretcher. Former hockey player who’s never lost her sharpness and competitive edge. Proud mom to a band of brilliant boys.

 As an instrumental player in the West Michigan hospitality scene, Sarah has developed varied events programs, grown a huge network of collaborative vendors and provided both strategic planning and consultation to a diverse network of clients. 

Sarah understands what makes the Midwest special and unique, and has dedicated her career to connecting with Midwest women about what makes them special and unique as cannabis consumers. Sarah Jane is a female owned cannabis company that provides canna-curious women with education, resources and products designed to reframe and customize her cannabis experience with mature conversation and sophisticated products. With her strong business savvy and exceptional organization, she’s leading the development of Sarah Jane’s long and short term strategies within the state of Michigan with plans for future expansion.

 Cannabis has helped make Sarah a flexible thinker, open minded, and has given her the ability to stay present and focus on tasks at hand. Sarah Jane is an extension of these vibes with the hope that it will help other women live their life to the fullest. Cannabis has evolved and so have you.

Daily Mantra: Illegitimi non carborundum – “Don’t let the bastards grind you down “

Rachel (Bartels) Gray

Rachel (Bartels) Gray is the Executive Director for Hello West Michigan, the region’s talent attraction and retention organization. She leads the strategy, operations, and membership for the organization, which promotes West Michigan as a great place to live and work. Previously, Rachel worked as the Program Manager for Hello West Michigan, marketing for Aquinas College Career Services, and as an intern at Celebration! Cinema. She was named Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 Under 40 in 2018.

Diane Griffin

Diane Griffin is an international business woman with an insurmountable work ethic, a drive for building and leading successful businesses and a desire to create endless opportunities for everyone around her. Not only does she play a major role leading organizational strategy across multiple businesses within Keller Williams Realty as a business owner and coach, Diane has a passion for amplifying the voices and lives of women around the world through the organization she co-founded, The 5 Dolls Network. She is a mother of two, a competitive triathlete (currently training for her second Ironman) and a tireless advocate for the community – serving on several non-profit boards and advisory committees throughout the Grand Rapids area.

Michelle Van Dyke

Michelle Van Dyke serves as President & CEO of Heart of West Michigan United Way and has held this position since January 2016.

Previously, Michelle was the president of Fifth Third Mortgage Company. Michelle joined Fifth Third Bank in 2001 through the acquisition of Old Kent Bank, and assumed the position of executive vice president of Retail Banking. In 2004, she was named president and CEO of the Western Michigan affiliate. She later was named regional president for each of Fifth Third Bank’s Michigan affiliates. In 2009, Van Dyke assumed the responsibility for the St. Louis affiliates and the Ohio affiliates in 2011.

In 2014, she accepted the role of president of Fifth Third Mortgage Company.

While at Old Kent, Van Dyke served as senior vice president and manager of the Central U.S. Mortgage region. She was named president of Old Kent Bank, Illinois, in 2000.

Van Dyke received her bachelor’s degree in business economics from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Van Dyke serves on the boards of Davenport University, Spectrum Health System, and Fifth Third Bank, Western Michigan.

Van Dyke was named one of American Banker’s “25 Most Powerful Women in Banking” in 2007, 2012, 2013, and 2014, and a “Woman to Watch” in 2005, 2010, 2011, and 2015. In 2013, Van Dyke was named a “Woman of Achievement and Courage” by the Michigan Women’s Foundation. In 2014, 2018, and 2019 Van Dyke was named one of “The 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan” by the Grand Rapids Business Journal.

Tara McCrackin

Tara has had a long career balancing both her love for design and her passion for education. She has had the privilege of working in corporate workplace design through a furniture dealer, a furniture manufacturer, and with an architecture firm. Concurrent to that, Tara was teaching design as an adjunct instructor at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD). After a decade of balancing, she made the decision of what she wanted to be when she grows up, and that was an educator. In 2019 her ideas of what it means to be an educator evolved as she stepped into the role of President at KCAD. If you were to ask Tara what makes her adaptable and what skills she brings to leadership, she would share that designers are problem solvers and relationship builders. This is her secret sauce.

Milinda Ysasi

Milinda Ysasi was born in Grand Rapids and grew up on the Southeast side of the city. She attended Catholic Central and Grand Valley State University. She has been married to her husband, Rafael Castanon for over ten years. They live in Creston.

