An hour of story-telling and inspiration with West Michigan's most influential women.
Bring your life in focus with the help of some of West Michigan’s most inspiring women!
Join us for Beyond the Fold, an evening of story-telling, laughter and inspiration. Our powerful panel of some who have graced the cover of West Michigan Woman magazine will share the stage and address real life topics including professional life, family, politics, relationships, community, health and more.
Come celebrate all that you are - and all that you’re meant to be in 2020!
Online ticket sales are now closed. Tickets may be purchased at the door!
Ticket price: $40
Your ticket includes light appetizers and wine/beer.
Details
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2020
Location: The Lit GR
Dress Code: Snappy casual attire
Ticket Price: $40
Agenda
5:00 p.m. Networking
6:00 p.m. Program begins
7:00 p.m. Networking resumes
7:30 p.m. Event concludes
Meet the panelists and moderator
Click on the photos below to read more about these inspiring women!
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Meredith Bronk
CEO & President, OST
Topic of discussion: True leadership requires love and strength.
Meredith Bronk understands the needs of a dynamic growing organization and leverages her strong leadership capabilities to bring creative solutions to clients while maintaining a strong organizational culture. It is this vision, passion and empathy that she brings to leading OST and it’s 200+ employees every day. In addition, Meredith serves on several professional and community board of directors including the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, United Bank of Michigan and SecurAlarm Systems, Inc.
Meredith is married with three daughters. When she is not dedicating time to OST, she can often be found on the softball diamond teaching girls the fundamentals. She openly shares the lessons learned during her playing career and how they are applicable at work – and to life in general.
Sandra A. Gaddy
CEO, Women’s Resource Center
Topic of discussion: The importance of community.
Sandra Gaddy is the CEO of Women’s Resource Center, an organization whose mission is to equip women to achieve purpose, fulfillment and financial stability through meaningful employment. 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 Vice-Chair; Inforum of Michigan Regional Council, West Michigan; Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter
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.
Sara Lachman
Lunar Cycle & FiTONIC
Topic of discussion: The Messiness of Happiness: The Truth About Living Your (Im)perfect & Best Life
Sara is an entrepreneur and attorney. An experienced real estate litigator since 2004, Sara is a strong problem solver with a record of success and notable accolades. Those include being named one of the 4 Top Real Estate Litigators in West Michigan by Grand Rapids Magazine, recipient of ATHENA Young Professional Award, and recipient of Top Michigan Women in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. In addition to her ongoing legal practice, Sara is also the Co-Founder of LUNAR CYCLE, a revolutionary indoor cycling studio that launched its flagship location in Grand Rapids this January, and the Founder of FiTONIC, the maker of supplements to support intermittent fasting, healthy weight loss, improved energy, and youthful skin.
Joan Budden
President & CEO, Priority Health
Topic of discussion: What motivates me.
Joan Budden is the President and CEO of Priority Health. Under Budden’s leadership, Priority Health has become the second-largest health plan in Michigan and the fourth-largest provider-sponsored health plan in the country. Budden has led Priority Health’s focus on prevention and quality, while constantly working to make sure members get the right care, at the right place, at the right time, for the right price. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Detroit and Grand Rapids Economic Clubs, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Universal Forest Products and Independent Bank Corporation. Budden also serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP), a national leadership organization focused on advocating for better health care nationwide.
Joan is a mother of two and is an “empty nester” with her husband Doug.
Peaches McCahill
President, The McCahill Group
Topic of discussion: Self-reliance.
Peaches McCahill is the President of The McCahill Group, a Grand Rapids health, fitness, and beauty consulting practice with a mission to inspire others to live a healthy and more meaningful life. Her unique entrepreneurial, education and bottom-line orientation has provided her clients with a full range of services including brand development and cultural architecture to integration of on-site staffing. Her hands-on approach to projects keeps her involved, aware, and in touch with the latest trends in the industry.
Shelley Irwin
Host/Producer of The WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin
Panel Moderator
From Physical Therapist to Broadcast Journalist, following up on true talents is Shelley’s passion. She also graced the cover of West Michigan Woman June 2013 issue, making her the perfect person to serve as our event Moderator.
Shelley is passionate about serving the community including Board member-GR Chamber, Mind Meets Music, Alternatives in Motion; University Club of GR-Immediate Past President; Committees including Girls Choral Academy Whole Notes, GVSU Health Ambassador, Ehlers Transit, Pine Rest Dinner Committee, Family Promise Advisor, Athena, Michigan Women's Foundation Event Planning, Kitchen Sage, Inside Dish Grct, Shakespeare Festival GVSU Honorary, Habitat for Humanity Women's Build, Gazelle Girls Half Marathon Advisory, American Heart Association Executive Leadership, Grand Awards Selection, Mel Trotter Golf Outing, GRCC 100th Anniversary Event, Press Club of GR, Member-GR Lions, Inforum and Press Club of GR.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Event Sponsor
