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!
Henrietta Hadley is the Founder & CEO of Infinite Solutions Consulting Group, which provides services to small business owners and non-profit organizations across the country, with plans to expand internationally.Having been recognized with leadership and advocacy awards nationwide, Henrietta has over 30 years of experience in executive management, post-secondary education and economic development, along with grant administration for non-profit organizations and community foundations. After experiencing abuse growing up and surviving 12 years of domestic violence in her marriage, Henrietta has since written a book titled “Project We Are Free,” produced an award-winning monologue called “Promises,” and advocates for children, women and men who’ve been impacted by all forms of abuse.
On what this award would mean to her, Henrietta says, “It’s a reminder that I didn’t give up on myself and to encourage other women to believe in themselves; no matter what happens in their lives, to always believe in the life you’ve been given and live to the best of their ability.”
Rachel VanBuskirk, LMSW is amental health therapist with over 10 years of experience in her field. In 2018, Rachel opened Portal Point Counseling. Due to the high volume of counseling requests, Rachel soon hired three therapists to join her, signed a long-term lease in 2020 when COVID hit, and pivoted to offer virtual options. Portal Point—which is now a million-dollar practice—is currently home to 10 therapists and supports hundreds of clients weekly in person and virtually, with plans to welcome additional therapists soon. Rachel maintains a full client load, along with overseeing the day-to-day business operations. Known for her empathetic and non-judgmental approach to therapy, Rachel works with clients from diverse backgrounds, including adults, adolescents, couples and families.
Rachel says, “What motivated me was the desire to help and empower even more people. Clients but also other clinicians. Having a private practice meant I was able to share the opportunity for other clinicians to love their work, make a difference, have work-life balance, and achieve financial success, as well.”
Meredith Kent, MS, PA-C, is aMaster Injector, Clinical Educator and Owner of Skin CoLAB. Recognized as one of most respected and sought-after providers in her field, Meredith educates via her self-founded company, Science + Beauty, and is among an elite group serving as a key opinion leader for Allergan Aesthetics and is a national trainer and speaker for the two largest aesthetic companies in the country. Beloved by patients and staff, Meredith was the first in Galderma’s company history to achieve Presidential status so quickly upon opening a practice, all while being a stand-alone provider, entrepreneur and mother. Just as Meredith’s team at Skin CoLAB has grown, so has her patients’ respect and trust.
Meredith says, “I’m not convinced that success is something that’s achieved. Rather, I think success can be defined as a commitment to live in a way that reflects growth and gratitude—in other words, living towards one’s full potential.”
Robyn Gobbel, LCSW is a licensed therapist, author, educator, podcaster and community creator whose 20-year career has been dedicated to serving the families of children with histories of complex trauma. In 2019, Robyn retired from the therapy office and created The Club—an online community for parents of kids with vulnerable nervous systems and big, baffling behaviors. Robyn also created Being With—a year-long training program to better equip professionals to serve vulnerable children in their community. Her services are delivered online to minimize barriers and maximize accessibility, and most of her resources (including a podcast, online videos and eBooks) are free. Her first book will be published in September by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Robyn says, “I hear from folks who tell me their family has been changed just from my emails and social media posts. I’m so proud of how my business earns enough revenue in two programs that I can also help people all over the world for free.”
Caylie Peet, MS, CTA, plays an important role for others: Daughter, sister, friend, colleague, and community leader. She has dedicated her life and career to being a difference maker by helping others find the confidence to follow their dreams and making people smile with every interaction. Caylie—a GVSU grad who continues to be spotlighted as a role model for students and alumni—has an energetic personality and caring heart that quickly makes strangers feel like friends. Caylie embraces forever learning and is pursuing her dream of a Ph.D. that will deepen her skills in economic and civic partnerships. In her role of Minority Business Program Manager at the Grand Rapids Chamber, Caylie brings access to resources and information to historically underrepresented businesses to ensure all companies receive the same opportunity through programming and events.
Caylie says, "My commitment is to stand alongside the business community to ensure all dreams become actions.”
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.