Milinda Ysasi leads The SOURCE, an organization focused on reducing employment barriers and creating opportunities for mobility for employees that work for their partner organizations. The SOURCE began as an idea by local CEO’s who wanted to retain talent in their companies and understood that talent is a differentiator for success.

Prior to The SOURCE, Milinda worked in human resources at Cascade Engineering, Herman Miller and Spectrum Health. She received her executive MBA from Michigan State University in 2019. In November 2019, Milinda was elected to serve as a City Commissioner for the 2nd Ward of the Grand Rapids.

Milinda is a co-founder of the Latina Network of West Michigan, an organic collective focused on changing the Latina narrative in the region. She was a 2018 Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Job Quality Fellow. Milinda serves on the Chemical Bank West Michigan community board and the West Michigan Works! legislative committee.

Milinda has been recognized for her commitment and leadership with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Young Professional award, the GVSU Alumni Service award, GR Business Journal 40 under forty, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network-GR DoGooder and Exemplary Executive awards, GR Business Journal 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan and as one of 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan.

Lizzie Williams

Lizzie Williams leads internal communications & philanthropy efforts for OST, a technology and design consulting firm headquartered in Grand Rapids. She is a Grand Rapids native and currently resides in the Creston neighborhood with her husband, Steve, and their two boys. Lizzie received the Grand Rapids Chamber Young Professional ATHENA Award in 2014 for demonstrating leadership in her field, creating opportunities for women, and for contributing time and talent to the community. She now serves on the Executive Committee for the Grand Rapid ATHENA Council, the Board of Directors for the Saint Mary’s Foundation, and she is on the Board of Advisors for her family’s business, Williams Distributing/Williams Kitchen & Bath. Lizzie is a firm believer in the impact of investing in people, places, and products that align to an individual’s values.

Linsey Gleason

Linsey joined Varnum LLP in 2008 and was elected to the partnership effective January of 2015.  Her legal practice includes estate and tax planning, trust administration, guardianships and conservatorships, elder law, and special needs planning.  She is passionate about counseling her clients and helping them to identify and achieve their immediate and long-term estate planning and philanthropic goals.  In 2015 she earned credentials as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®.   

Linsey was honored by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a member of the 2019 class of Women in the Law, was named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan in 2020 by the Grand Rapids Business Journal, and was also included in the 2019, 2020 and 2021 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and in Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2019 and 2020 lists of Top Lawyers in Michigan.  Linsey was named a Michigan Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine for six consecutive years, and was an ATHENA Young Professional Award finalist in 2013 and 2015.  In 2016 she received the Center for Community Leadership Create GReat Award, and in 2017 she was awarded the 3-in-10 Award by the Grand Rapids Bar Association.  

Linsey is currently the Chairperson of the Grand Rapids Public Museum Foundation Board of Trustees, is the past Chairperson of and continues to serve on Board of Directors of Senior Neighbors, Inc, and also serves on the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Board of Directors, the Grand Rapids Whitewater, Inc. Campaign Cabinet and the Grand Action 2.0 Advisory Committee.  She is the former Chair of the Probate and Estate Planning section of the Grand Rapids Bar Association and Past President of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan – Western Region, and has served on many other community non-profit boards.  She is a proud graduate of the Leadership Grand Rapids Class of 2013, and is one of Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s 100 New Philanthropists.  Linsey loves to live, work and play in Grand Rapids, but in her free time enjoys traveling as much as possible (when circumstances permit!).

Kim Mclaughlin

Kim McLaughlin is the Vice President Organizational Development and Engagement at Wolverine Building Group, an ENR Top 400 General Contractor and one of West Michigan’s most respected construction firms.  Kim has been with Wolverine since 2018 and currently responsible for marketing, community relations, internal communication and employee engagement, strategic direction and leadership development and core competencies. Prior to Wolverine, Kim was the Vice President of Member and Community Enrichment at the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and was responsible for the Chamber’s leadership development programs.  Kim serves on the Board of Trustees at the Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Foundation, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County and the city of Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Economic Development.

