Taking place Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. at New Vintage Place in Grand Rapids, the first-ever West Michigan Woman Brilliance Summit provides a platform for Brilliance Awards finalists and honorees to impart their wisdom, insight and lessons learned in their development as leaders.
We caught up with West Michigan Woman President and Publisher, Kasie Smith, to hear what inspired the creation of the event, what attendees could expect and more!
West Michigan Woman: What inspired this new event?
Kasie Smith: Each year, we come off our annual Brilliance Awards having heard so many incredible stories. Over the years, there have been hundreds shared! Attendees leave the event inspired by the paths walked and barriers broken by these inspiring leaders. With the Brilliance Summit, we wanted to extend that brilliance, and share that success truly is within all of us. Brilliance Awards is about the stories ... Summit is about delving into what it takes to be a leader in the community through the experiences and wisdom of those who've been there!
WMW: Who is this event ideal for?
KS: This half-day event is aimed at inspiring and strengthening leadership capabilities of women at all professional levels. For emerging leaders, Summit will offer information today to help you become a better leader, team player and mentor, ultimately providing you tools to grow as a leader and set you on the path for where you want to be tomorrow.
This is also a great opportunity for managers, leaders or business owners to gather the women on their teams and collaborate with some of the greatest minds in West Michigan. Together, you'll hear inspiring stories of grit, community activation and impact.
Summit also welcomes anyone who enjoys women empowerment opportunities! Gather your girlfriends for a day of inspiration, camaraderie and encouragement. Topics of discussion and reflection will focus on issues and solutions involved in entrepreneurship, social change, service, mentorship and connection. Presenters include Meredith Bronk, 2019 Woman of the Year; Zaneta Adams, JD, 2023 Woman of the Year; Keli Christopher, Ph.D., 2024 Woman of the Year; and more. You won't want to miss it!
WMW: One of the panel discussions is "What Does it Take to Step Up and Stand Out?" ... talk about what attendees might walk away thinking about from that discussion?
KS: Because all of our presenters are past Brilliance Awards honorees and finalists, they've demonstrated they have the qualities to "step up and stand out." But what are those qualities, and if others desire to harness these same or similar qualities to stand out and excel in their own field or industry, how do they do that? What does that look like for you? This session aims to equip Summit attendees with the tools to begin to identify those unique qualities within themselves and put them into action.
WMW: Where can folks go to learn more?
KS: Those who wish to learn more about the inaugural Brilliance Summit, see the full event lineup or purchase tickets can visit the Brilliance Summit webpage. Those looking to explore sponsorship opportunities can also email Susan Smalley at [email protected].
Courtesy of West Michigan Woman.
