The 2019 West Michigan Woman People's Choice Brilliance Award
Voting is now closed! The West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards is entering its 3rd year of celebrating the unique talents of women and men in our community. For the first time ever, the public will select one honoree from the 30 finalists for the People's Choice Brilliance Award. The winner will be announced on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards where they will receive their award and recognition.
• To vote, please provide your first and last name and email address • You may only vote 1x for one person • Voting opens February 28th and closes at 5pm on March 14th
Anyone who votes by March 5th will be entered to win a pair of tickets to the International Women's Day event sponsored by West Michigan Woman and WZZM TV on March 8 at 20 Monroe Live.
Enjoy reading the bio snippets below that were taken directly from the nominators' submissions.
Chief Medical Officer/Internal Medicine Cherry Health Brilliant Team Player
Dr. Pelkey is the biggest advocate of her patients and staff, frequently going above and beyond the call of duty. She is passionate about serving the community who are often unable to access basic, essential health care services. She is collaborative, never makes decisions in a vacuum, and she listens and truly cares about her staff and patients.
In 2015, Shelby decided to go all-in on entrepreneurism. She left her job as a marketing executive and started a commercial real estate practice. At the same time, she began the process to buy a fitness kickboxing franchise. She embraced this challenge even as a newly divorced single mom of two young children. Today her real estate practice is thriving and has added a second kickboxing studio.
Founder and Lead Publicist Happy PR Brilliant Tenacity
Like most budding young entrepreneurs, Emily has encountered everyday challenges of launching and growing a business. In the midst of this, she was dealt a devastating life challenge that few could imagine. Emily was instantly thrust into the situation that made her realize just how fleeting and chaotic life can be. Those realizations shaped her approach to life and her business, Happy PR.
Fund Development & Communications Hispanic Center of Western Michigan Brilliant Emerging Leader
At the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Daniela leads efforts to create a new fund development department. She organizes countless events that are culturally inclusive such as the impressive three-day Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival, which has raised thousands of dollars. She also shines a light on the often unpleasant immigrant
President Mixed Staffing & Recruiting Brilliant Emerging Leader
Sara wanted to create a staffing company that would allow people from all backgrounds to be able to come in and get a job without any discrimination. Sara started her company, Mixed Staffing and Recruiting, in 2012 with just one client. Seven years later, she has staffed over 2,000 employees throughout the West Michigan area.
Voting is now closed! The West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards is entering its 3rd year of celebrating the unique talents of women and men in our community. For the first time ever, the public will select one honoree from the 30 finalists for the People's Choice Brilliance Award. The winner will be announced on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards where they will receive their award and recognition.
