Recent Brilliance Awards Finalists 2026 Articles

Cathy Cooper

Cathy Cooper

Executive Director, Meijer LPGA Classic Cathy Cooper began her career in retail management for Meijer, followed by leadership roles in business development, financial services, foods marketing, vendor marketing partnerships, charitable giving, and ultimately developed...

Kelsey Lee

Kelsey Lee

Founder & Executive Director | Dance Playhouse Kelsey Lee is a visionary expanding access to the arts and empowering local creatives. Over the last decade, she’s built a career performing, teaching, and choreographing throughout the U.S. and abroad. After the...

Bincy Sines, CFP, AIF

Bincy Sines, CFP, AIF

Owner, Kumon of Grand Rapids | Owner, Level Up Coaching and Consulting Bincy Sines is a West Michigan entrepreneur, educator, and financial coach with over 21 years of business leadership experience. At just 26 years old, she launched her tutoring center in Grand...

Sarah Marilyn

Sarah Marilyn

Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist | Answer Health Sarah Marilyn is a resilient, creative, and encouraging leader who brings heart, hustle, and a whole lot of storytelling magic to everything she does. A former journalist turned Senior Marketing and...

Janis Petrini

Janis Petrini

Founder & Co-Owner, The Express Employment Professionals Companies Janis Petrini is Founder and Co-Owner of Express Employment Professionals and Specialized Recruiting Group – Grand Rapids, and Frontline Training Solutions. For 30 years, she has advanced workforce...

Celeste Ross, MBA, SHRM-CP

Celeste Ross, MBA, SHRM-CP

Organizational Development Manager | Praxis Packaging Solutions Celeste Ross is a purpose-driven powerhouse dedicated to developing leaders and strengthening organizations across West Michigan. She serves as a Happiness Activator, HR and Organizational Development...

Kathleen Vogelsang, CFA

Kathleen Vogelsang, CFA

Co-CEO & Co-CIO, Bostwick Investment Consulting Kathleen B. Vogelsang, CFA, is a seasoned investment executive and community leader in West Michigan. She served for twenty years as Chief Investment Officer of the Van Andel Institute, building its Endowment...

Raquel Juarez

Raquel Juarez

VP, Small Business Relationship Manager | Comerica Bank a division of Fifth Third Bank, N.A. Raquel Juarez is a relationship-driven leader dedicated to strengthening the West Michigan business community through meaningful connections. With over 20 years of experience...

Dr. Kim M. Childress, EdD, MS, LLPC

Dr. Kim M. Childress, EdD, MS, LLPC

Anti-Human Trafficking Therapist, Wedgwood Christian Services Dr. Kim M. Childress is a compassionate mental health therapist and advocate dedicated to walking alongside individuals on their healing journeys. She provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive care...

Latricia Trice

Latricia Trice

Founder & CEO | LTrice Marketing & Consulting Latricia Trice is a trusted community connector who has built her career intentionally supporting the advancement and elevation of women, young adults, and professionals of color across West Michigan and beyond....