Heather Schuch

Heather Schuch has built a phenomenal career at Steelcase, Inc. Her tenure with the company includes having positions within Finance, IT, and now Procurement. Her insights, expertise, and creativity give the business clarity to help fulfill its goals. Heather’s work has impacted multiple departments including Sales, Quality, Procurement, etc. She thrives when creating reports, due to how it helps people understand the data in order to make sound business decisions. Today, Heather is a Leader on the Procurement Analytics Team. She leads the structuring of the procurement data by ensuring it is global, accurate, and comprehensive. The data is then used to make business decisions through comprehensive reports created with SAP Business Warehouse and Tableau (a data visualization software). In her previous role, Heather had worked on the Business Intelligence team in charge of rolling out Tableau to multiple departments within Steelcase. She was the Community of Practice (CoP) Lead and Admin for Tableau during this time. She has also worked in multiple Finance roles during her career. Heather was selected to join the Heart of West Michigan United Way’s Women United Advisory Committee. Women United is dedicated to empowering and enhancing the lives of women and girls in our community with confidence, resources, and skills to achieve their life goals. Outside of work, she enjoys hanging out with her family, volunteering, and golfing & playing softball during the summer.

Charissa Huang

Charissa Huang represents survivors of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation at work and school. Charissa holds a special interest in civil rights, advocating for individuals at all stages of life including minors, young professionals, and seasoned executives.  Charissa was named to the 40 & Under Hot List by Benchmark Litigation in 2019 and 2020, which commemorates the most notable, up-and-coming attorneys in the nation, in the areas of employment, commercial litigation, and product liability. 

Charissa has also served as trusted litigation counsel for a variety of business clients, and since 2016, has been recognized as a “Rising Star” in the area of personal injury by Super Lawyers magazine – an honor conferred upon the top 2.5 percent of Michigan attorneys under the age of 40 or within their first 10 years of practice. Charissa is a board member of Grand Rapids Pride Center and the OutPro Council for the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, and was recently appointed by the Board of Commissioners of the State Bar of Michigan to serve as a member of her district’s Character and Fitness Committee.

Hannah Berry

Hannah Berry, Founder of Lions & Rabbits and After Dark GR firmly believes in the powers of the community. By understanding how the City’s heart ticks, Hannah has found ways to integrate local artwork into our everyday lives. From public art to intentional event planning, Berry is working with local artists to create more beauty in everything we touch.

Jamie Dionne

Jamie has worked in media sales for 15 years and has called MLive her professional home since 2013. Her deepest sense of purpose is to help each person realize their potential and achieve a fulfilling and successful career. The media landscape has been one of rapid change, challenge and innovation, and Jamie strives to lead with an unwavering positivity and a focus on “what’s possible”. Outside of the office, which looks more like a green sofa and laptop table these days, she loves adventuring with her 6 year old daughter Charlie, running, traveling to new places and writing / singing music. Jamie believes in and works to create a culture of empathy, feedback and trust, both personally and professionally.

Diana Lawson

Diana Lawson, joined GVSU in July, 2014 as Dean of the Seidman College of Business. She brings extensive experience leading business programs and a wealth of international engagement to GVSU. From 2003-2006, Dean Lawson also held the Harvey Randall Wickes Chair in International Business at Saginaw Valley State University.

She has held dean positions at the Herberger Business School at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, and was previously faculty and interim dean at the University of Maine’s College of Business, Public Policy, and Health. Dean Lawson is respected nationally and internationally, and held positions as an invited and visiting professor and scholar at universities in France, Moldova, and Turkey as well as at Harvard University.

Dean Lawson earned her Ph.D. from Kent State University, an M.B.A. and Master’s degree from Kent State, and a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York College at Cortland.  In addition to administrative responsibilities, Dr. Lawson teaches in Seidman’s Executive MBA in the areas of Change Management and Leadership.

Holly Visser

Holly Visser is the community engagement events coordinator for Gazelle Sports. She oversees a diverse collection of signature events, most notable the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon. She is the race director for the event, having been involved since it’s inception. Holly has as passion for fitness and the outdoors. She serves as the North Country Trails Association member and donor relations coordinator. Holly manages communications and outreach for the Fellow Flowers Crew, helping to cultivate relationships and build up programming events. Holly is a mission minded individual who works to connect people with vital organizations within the community.