Recent Brilliance Awards Finalists 2020 Articles

Michelle Peña

Michelle Peña

Senior Director of Leadership Giving Make-A-Wish Michigan Brilliant Champion of Service Ellie carries the torch for many fundraising initiatives that have grown to be record-breaking under her leadership. These funds are vital to Make-A-Wish’s mission and without the...

Michelle Gordon

REALTOR® / Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate JH Realty Partners /Gordon Group Brilliant Connector Despite working in a competitive field, when Michelle sees a need for something or that someone has need, she will make it her business to find out who can help and...

Marissa VanderWeele

Director of Operations Full Circle Care Brilliant Champion of Service Starting out as a direct-care worker, today Marissa leads a new path toward a different care model for young adults with severe disabilities, and their families. This strategy brings parents,...

Lisa Gustafson

Executive Director Customer Experience Brilliant Team Player Throughout Lisa’s 40-year journey with Consumers Energy, she’s remained a champion for people, leading with a heart of service that ensures the team crosses the finish line together. Lisa offers thoughtful,...

Charmeka Newton, Ph.D.

Psychologist Pine Rest Mental Health Services Brilliant Social Change Agent Dr. Charmeka Newton is a psychologist at Pine Rest Mental Health Services and faculty member at Western Michigan University. Outside of her work at Pine Rest and in the classroom, she...

Bobbi Hines

Shareholder Kreis Enderle Hudgins & Borsos, PC Brilliant Tenacity At age 16, Bobbi found herself in a predicament: pregnant with little support. Despite the challenges, Bobbi finished high school, attended college and put herself through law school. Years later,...

Ellie Wilcox

Senior Director of Leadership Giving Make-A-Wish Michigan Brilliant Champion of Service Ellie carries the torch for many fundraising initiatives that have grown to be record-breaking under her leadership. These funds are vital to Make-A-Wish’s mission and without the...

Relando Thompkins Jones

Director of Social Justice Education Grand Valley State University Brilliant Best Supporting Man Relando advocates and promotes violence prevention work with unrelenting dedication at Grand Valley State University, where he co-facilitates workshops on healthy...

Valencia Agnew, Ph.D., LLPhD, DBTC

Senior Director of Leadership Giving Make-A-Wish Michigan Brilliant Champion of Service Ellie carries the torch for many fundraising initiatives that have grown to be record-breaking under her leadership. These funds are vital to Make-A-Wish’s mission and without the...

Joel Kozlowicz

Facilities Manager Rockford Construction Brilliant Best Supporting Man Despite working in a male-dominated industry, Joel is dedicated to advocating for and empowering women. From day-to-day interactions to long-term projects, he takes the time to teach and share his...