Ashley René Lee is an experienced executive and strategist who specializes in leading communications and storytelling for cause-based organizations. She currently serves as vice president of strategic communications for Grand Rapids Community Foundation and co-founder/chief communications officer of Peadbo, an advisory board management tool that helps individuals manage their community of supporters.

Ashley’s has a passion for community service and civic engagement and has been involved in a variety of local and national organizations and initiatives. She also serves as a mentor to students and young professionals in the fields of communications, marketing and philanthropic leadership.

Ashley has been recognized by West Michigan Woman Magazine as a Brilliant Connector Award recipient, Grand Rapids Young Professionals as Young Professional of the Year, Who’s Who in Black Washington, D.C. as a Woman of Excellence Under 40, and as a finalist for the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce: 10 Over the Next 10 Award. Ashley enjoys traveling, relaxing at the beach, reading, shopping, decorating, blogging, and spending time with her husband, two children, family and friends.

Catherine Ripley is a trailblazing entrepreneur, mentor, and advocate for women in technology and business. Overcoming immense personal challenges, including homelessness as a young mother, she built a thriving career and founded Symplicity Communications at age 39—without prior entrepreneurial experience. Under her leadership, the company has grown exponentially, securing landmark deals in the technology sector and nearly doubling revenue in the past year alone. A defining moment in Catherine’s journey is moving Symplicity Communications into the iconic space at 60 Monroe Center, a milestone that cements her company’s deep commitment to Grand Rapids’ business community. Having the building bear the Symplicity Communications name marks a new era of growth and influence for both her company and the city.

Catherine serves as a Board Member for Inforum and serves on the Technology Council of West Michigan, continuously advocating for women’s leadership and innovation. She also hosts the Symplicity Conversations podcast, amplifying the voices of women in tech. Her dedication to excellence, integrity, and empowerment shapes a legacy of leadership that inspires others to rise above obstacles, embrace their potential, and redefine success on their own terms.

Celeste Ross is a purpose-driven powerhouse dedicated to developing leaders and strengthening organizations across West Michigan. She serves as a Happiness Activator, HR and Organizational Development guru and nonprofit advocate, where she leads leadership development initiatives that prepare teams for growth and long-term impact. With an MBA and SHRM-CP certification, she blends strategic expertise with heart-centered leadership.

Known for her infectious energy, bold personality, and dynamic servant leadership style, Ross empowers others to rise with confidence. Her experience spans healthcare, hospitality, nonprofit, and manufacturing, equipping her to connect operational excellence with strong, people-first cultures. She also serves as Grand Rapids Junior Chamber President, Association of Human Resource Management Programs Director, JCI Michigan DEI Director, President of her children’s elementary school PTA, and a dance teacher at Rapid City Dance Factory. Ross’ greatest achievement is breaking down barriers for emerging professionals—expanding access, amplifying voices, and strengthening the next generation of leaders.

Jennifer Feuerstein-DiVita is a motivational speaker, writer, TV personality, and influencer in positive aging. She is Associate State Director for AARP Michigan and an on-air talent with WOOD TV & ABC 4. She published her debut novel, Not Your Shoe Size, to encourage women to love the skin they’re in no matter what stage of life. She was named one of Crain's 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan and is a sought-after speaker using her signature style of humor, heart, and high heels to empower audiences to cultivate their vitality.

Kathleen B. Vogelsang, CFA, is a seasoned investment executive and community leader in West Michigan. She served for twenty years as Chief Investment Officer of the Van Andel Institute, building its Endowment Investment Office from the ground up and growing it from $465 million to $2.3 billion—strengthening the Institute’s capacity to advance lifesaving biomedical research. A first-generation college graduate and non-traditional student, Vogelsang earned her MBA and CFA designation while raising three children and working full-time.

Deeply committed to service, she has held leadership roles with the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Michigan Gift of Life, the Michigan Women’s Commission, and the Grand Valley State University Foundation. After losing her 17-year-old daughter in 2008, Vogelsang became a passionate advocate for organ donation. A heart attack survivor, she also champions women’s heart health awareness. Vogelsang also co-founded an independent investment consulting firm and continues mentoring women and investing in her community.

Latricia Trice is a trusted community connector who has built her career intentionally supporting the advancement and elevation of women, young adults, and professionals of color across West Michigan and beyond. Driven by a passion for cultivating meaningful connections, she co-founded Black Women Connect GR, a professional networking organization that creates intentional community for Black women at every career stage. She also leads Fierce Sisterhood at Relevant Church Grand Rapids, a community of more than 150 culturally diverse women focused on faith, confidence, and growth.

Through board service, mentorship, and shared access to her networks, Trice is known for expanding pathways and creating opportunities for others. A devoted wife and mother of three, she lives what she calls the “gift of lift,” using her influence to help others rise.

Misti Lynn Stanton has served as a mentorship champion in the Grand Rapids community for over 35 years. Her mentorship and service background first took root when she worked at Grand Rapids Public Schools for more than a quarter of a century. She also served as the Program Manager for Heart of West Michigan United Way Schools of Hope, laying the foundation for the program’s inception.

One of Stanton’s proudest achievements is the Mercantile Bank Summer Internship Program she founded in 2014, having impacted the lives and professional journeys of over 200 young people. Mentoring these students provided the opportunity to be exposed to professional etiquette, networking, and careers in the financial industry. Stanton possesses a fervent passion for mentorship, dedicating her career to enhancing students’ life journeys. Her guiding principle is that knowledge can be shared through the sharing of life experiences.

Nisha McKenzie is a Physician Assistant, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, AASECT Certified Sex Counselor, and Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. As the founder and CEO of Women’s+ Health Collective, she specializes in gynecology, menopause, sexual health, and pelvic health, with a passion for helping women feel informed, heard, and empowered in their healthcare.

Through her clinical practice, teaching, and national speaking, Nisha is dedicated to making complex health information approachable and giving women the knowledge and confidence to advocate for themselves. Her goal is simple: when you understand your health, you can use your voice—and that voice is powerful.

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, including Kalamazoo Lively Arts and Living West Michigan. Irwin is award-winning in her profession, including five consecutive Gracie Allen Awards from American Women in TV and Radio for excellence as a program host. She was awarded the 2016 ATHENA Award, Rotary of Grand Rapids’ Service Above Self Award, Meals on Wheels of Western Michigan’s Chef Specialty Honoree and the 2024 Michigan Women Forward’s Women of Achievement and Courage Award.

Irwin has also been named among the 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business, in addition to the most 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan by Gemini Publications. Her community involvement extends from the Kent County Park Foundation to Hope Network, Circle Theatre and the YMCA, among others. Irwin has represented the U.S. in Long Distance Triathlon and Duathlon World Championships, and in her spare time, chases after her three four-legged puppies.