The 2023 Brilliant People's Choice Award!

Details

Category: Brilliance Awards Finalists 2023

March 31, 2023

Michigan State University
Woman of the Year

Dr. Cara Anne Poland, MD, MEd, is a recognized expert in addiction medicine with an interest in educating healthcare providers and providers-in-training to improve care for patients with substance use disorders, particularly during pregnancy and early parenting. Dr. Poland’s clinical work supports creating inclusive, safe, nurturing, and empowering addiction treatment for pregnant people and their families experiencing the effects of substance use. She provides technical assistance to implement addiction care in pregnant and parenting individuals across the Midwest. Her GREAT MOMs program materials are nationally recognized as a model program.

Dr. Poland’s flagship education program is MICARES, which focuses on strengthening our country’s Addiction Medicine workforce. The program currently provides training to physicians, nurse practitioners, and social workers across the educational spectrum. She has supported over 700 physicians in 48 states in becoming addiction specialists.

Dr. Poland says, “I have a rare disease that was misdiagnosed for 12 years—with the symptoms and trajectory, I wasn’t supposed to live to be 20 years old. In the fall of 2023, I will reach 40—double my life expectancy. As a result, I’ve been reflecting over the last few months on my accomplishments and dreams. I’ve been thinking about who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do to improve myself … I like to think we all lift each other in different ways and on different days. While this might be my turn to shine, it’s because I have a strong circle of women who mutually support each other.”

Details

Category: Brilliance Awards Finalists 2023

March 31, 2023

Disher Corp
Connector

After moving to West Michigan for her first post-college job almost 35 years ago, Aimee VandenElzen was told by her employer she was too abrasive and needed to work on it. Being “abrasive” meant she was an honest and direct communicator, instead of West Michigan nice. Today, it’s one of her greatest achievements to have stayed in West Michigan while remaining true to herself. She found community with people from all walks of life, and gets to live where she truly belongs. Aimee is passionate about seeing the light in others and helping them thrive with the gifts they’re given. She enjoys coffee shops, reading real books, making rosaries, drinking craft beer and cooking with her family. Aimee calls Holland home, along with husband Mike, their four children, a daughter-in-law, and Maggie the cat.

Aimee says, “I’ve always enjoyed people and building relationships. It’s just a part of who I am. I’m curious about people and I have a simple belief that everyone has a story, and we can learn from others by sharing our stories. Connecting people costs nothing. It’s a basic act of love for humankind.”

Details

Category: Brilliance Awards Finalists 2023

March 31, 2023

Department of VA, Biden Harris Administration
Woman of the Year

Zaneta Adams, JD served as Director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer from June 2019 to December 2022. She was the first woman veteran in Michigan to be appointed to a governor’s cabinet and the first cabinet member from Muskegon. Zaneta is humbled to have recently been appointed by the Biden-Harris administration to the role of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Intergovernmental Affairs for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Zaneta served eight years in the Army and was medically discharged with honor. She practiced law in Muskegon and assisted many veterans nationwide with VA appeals. Zaneta also serves on many nonprofit boards and was recently an appointed member of the VA’s Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention Workgroup.

In 2021, Zaneta was named a Women Veteran Trailblazer by the VA’s Center for Women Veterans. She recently told her story for a VA’s Million Veteran Program documentary, which was submitted for a regional Emmy. She holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Columbia College and a juris doctorate from Western Michigan Cooley Law School, where she teaches veterans’ law.

Zaneta says, “There was a point in my life where I wanted to end my journey because I felt as though I was a burden on my family because of my disability. The fact that I made it through those moments to finish college, graduate law school, pass the bar, start a non-profit organization, and be selected by the Governor to run veteran affairs, is truly humbling. I never imagined I would find purpose in this way, yet because of my struggles, I was able to accomplish this. And by the grace of God, I am not done yet.”

Details

Category: Brilliance Awards Finalists 2023

March 31, 2023

Wedgwood Christian Services
Connector

Through her role as Advancement Officer at Wedgwood Christian Services, Kori Thompson, MBA works to develop partnership opportunities to make mental, behavioral, and emotional health services accessible to youth and families who are hurting in West Michigan. Kori serves on the Cornerstone University Young Alumni Council, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) West Michigan National Philanthropy Day Board. She recently participated in the Emerging Leaders Program through the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and is currently working on completing her Certification for Fund Raising Executives. She enjoys learning about the strengths, interests, and capabilities of others in order to identify opportunities that will allow them to grow and shine. Kori is passionate about building connections because she understands that so much more can be accomplished when we partner together.

Kori says, “Building genuine, authentic connection is a commitment. It doesn’t happen overnight. But I have witnessed how being present, intentional and faithful can make a significant and lasting impact.”