People’s Choice Award voting is now closed! The top honoree will be announced on May 17 at the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards. Tickets can be purchased here.
Each of the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards finalists were selected for a reason. All exude a contagious spirit and broad skill set that in one facet or another, betters the West Michigan community. This is an opportunity for you to get to know them. Read through their bios, resonate with their challenges and triumphs, and ideally, make a few new connections!
After the loss of her husband, Rob, in 2003, Vonnie Woodrick’s life was forever changed. She was forced to live a life without her loving partner and father of their three children. Life after loss was devastating, and her passion grew to change the way we view and talk about suicide. The questions asked, the stares given, and the judgement experienced, brought Vonnie to a place of passion to bring understanding to something so difficult to understand. Vonnie went on to found I Understand, a non-profit dedicated to changing the stigma surrounding mental and brain health and suicide. Through many projects, appearances and community partnerships, Vonnie is determined to change the conversation by updating the outdated definition of suicide, to talk about the illness rather than the act, and to show compassion to anyone who may be living with a mental and brain health illness or suicide loss.
Vonnie says, “I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through, and if they do, I want them to have compassion, hope and understanding on a topic that has been judged, stigmatized, and swept under the rug for too long.”
The StoreHouse of Community Resources Social Change Agent
Jessica Johns began her career as an elementary school teacher, spending four years teaching in inner city schools, offering her a unique perspective into pervasive poverty. Upon moving to Grand Rapids in 2004, Jessica began volunteering at a food bank where she learned that while multiple organizations were supporting those facing food insecurity, a gap existed in the supply of durable, in-demand household goods. That led her to co-found The StoreHouse of Community Resources, which is focused on procuring scalable resources that support not only nonprofit organizations, but also schools. Since opening their doors in 2016, the StoreHouse has distributed over $25 million worth of new durable goods (including office supplies, personal hygiene products, furniture and more) to nonprofits and schools.
Jessica says, “There are multiple factors that place someone in poverty and even more that keep them in poverty. It takes a community of people willing to help bridge the gap to help people find their path to success.”
Michigan African American Health Institute Social Change Agent
Vanessa Greene is a leader and strategist specializing in racial and health equity, with an over 30-year track record of getting things done and maintaining her commitment to social justice and equity. Born and raised in Mississippi during the civil rights movement, Vanessa’s passion for social justice was sparked at a young age. AsCEO of the Michigan African American Health Institute, Vanessa works with the community, physicians, health care systems, lawmakers, insurance providers, educators, and businesses to advocate for resources and opportunities to support the needs, well-being and quality of life of others. Vanessa began her career serving and advocating for adults with disabilities and spent more than 25 years in higher education at GVSU and Hope College as Director of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and Associate Dean of Students.
Vanessa says, “Social justice requires dedicated, strategic and focused attention on the desired outcomes and finding other committed partners from all backgrounds and walks of life to support the cause.”
Amanda Villarreal,Owner of AVWELLNESS, is known as a health and wellness ambassador, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and more. What most don’t realize is Amanda struggles daily with a very rare circulatory/vascular condition called KTS (Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome) which causes swelling, masses of varicose veins and poor circulation. Despite many surgeries, being told she may lose her leg, that she shouldn’t have children and should stop all physical activity, Amanda turned her pain into a passion for health and wellness, receiving a degree in Corporate Fitness & Wellness.Along with her professional accomplishments and certifications, Amanda and her husband have also raised five children. She’s held free community park workouts, nutrition and education seminars, fitness and wellness classes and more. Her newest adventure is developing a fitness and nutrition app.
Amanda says, “We can all do hard things. It’s important to be positive and accept the challenges that life brings to you.”
Alma Rossis a professional and author who has dedicated her career to serving her clients and empowering the Latina community. Born in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico, Alma immigrated to the U.S. at 14 without knowing English and recently became U.S. citizen. A single mother of four children, including one adopted at a young age, Alma is committed to inspiring and empowering other Hispanic women, mentoring, and sharing her testimony as a public speaker. As a Personal Lines Account Executive at Koop and Burr Insurance, Alma strives to simplify insurance and help make her clients more knowledgeable. She became an advocate for life insurance after her husband’s death made her the only financial provider for her family. Her book, “Unbreakable Woman,” encourages the Latina community to embrace their pain and turn it into strength.
Alma says, “I believe that my ability to adapt and stay focused on my goals has been key to my success. Even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, I always try to find a way forward, knowing that giving up is not an option.”
People’s Choice Award voting is now closed! The top honoree will be announced on May 17 at the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards. Tickets can be purchased here.
