Beth Fisher

CEO & Founder, Fisher Strategic, VP of Strategic Partnerships, Become Unmistakable

An author, speaker, and leader in West Michigan, Beth Fisher is known for her resilience and commitment to serving others. At 25, she was diagnosed with leukemia and told she wouldn’t survive. After a bone marrow transplant in April 1999, she left the hospital determined to use her second chance to help others.

Fisher earned two master’s degrees in theology and taught Bible studies to women in prisons and shelters. After raising nearly $100,000 for blood cancer research, she launched the first Man & Woman of the Year campaign locally, mentoring participants to raise over $130,000. Following a 25-year career in corporate sales, she served as Chief Advancement Officer at Mel Trotter Ministries. A 30-time marathoner and two-time Boston Marathon finisher, Fisher models perseverance. Today, as VP of Strategic Partnerships at Become Unmistakable, she develops leaders and empowers women to know their worth and move forward with courage and tenacity.

“Obstacles aren’t roadblocks; they’re invitations to grow, stretch, and show up fully. That mindset has guided me through personal trials, professional challenges, and everything in between. Along the way, I’ve learned to find humor in the bumps and celebrate the small victories one day at a time!”

From this issue

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Kathleen Vogelsang, CFA: 2026 Brilliant Woman of the Year

Kathleen B. Vogelsang, CFA, is a true believer in remembering where you come from. A first-generation college graduate and non-traditional student, she earned her MBA and CFA designation while raising three children and working full-time. “I started out from very humble beginnings, nothing came easy,” Vogelsang said. “I was the first one in my family to go to college and paid my own way through, starting with community college. I don't ever want to lose sight of who I am; I'm still just humble little me—no matter how many awards I get. [What matters] is who I am … someone who’s trying to do the right thing and be a good person.”

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Legacy of Brilliance: Shelley Irwin

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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Local Loves: Skin and Body Care

Has your favorite big brand discontinued your favorite product? Are other products hard to get your hands on? Or do you simply want to purchase a quality product while shopping small? Enter: local skin and body care! Come along as we explore three local brands you should know about.

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Connection and Community: Elevate Your Overall Wellness with Group Fitness

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.