2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

Engage with the West Michigan Woman Community!

What makes a community? Undoubtedly, the magic comes from its people. Our lives wouldn't be what they are without the stellar local establishments found around every corner of West Michigan, from the newly-founded to the well-established and everything in between.

That's why we created the West Michigan Woman Readers' Choice Awards. With categories reflective of each section of the magazine and our content, the awards seek to highlight YOUR favorite local businesses and people who deserve to be recognized for the services and specialties they provide.

Voting is now closed. The final results are in the Dec '23/Jan '24 issue of West Michigan Woman.

Click here to see all 2023 Winners and Finalists!

Allison Kay Bannister

Allison Kay Bannister has been a West Michigan resident since 1987 and a professional writer since 2002. A GVSU alumna, she launched her own freelance writing business in 2017. Allison is a cookie connoisseur, word nerd, aspiring gardener, and metastatic breast cancer thriver who loves traveling in Michigan and beyond, and enjoys art, world cuisine, wine, music, and making homemade preserves.

Ashley Ward

Ashley Ward is the Founder and CEO of W Talent Solutions, an executive recruiting firm based in Grand Rapids. A survivor of domestic violence, Ashley founded W Talent Solutions in 2017 with a mission to empower women experiencing domestic violence and now gives 10% of profits to the YWCA so that other women can have the same chance she did.

Kirsetin Morello

Kirsetin Morello is a Michigan-based author, speaker, writer, travel-lover, wife and grateful mom of three boys. Read more about her at www.KirsetinMorello.com.

Photo courtesy of Alyssa Schultz.

Lizzie Williams

Lizzie Williams helps teams and organizations build community and connection through creative experiences, thoughtful communication, and values-based strategic alignment. She lives with her husband, their daughter, and her two teenage stepsons in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Josh Veal

Josh Veal is the managing editor of Revue—a Serendipity Media publication—and a former nonprofit reporter. He keeps in the know on local restaurants, breweries and venues through ample firsthand experience. Josh enjoys cocktails on the porch, graphic novels, social justice and biking through nature.

Sarah Suydam

Sarah Suydam is the managing editor of West Michigan Woman and has called Grand Rapids home since 2013. A proud Detroit Lions fan since 1990, you can find her singing, traveling, being active with her dog, dancing around to One Direction and Fontaines D.C., and trying to slow down to notice the little things.