The 2025 Brilliance Awards, an annual celebration of the dynamic talent, spirit and intellect of those who tackle issues facing professional women, took place April 24 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
As the West Michigan Woman community gathered once more for an evening filled with awards, drinks, dining and music, we were reminded of the many inspiring stories of the women and men within the community who truly elevate others and blaze trails of inspiration.
The successes of local leaders were honored across nine categories, with nominees including top executives, business owners, emerging leaders, mentors, connectors and social change agents. Ultimately, three finalists for each category, and eventually a top honoree, were carefully selected from over 350 incredible nominations.
The 2025 event also saw the awarding of the Legacy of Brilliance Award to Michelle Rabideau, CFRE, MPA, President of Saint Mary's Foundation. Chosen by the West Michigan Woman team, the Legacy of Brilliance Award honors a woman who has a reputation for showing up for her team, her network and her community throughout the entirety of her exceptional career.
"Our ninth annual Brilliance Awards once again was an incredibly inspiring evening full of connection, collaboration and stories of perseverance and powerful passions," said Kasie Smith, President and Publisher of West Michigan Woman. "It's our honor to be able to shine a light on those leaders and trailblazers whose work positively impacts others in our community and makes West Michigan such a wonderful place to call home. The West Michigan Woman community wouldn't be what it is without everyone who attended the event and in turn supported and lifted up those women and men willing to challenge the status quo for a better world."
The evening also saw the date announcement of the second annual West Michigan Woman Brilliance Summit, taking place November 6 at New Vintage Place.
"Like last year, we knew we wanted the brilliance of the awards to continue on throughout the year, and what better way to accomplish that than by inviting our finalists and top honorees to once again connect with our community and impart their wisdom directly?" Smith added. "This half-day event is aimed at inspiring and strengthening leadership capabilities of women at all professional levels, so please join us! Last year's attendees can certainly attest to that!"
Within the ballroom beneath Dale Chihuly's Gilded Champagne Gardens Chandelier, seated at tables adorned with candles and meticulously designed floral arrangements, attendees were able to converse, share laughter, exchange heartwarming stories, and say "cheers" to all who were being honored. The award presentations were given in between meal courses, offering attendees a chance to enjoy their dinners and drinks while also connecting and continuing conversations from the cocktail hour prior to the program's start.
From heartfelt acceptance speeches to cheers from steadfast supporters, everyone in attendance was touched by inspiration in some way and left motivated and ready to change the world, much like our brilliant 2025 finalists and top honorees.
Keep reading to meet them all.
BRILLIANT WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Catherine Ripley, President and CEO, Symplicity Communications, Inc.
Meghan Distel, President and CEO, Broadway Grand Rapids
Tamara Rosier, PhD, Founder, ADHD Center of West Michigan
BRILLIANT TENACITY
Jessica Crosby, CEO, Delight In Designs
Melissa L. Neckers, Assisted Reproduction Attorney, Miller Johnson
Damaris Rodriguez, Business Operations Manager, Guzman Real Estate Services
BRILLIANT SOCIAL CHANGE AGENT
Tammy Myers, Associate Creative Director, Meijer
Kylie Ambu, Inclusion Host and Producer, Mutually Inclusive, WGVU Public Media
Kymberly Pashkowsky, MI Prevention Community Risk Reduction Chief, MI Prevention State of Michigan - LARA
BRILLIANT MENTOR
Carrie Holland, MD, CPT, Owner, FitLife with Dr. Carrie Holland, MD
Tarra Carson, MA, M.Ed., Founder and President, HBCU Club of Muskegon
Anne Doornbos, Architect, TowerPinkster, AIA Grand Rapids
BRILLIANT ENTREPRENEUR
Nichole Sadek, Attorney and Founder, Sadek Law, PLC
Laura Armenta, Founder and CEO, Armentality Group
RandiLynn Talsma, Co-Owner, Spreader of Sparkle, Shopkeeper, Blended Furniture Market
BRILLIANT EMERGING LEADER
Kasie Pickart, MPH, PMP, Behavioral Health Grants Project Director, Hope Network | Adjunct Professor, GVSU
Renida Clark, Director of Workforce Development, West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology
Samantha Rutherford, Agency Operations Director, Leverage Marketing
BRILLIANT CONNECTOR
Cynthia Owens, Workforce Specialist, Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center
Carla Flanders, Chief Experience Officer, CMF Marketing, LLC
Shawn Hondorp, Ph.D., ABPP, Owner and Host, The Innovative Therapist, The Innovative Therapist Podcast
BRILLIANT CHAMPION OF SERVICE
Pam Westers, Owner and Founder, Profile Salon & Spa, Beautiful You by Profile
Ashley Diersch, Chief Advancement Officer, Paws With A Cause
Amy Marshall, Co-Owner, Management Business Solutions Inc.
BRILLIANT BEST SUPPORTING MAN
Arlan Palmer, Diversity Coordinator, Wedgwood Christian Services
Austin Roelofs, Vice President of Programming, Kids' Food Basket
Rodney L. Savage, Vice President of Talent and Inclusion, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD
Ashley Diersch, Chief Advancement Officer, Paws With A Cause
Arlan Palmer, Diversity Coordinator, Wedgwood Christian Services
Tammy Myers, Associate Creative Director, Meijer
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
