FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
‘WEST MICHIGAN WOMAN’ NAMES DIANA SIEGER
RECIPIENT OF FIRST-EVER LEGACY OF BRILLIANCE AWARD
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 25, 2023 – Award recognizes Sieger’s celebrated career and significant contributions to West Michigan.
West Michigan Woman, a magazine and online community for the multi-faceted, fierce and empowered woman in West Michigan, has announced that Diana Sieger, President of Grand Rapids Community Foundation, will be honored with the first-ever Legacy of Brilliance Award at the upcoming seventh annual Brilliance Awards, taking place May 17 at the Amway Grand Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids.
The newly created Legacy of Brilliance Award, chosen directly by the West Michigan Woman team, is presented to a well-respected woman who has a reputation for showing up for her team, her network and her community throughout the entirety of her exceptional career. The Legacy of Brilliance Award recognizes a woman who for years—perhaps even decades—has given of herself, personally and professionally, to better the lives of those around her and the place we call home. She's someone who everyone can share a story about, and has worked tirelessly over time to ensure progress is always being made. Through every interaction, this woman has helped lay the stepping stones for others to excel. She inspires, cheers others on, has broken barriers and is celebrated for the path she has paved.
“When we began the planning process for this year’s Brilliance Awards, we knew we wanted to create something new to really recognize and celebrate those women who have contributed so much, for so long to our community,” said Kasie Smith, President & Publisher of West Michigan Woman. “After nailing down exactly what qualities the Legacy of Brilliance Award recipient should embody, the team knew Diana was undoubtedly the perfect choice. We’re thrilled to honor her and her tremendous contributions in this way.”
The Legacy of Brilliance Award will join the 10 existing categories given out at the annual Brilliance Awards event: Mentorship, Connector, Social Change Agent, Team Player, Tenacity, Champion of Service, Entrepreneur, Emerging Leader, Best Supporting Man, and Woman of the Year.
“It is an honor to be recognized with the Legacy of Brilliance Award,” Sieger said. “As I reflect on my career, I think of the mentors, colleagues and friends who shaped and supported me and the work of Grand Rapids Community Foundation. We each have the opportunity to create a stronger, more vibrant community through our personal and professional work. I’m proud to have done that and am inspired by the many outstanding finalists in each category of the Brilliance Awards this year.”
An effective community, statewide and national leader with a passion for making a positive impact, 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 and from a staff of three to more than 30. Among her many accomplishments and areas of recognition, Sieger has lead efforts that have opened the organization to community input and leadership in decision making, including a formal commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Each year, the Brilliance Awards recognize the dynamic talent, spirit and intellect of those who tackle issues facing professional women. Focusing on nominees who are committed to creating positive change and excel in their fields, the Brilliance Awards shine a light on local leaders within the West Michigan community who truly elevate others and blaze trails of inspiration.
Ticket and table information can be found at: https://westmichiganwoman.com/brilliance-awards
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