Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
Brilliant Emerging Leader
Yadira Garza-Malone is the daughter of two immigrant parents and mother to her 6-year-old son, Kamil. Yadira lives by the values instilled by her parents: work hard even if no one is watching, honor your family, value education, take pride in your roots and be authentic. Yadira started her professional career as a banker and was driven to support small businesses. It is her passion and performance that led to an opportunity to work at the Grand Rapids Chamber, where she started as a Membership Engagement Manager and now leads a team as the Director of Membership. Her goal in this position is to oversee how Chamber members, especially diverse businesses, tap into resources. Yadira attributes this honor to her recently deceased dad from whom she learned, “the importance of treating the people you lead with humility and respect.” Yadira remarks, “... he would always tell me to treat everyone equally … and that as a leader, people will follow and trust you based on how you make them feel.”
Yadira Garza-Malone
- Details
- Category: Brilliance Awards Finalists 2022
Yadira Garza-Malone
From this issue
As Michiganders, we know well that our state can be counted amongst the most beautiful and exciting. That's all thanks to a bevy of natural wonders, a full four seasons, unmatched attractions and the people who make it all happen. Come along as we set off on a Michigan must-see journey, where we encourage you to be a tourist in your own state.
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In addition to a solid business plan, it takes plenty of grit, strong self-belief, good mentors, resilience and an unwavering willingness to get back up when you've been knocked down.
Farah Merhi deeply understands the power of a warm, welcoming and comfortable home.
Having been born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Africa to Lebanese parents who previously fled war-torn Lebanon in search of a better life, she knows what it's like to be forced to leave everything you know.
Spring is officially here, meaning that many of us are getting outside more and soaking up some much needed fresh air. We're also getting to work on some spring cleaning in our homes.