WhizBang! Retail Training Mentor Susan Negen has helped thousands of independent retailers from Michigan and beyond reach their potential through WhizBang! Retail Training. Getting her start as a senior executive for retail giants like Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Lord...

Grand Rapids Symphony Mentor Born and raised in West Michigan, Salina Bishop’s Cuban American upbringing taught her to be selfless, a hard worker and a catalyst for good. Salina has dedicated her professional life to missions larger than herself, from a career at...

Comprehensive Therapy Center Champion of Service  Nicholette Driggs, CFLE says her passion and greatest joy has always been connecting with other people. With her unique skillset and knowledge, she’s able to connect people, whether it be with each other, services,...

Camp Shout Out Inc./Chmela Communication Center Champion of Service  Kristin A. Chmela, M.A., CCC-SLP, BCS-F, has passionately served children who stutter, families, graduate students, and professionals for 35 years. Along with her colleague Julie Raynor, Kristin...

Trinity Health Grand Rapids Champion of Service  Rev. Joanna Bailey is a Presbyterian Church (USA) minister, mother and wife. Healthcare ministry is her calling, and she’s drawn to caring conversations with the healthcare workforce at all levels. Known to be a...

I Understand Social Change Agent After the loss of her husband, Rob, in 2003, Vonnie Woodrick’s life was forever changed. She was forced to live a life without her loving partner and father of their three children. Life after loss was devastating, and her passion grew...

The StoreHouse of Community Resources Social Change Agent Jessica Johns began her career as an elementary school teacher, spending four years teaching in inner city schools, offering her a unique perspective into pervasive poverty. Upon moving to Grand Rapids in 2004,...

Michigan African American Health Institute Social Change Agent Vanessa Greene is a leader and strategist specializing in racial and health equity, with an over 30-year track record of getting things done and maintaining her commitment to social justice and equity....

AVWELLNESS  Tenacity Amanda Villarreal, Owner of AVWELLNESS, is known as a health and wellness ambassador, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and more. What most don’t realize is Amanda struggles daily with a very rare circulatory/vascular condition called...

Koop & Burr Insurance Tenacity Alma Ross is a professional and author who has dedicated her career to serving her clients and empowering the Latina community. Born in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico, Alma immigrated to the U.S. at 14 without knowing English and...