Recent Profile Articles

A Story of Grace: Tammy Born Huizenga, D.O.

A Story of Grace: Tammy Born Huizenga, D.O.

It's contagious. From the moment Tammy Born Huizenga, D.O., first says "Hello," her enthusiasm, upbeat attitude, hopefulness, insatiable curiosity, and incessant desire to know, do, and be more are apparent. She lives, breathes and loves her occupation. Tammy, who...

At the Top of the Pack

At the Top of the Pack

Though Kimberly Hammond and her Merrill Lynch wealth management team—Hammond, Martin & Associates—work quietly and diligently for their clients throughout West Michigan, the work they do speaks volumes. And it hasn't gone unnoticed, with the Financial Times...

This Is What I Want to Do: Paola Mendivil

This Is What I Want to Do: Paola Mendivil

Paola Mendivil, born in Mexico City, enjoyed growing up near family—playing with cousins, participating in huge New Year's Eve parties, having fun. Living in three Mexican states and attending several schools gave her different perspectives. Her exposure to how big...

Fighter. Survivor. Valiant Victor. Deb Bailey.

Fighter. Survivor. Valiant Victor. Deb Bailey.

West Michigan Woman, host of the annual breast cancer charity event Wine & Wig, is pleased to announce that the first ever "Valiant Victor Award" was presented at the event on October 3, 2019. With the event in its seventh year, it seems appropriate to acknowledge...

Bonnie Nawara: On GROW and Empowering Women.

Bonnie Nawara: On GROW and Empowering Women.

Bonnie Nawara, an entrepreneur herself, came on board Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women as CEO nine years ago. Nawara reflects on GROW's impact in West Michigan as it celebrates 30 years. What does GROW's 30th anniversary mean to Grand Rapids?This milestone equates...

Creating a Legacy of Love and Belonging: Sandy Ward

Creating a Legacy of Love and Belonging: Sandy Ward

Sandy Ward tells a story: When her late husband, Cedric, was in the fourth grade, his teacher invited him to be part of a local theater production. African American children were needed for roles and Cedric enthusiastically accepted the invitation. Being a part of...

Mira Krishnan: Leap Into the Sharp Points

Mira Krishnan: Leap Into the Sharp Points

Mira Krishnan, Ph.D., never really thought she'd stay in Michigan. Her parents, chemists by trade, arrived from India before their only child was born, believing in the American dream. They moved around the Detroit area, living in Sterling Heights until Mira was in...

Not Your Ordinary Cookies

Not Your Ordinary Cookies

When she's not eating or sleeping, Rebecca Cruttenden is swimming, biking, and running to train for her yearly Ironman triathalon—basically, taking on the world. But that's not all. She's also baking and delivering cookies, speaking, and coordinating volunteers for...

Moving Boldly

Moving Boldly

West Michigan Woman sat down with newly appointed Grand Valley State University president Dr. Philomena V. Mantella to get her take on the future of higher education, her goals for GVSU as its first female president, why she's excited to live and work in West...