Michigan Women's Foundation 2014 Women of Achievement and Courage Luncheon will honor women who have made a significant difference in healthcare and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and vision in making our communities and state a better place to live. The event will be held Tuesday, April 22, at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids. Registration begins at 11:15 a.m., and the luncheon takes place from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
2014 Honorees
Carol Van Andel, executive director, David and Carol Van Andel Foundation
The David and Carol Van Andel Foundation supports a variety of social and community programs, including YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, scholarships and other support to local centers of higher education, and sponsorship of initiatives such as Michigan Make A Wish Foundation and the West Michigan Food Bank-initiated “Million Meal March.” Carol Van Andel, a trustee at Davenport University, hosted the second annual Breast Cancer Luncheon in Grand Rapids last November, which focused on research, celebrated local survivors, and encouraged women to be advocates for their own health.
Micki Benz, regional vice president of communications and advocacy, Mercy Health
Micki Benz serves on the board of directors for Grand Rapids African American Health Institute, a nonprofit organization committed to advocating for health parity in the African American community; Literacy Center of West Michigan; and Legacy Trust. She was named one of the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan in 2012.
Marsha D. Rappley, MD, dean, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Before taking on this role with MSU, Dr. Marsha Rappley practiced as a pediatrician in East Lansing and served as chair of the Food and Drug Administration’s Pediatric Advisory Committee. She is nationally recognized for her expertise in problems of learning and behavior in children, particularly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Teresa Hendricks-Pitsch, executive director, Michigan Migrant Legal Aid
A breast cancer survivor, Teresa Hendricks-Pitsch is active in raising awareness about the disease, particularly for women with dense breast tissue that can mask cancerous growths. She began a campaign to raise money for research and treatment by selling “breast cancer bead” bracelets (which she strated creating while undergoing chemotherapy) on Etsy.com.
Tammy Born Huizenga, DO, CEO, Born Preventative Health Care
Dr. Tammy Born Huizenga has a special interest in care and treatment from a nutritional and preventative basis. She was appointed to the Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery by Gov. John Engler and later served as its president. She has also served on several advisory committees with the Department of Health and Human Services, at the federal level.
Event sponsorships are available at several levels and will help support the mission of the Michigan Women’s Foundation. The foundation invests its resources in ways that impact demonstrable change, such as investing in women entrepreneurs and advancing the next generation of young women leaders through collaborative partnerships and programming.
To discuss sponsorships, reserve a table, or purchase tickets, please contact Judy Welch at 616.308.7389 or by email at [email protected]
