Each of the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards finalists were selected for a reason. All exude a contagious spirit and broad skillset 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!
Founder & Owner, Food Hugs, Amore Trattoria Italiana
Champion of Service
Jenna Arcidiacono’s love language is serving others through food. Her first job was slinging chili dogs and root beer floats at Cook’s Drive-In. Slowly, she realized cooking was more than a way to pay for her stirrup pants, music cassettes and perms.
After high school, she attended MSU and worked in restaurants near campus, and moved to San Francisco and fell in love with a handsome Italian visiting from Milan. Together, they moved to Italy, where Arcidiacono spent three years in the kitchen with her mother-in-law, growing her passion for Italian cuisine. Once back to the U.S., Arcidiacono opened Amore Trattoria Italiana, where meeting her guests in the dining room became part of the experience and her connection to the community. During the COVID pandemic, Arcidiacono started Food Hugs, which fed frontline workers. She continues to give and serve the community in creative ways. If you see a sparkly pink SUV with a “FOOD HUG” license plate, that’s her.
Arcidiacono says, “In serving others I meet so many amazing people and have the opportunity to hear their stories and make a difference in their lives. Everyone is going through something—if I can be the smile for them, I want to be that.”
Director of Economic Opportunity, AmplifyGR
Connector
Danielle Williams has built networks and friendships all over the world, always led by the mantra of staying true to who you are and never conforming.
Backed by many years of experience in corporate communication, marketing, community development and philanthropy, Williams serves as Director of Economic Opportunities at Amplify GR, where she connects local businesses with resources, builds bridges for social capital, brainstorms ideas to help small businesses grow, and connects neighbors to good-paying jobs. In recent years, Williams has led the launch of two grant programs at Amplify GR, the creation of Kzoo Station commercial incubator kitchen; started her own firm, DMWilliams Consulting, LLC; and served as campaign finance director for State House Representative Rachel Hood’s 2018 winning campaign. Williams serves on the Women’s Resource Center board and leads the Economic Vitality cohort for the national Purpose Built Communities network.
“Depending on where you come from, it’s not easy to build a close community in Grand Rapids,” Williams says. “The ‘host’ in me always feels committed to making sure people who move to GR feel like they’re in my home. And in some ways, they are. That means making sure they find friends, food, cultural activities and organizations where they feel a sense of belonging.”
Founder, SWAN (Strong Women Arise Network); Client Executive, Hylant
Connector
You may not know it by meeting her, but Angela Schalow is an introvert. As an insurance agent, she knew networking was crucial. Yet, she often felt drained after meeting strangers at networking events. She knew she wasn’t the only woman frustrated by traditional networking.
In 2019, Schalow founded SWAN – Strong Women Arise Network, aimed at promoting an atmosphere of positivity and encouragement. SWANs describe the group as different, a place where they can be honest about their struggles, finding comradery and support. Women no longer need to network in a room of strangers, but rather with friends. SWAN started with six women in Grand Rapids and has grown to three chapters with approximately 1,800 members. Additionally, Schalow’s annual conference, SWAN Con, provides a full day of professional development and networking while fundraising for the fight against human trafficking.
Knowing that far too often a business card ends up in a drawer rather than resulting in a valuable connection, Schalow says, “I know that often people are one introduction away from reaching the next milestone, solving the next problem, or helping the next client. I enjoy playing a part in others’ success. The feeling of fulfillment from making an impact is what fuels me.”
Director of Talent & Leadership Programs, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
Connector
Monica Mendez firmly believes that magic happens when we find common purpose with those outside of our usual circles.
Born and raised in Mexico, Mendez’s journey has been a testament to her ability to navigate diverse cultural landscapes. She spent the first 15 years of her career as a bicultural, bilingual business professional. While finding corporate success, she felt drawn to causes shaping our community, leading her to boldly change direction. Mendez is a community connector who believes in system-level impact through collaboration and relationship building. As the Director of Talent & Leadership Programs at the Grand Rapids Chamber, Mendez is an ally, building the community of tomorrow. She serves as a leader in strategy, development, and facilitation of ATHENA Grand Rapids, Latina Connect, OutPro, and five leadership programs, in addition to sitting on the boards of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and the Literacy Center.
Always open to connect—and knowing from experience that one coffee can be life changing—Mendez says, “I connect with people because I know it’s a powerful way to celebrate each other’s greatness. I not only believe in shining a light on others, but in helping people’s lights shine.”
Project Coordinator, Social Innovation, Steelcase
Emerging Leader
A West Michigan native, Ashley Fermina Soto is a strong leader grounded in her commitment to justice. Raised by a single mother, Soto is a first-generation college graduate who served as president of her sorority for two years and oversaw the Right to Success College Access Program.
She began her career at the height of the pandemic, supporting a pipeline of over 200 Latinx college students in early career navigation. Soto has built a career in place-based community impact, interrogating power and playing a meaningful role in restructuring institutional systems to expand access for all. Her honors include the U of M MLK Jr. Spirit Award, the Hispanic Center Desafío Award, and DTL’s National Neophyte of the Year. As a queer Black Latina, it became easier for Soto to envision herself as a leader thanks to the women role models who looked like her and helped her navigate long standing systems not built for the children of immigrants, people of color, queer folk, and other disenfranchised communities.
“Great leaders take it upon themselves to build authentic relationships from the connections they make,” Soto says. “Take the extra step to embrace people fully for who they are—not the titles they hold or the places they work … that’s when the magic happens, and everyone thrives.”
