Recent Profile Articles
Understanding has long been Vonnie Woodrick's guiding principle in everything she does. As founder of "i understand"—a nonprofit that provides compassionate comfort and understanding for those affected by suicide or mental/brain health illness and pain—Woodrick is...
With over 30 years of philanthropic leadership, Michelle Rabideau, CFRE, MPA, has raised over $125 million for causes in healthcare, education, and women's empowerment. As President of Saint Mary's Foundation, she has been instrumental in advancing community...
Catherine Ripley—a trailblazing entrepreneur, mentor, and advocate for women in technology and business—is the 2025 Brilliance Awards Woman of the Year. Ripley comes from a long line of very strong women. "I like to say that's where I get my courage, but it's really...
Have you tried Grand Rapids' original Korean BBQ yet? We caught up with "Oma" Myong Sun Yoon Holloway, co-owner of K-Rok AYCE Korean BBQ and Karaoke Restaurant, to hear more about growing up in Korea, how her culture has influenced her approach to food today, advice...
Jenn Gavin, CPDT-KA, FPPE, has always known that she wanted to work with dogs. After all, she's been training and rehoming them in various capacities for over 30 years. But after growing up in Midland and attending Hope College, Gavin worked first as a paralegal...
Anne Marie Hillary first joined the Junior League in 2006 in Chicago and transferred her membership to Grand Rapids in 2012. Over the past 19 years, she's held various leadership roles within the organization, and today, as Junior League of Grand Rapids (JLGR)...
Play is absolutely essential for children, youth and families of all kinds. Two Grand Rapids women who know and understand this well have now been honored the Michigan Association of Play Therapy for their work and advocacy in the realm of play therapy. On Thursday,...
"I'm never what people expect." Amanda Rostic wears many hats, whether it's being a mother of four, a public health advocate in life and professionally at Corewell Health, a filmmaker through EpiKid Productions, an entrepreneur, volunteer or friend, her warm energy...
With over 30 years in the healthcare industry, Michelle Peña has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results and driving positive change in complex healthcare environments. She has served in her current role as Chief Nursing Officer at Trinity Health Grand...
Pat Kensil lost her 91-year-old mother and husband of 52 years within eight days of one another in August. She leaned heavily on her Catholic faith and her incredible care team at Emmanuel Hospice to navigate these unimaginable losses with quiet grace and immense...