by Emily | Mar 21, 2024 | Brilliance Awards Finalists 2024
Director of Talent & Leadership Programs, Grand Rapids Chamber of CommerceConnectorMonica 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...
by Emily | Mar 21, 2024 | Brilliance Awards Finalists 2024
Project Coordinator, Social Innovation, SteelcaseEmerging LeaderA 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...
by Emily | Mar 21, 2024 | Brilliance Awards Finalists 2024
Strategic Communications Manager, Grand Rapids Community FoundationEmerging LeaderHeather Gill Fox is a book lover, storyteller, wife, mother, woman of faith and dedicated community member who uses her skills for connection and communication to challenge systemic...
by Emily | Mar 21, 2024 | Brilliance Awards Finalists 2024
Marketing and Communications Manager, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Emerging LeaderHaley Abbas is a dynamic marketing and communications professional who recognizes the influence women mentors and advocates have had on her career and how they’ve inspired...
by Emily | Mar 21, 2024 | Brilliance Awards Finalists 2024
Founder & Co-Owner, Cellar Door PreservesEntrepreneurWhat started as a canning hobby and way to eat as much local food as possible, became a business for Zenobia Taylor-Weiss in 2016. After attending college in Grand Rapids, she became convinced the world’s best...
by Emily | Mar 21, 2024 | Brilliance Awards Finalists 2024
Founder, Your Legacy BrandEntrepreneurTiffany Neuman is a visionary branding strategist who helps highly-motivated women business owners and leaders up-level their brand.After 15 years in the corporate world, working with brands like FedEx, Adidas, Stoli Vodka and...
by Emily | Mar 21, 2024 | Brilliance Awards Finalists 2024
Owner & CEO, El Granjero Mexican GrillEntrepreneurOriginally from Mexico City, Mercedes Lopez-Duran grew up in a humble home, raised by her grandmother and siblings. She left school to get married at an early age and started a family. New to the restaurant...
by Emily | Mar 21, 2024 | Brilliance Awards Finalists 2024
Chief Financial Officer, Hope NetworkMentorWith a deep appreciation for the support she received as an immigrant to the U.S., Heather Zak has dedicated over two decades to giving back to the West Michigan community through nonprofit leadership, volunteering and...
by Emily | Mar 21, 2024 | Brilliance Awards Finalists 2024
Executive Director, New City KidsMentorInspiring others to know that the past doesn’t have to determine the future is the mission statement that has guided the career of Christy Carlin Knetsch. She lives this sentiment each day as Executive Director of New City...
by Emily | Mar 21, 2024 | Brilliance Awards Finalists 2024
Program Director, Wedgwood Christian ServicesMentorIn 2000, Jackie Brewster began her life-long mission mentoring youth through Wedgwood’s Employment Training Program (ETP) for resident youth, empowering them to develop valuable life and job skills. Since, she’s...
