The 2021 West Michigan Woman People's Choice Brilliance Award
Voting is now open! The West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards is entering its 5th year of celebrating the unique talents of women and men in our community. For the third year, the public will select one honoree from the finalists for the People's Choice Brilliance Award. The winner will be announced on August 31, 2021 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 one time for one person • Voting opens June 1, 2021 and closes at 5pm on June 25, 2021
!All finalists, along with snippets from their bios, have been placed in alphabetical order below. Enjoy learning about each of them and thank you for voting!
Christine Kelso is the Executive Producer of Local Programming at WOOD TV8 and WOTV 4. She’s held the position since the 2009 launch of local lifestyle show, eightWest. From idea to air, Christine helped get the show off the ground in a matter of weeks and has grown its popularity ever since. Christine also oversees segment scheduling for Maranda Where You Live, bringing big station projects to life on television. Christine says, "I have the privilege of being on several 'teams' within WOODTV. For me, it’s about collaboration and problem solving, and in the end, creating a better product for our viewers."
CNE DNP, MSN, RN-BC, Chief Nurse Executive Pine Rest Brilliant Team Player
As the Chief Nurse Executive, Gretchen Johnson is responsible and accountable for nursing practice access throughout Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. She implements vision and value and benefits her team by bringing focus, building a productive and fulfilling environment, and providing direction and guidance to clarify short- and long-term goals for team members. Gretchen explains, "What I appreciate most about our team is the passion we share for reducing the stigma of mental illness and our commitment to excellence in patient care in the behavioral health continuum. Our decision-making processes are guided by our respect and belief in those we serve."
Manager of the Telehealth Clinic, Hastings Clinic and the Pine Rest Outpatient Regional Director Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Brilliant Mentor
Jean Holthaus says, "Sharing in the celebration, satisfaction and fulfillment experienced by those I mentor when they accomplish what previously seemed impossible, energizes and motivates me to continue investing deeply into the lives of others." Jean has been providing outpatient therapy services since 1995 and has worked for Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services since 1997. She currently serves as manager of the Telehealth Clinic and is also a Pine Rest Outpatient Regional Director. Having taught elementary and junior high students for 10 years prior to beginning her career as a therapist, Jean is a teacher at heart and states that she is "most alive when equipping others."
Iryonna Hogan is the Executive Director of Meaning In Colors, where she has provided over 5 years of service in case management, event planning, recruiting and financial literacy coaching. Her career fulfills her passion to work with youth and ensure those who are in difficult places of life transition have the basic necessities for living. Iryonna understands the importance of caring for the total person—mentally, physically and emotionally. Humbly, Iryonna consistently provides resources and education to adults to help them stop living in financial fear and to youth to help them avoid instability. She is driven and inspired to mentor by the needs of her community.
Nicole Meloche-Gregory prides herself on being a market gap finder and motivated leader. She is the Founder and CEO of Urban You where she creates a market-disrupting category of inclusive medical spa treatments and services for men and women. Since 2019, she's hosted SlowMo, a podcast designed to inspire, support and deliver what listeners must hear to continue their wellness journeys. In addition, Nicole is heavily involved in education and was elected to the Forest Hills Public School Board in 2016. When it comes to inspiring others, Nicole states, "Each day, we wake up ... for two reasons: purpose and appreciation. I strive to create those two items in each business and in each person [with]in those businesses."
Voting is now open! The West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards is entering its 5th year of celebrating the unique talents of women and men in our community. For the third year, the public will select one honoree from the finalists for the People's Choice Brilliance Award. The winner will be announced on August 31, 2021 at the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards where they will receive their award and recognition.
