2024 Legacy of Brilliance Recipient
Christy Buck | be nice.
With more than 36 years of experience in the mental health field, Buck's passion for transforming and saving lives through mental health education led her to develop two mental health and suicide prevention programs: be nice. and be nice. extension (previously Live Laugh Love.) In addition to being a keynote speaker, Buck and her staff have passionately presented to over 300,000 people in West Michigan on mental health awareness, bullying and suicide prevention since 2006. Buck has been involved with numerous community organizations and coalitions, along with becoming a certified instructor for QPR and Mental Health First Aid, for which she has been recognized as one of the top 100 instructors in the country. Buck has alos been awarded the American Red Cross Hometown Hero Award, 50 Most Influential Women In West Michigan, Daughters of the American Revolution Women In Hisotry Award, and was a Brilliance Awards Woman of the Year finalist in 2019. Of all her accomplishments, Buck's family brings her the most joy. She is "yiayia" to three beautiful grandchildren, and with husband Tim is the proud mom of Demetrios, Katerina, and Isabella. Buck protects her mental health by dominating in trivia every Wednesday night with her friends and spending time at her second home in Manistee, Michigan. She is a proud graduate of Michigan State University and is a devoted member of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Press Release: 'West Michigan Woman' Name Christy Buck Recipient of 2024 Legacy of Brilliance Award.
2023 Legacy of Brilliance Recipient
Diana Sieger
An effective community, statewide and national leader with a passion for making a positive impact, Diana Sieger has served as President of Grand Rapids Community Foundation since 1987. Through community problem-solving, policy development and advocacy, she has fearlessly moved forward to address key issues, leading transformative initiatives to support all in West Michigan through her more than 35 years of dedicated service to the Community Foundation. Under Sieger's leadership, the Community Foundation grew its financial assets from $38 million to $387 million from a staff of three to more than 30.
Among her many accomplishments and areas of recognition, Sieger has led efforts that have opened the organization to community input and leadership in decision making, including a formal commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.