Recent Profile Articles
"It all starts with knowing better, then doing better." South East Market is more than a market—it's a mission. The new Grand Rapids store goes beyond the usual grocery store, fighting for a better world. They're starting with food justice, working to reduce...
Ana Ramirez-Saenz, founder and owner of La Fuente Consulting, knows that global communication is a large part of many different industries, including those here in West Michigan. That's why she's now founded La Fuente Communications, a diversity, equity and inclusion...
Every evening, Nadia Brigham runs through the things she did that day in her mind. No, not tasks and meetings. Instead, she takes stock of the moments of humanity and connectivity she experiences with others. This centering daily practice is only one example of...
"This is how I was made." After 20 years in medicine, Dr. Abha Varma has launched a website, blog and cooking channel, all while continuing to work as a primary care physician for the underserved at Cherry Health. She takes great pride in her Indian origins and...
On January 1, 2021, Megan Feenstra Wall, Architect, Mathison | Mathison Architects, will become the first woman to serve as President of the American Institute of Architects Grand Rapids (AIA GR), an organization dedicated to advancing the value of architects and to...
No. She is not moving back to Germany. After three decades with The Right Place, it seemed President and CEO Birgit Klohs would forever be the face of the organization. Yet as retirement looms nigh, she forges ahead, committed to helping Grand Rapids and surrounding...
Robyn Afrik, who was appointed the first Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Director for Ottawa County in June 2019, notes DEI holds many definitions these days. Depending on which sector you're in, you may not even know it's an issue. What was your career trajectory?...
Jennifer Brougham always knew she wanted to be an attorney—she even wrote a letter to her father describing why when she was 10 years old. But before graduating from Notre Dame Law School and becoming a lawyer with McShane & Bowie, P.L.C. in Grand Rapids, Brougham...
"I often questioned why God called me to this role when most of it seemed insurmountable." October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Safe Haven Executive Director Megan Hopkins reminds us that the issue does not discriminate and continues to be prevalent in West...
"What are you doing to change your community? What are you doing with your unique gifts?" You may already know Tasha Blackmon—or perhaps you became acquainted with her in May 2019, when she graced the cover of West Michigan Woman. Today, the CEO and President of...