2023 Finalists

Details: Category: Home; February 28, 2023

The finalists of the 2023 Brilliance Awards are:

Brilliant Woman of the Year

Brilliant Tenacity

Brilliant Team Player

Colleen Laskowski | Director of Delivery | SpinDance

Katie Racey | Guest Experience Manager | Frederik Meijer Gardens

Kim Murphy | Activity Director | Heron Manor & Heron Woods

Brilliant Social Change Agent

Brilliant Mentor

Brilliant Entrepreneur

Brilliant Emerging Leader

Brilliant Connector

Brilliant Champion of Service

Rev. Joanna Bailey | Manager of Spiritual Care | Trinity Health Grand Rapids

Kristin A. Chmela, M.A., CCC-SLP, BCS-F | Co-Founder, Director of Training and Therapeutic Programs, Owner & Director | Camp Shout Out Inc./Chmela Communication Center

Nicholette Driggs | Development Director | Comprehensive Therapy

Brilliant Best Supporting Man

From this issue

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Kathleen Vogelsang, CFA: 2026 Brilliant Woman of the Year

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Shelley Irwin is the Host and Producer for The Shelley Irwin Show, a newsmagazine talk-show on the local NPR WGVU affiliate Monday through Friday. She also hosts several public affairs TV programs and is award-winning in her profession and beyond. Irwin also gives generously of her time, volunteering with various community organizations. In addition, she’s represented the U.S. in Long Distance Triathlon and Duathlon World Championships. Irwin is the fourth recipient of the West Michigan Woman Legacy of Brilliance Award, an honor created as part of the annual Brilliance Awards, which recognizes a woman who for years has given of herself, personally and professionally, to better the lives of those around her. We caught up with Irwin to get her perspective on her work and what advice she has for others.

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Working out isn’t always some people’s idea of “fun.” For some, working out alone at home or at the gym can feel isolating, whether it’s lack of a routine, accountability, consistency, motivation, confidence, or otherwise. However, for some, working out in a group setting is like hitting a power up button in a video game. You’ve got someone knowledgeable leading you in the right direction, and a community cheering you on as you grow beyond your comfort zone—together! Both mentally and physically, it can be a true game changer.