FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., December 16, 2024 – West Michigan Woman is now seeking nominations from the community for its 9th annual Brilliance Awards.
The Brilliance Awards recognize the dynamic talent, spirit and intellect of those who tackle issues facing professional women today. Focusing on nominees who are committed to creating positive change and excel in their fields, the Brilliance Awards shine a light on women and men within the West Michigan community who truly elevate others and blaze trails of inspiration.
The successes of local women and men are honored across nine categories: Mentor, Connector, Social Change Agent, Tenacity, Champion of Service, Entrepreneur, Emerging Leader, Best Supporting Man, and Woman of the Year. The 2025 event will also see the continuation of the newest award category, the Legacy of Brilliance, chosen by the West Michigan Woman team. The Legacy of Brilliance Award honors a woman who has a reputation for showing up for her team, her network and her community throughout the entirety of her exceptional career.
In 2024, three finalists for each category—the most prestigious being Woman of the Year—were selected from approximately 350 nominations. The 2024 in-person event also broke the record for the most attendees in Brilliance Awards history.
Like previous years, all 2025 nominations will be meticulously examined and carefully considered, and finalists will be determined based on outstanding qualities of leadership, mentorship, service, innovation and tenacity.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be going on nine years of celebrating those in the community who lift women up,” said Kasie Smith, President of Serendipity Media, publisher of West Michigan Woman. “There’s a heartfelt sense of celebration and collaboration throughout the nomination and selection process and at the Brilliance Awards event itself. It’s an evening filled with stories of resilience, triumphs in the face of adversity, and innovation toward ensuring our community is a place where women can thrive. It’s always an honor to know that the Brilliance Awards continue to provide a platform to share the passions of our community’s well-deserving and perhaps unsung heroes.”
The Brilliance Awards top honorees will be determined by a selection committee of local community leaders and announced at the Brilliance Awards on April 24, 2025 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The in-person event will offer a unique format allowing for ample celebration, networking and a three-course meal.
Additional event details to follow. Sponsorships are now available for purchase.
Nominations can be made online until February 7, 2025 at: westmichiganwoman.com/nominate-brilliance-awards
Interested in sponsoring the 2025 Brilliance Awards? Contact Susan Smalley at [email protected] or 616.458.8371.
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About West Michigan Woman
West Michigan Woman is a complimentary bi-monthly magazine dedicated to West Michigan women who are connected and dedicated to personal growth and community impact. This publication offers timely and relevant content related to the many facets of women and all with a local flair. The West Michigan Woman brand reaches a community of over 55,000 in West Michigan.
