Born and raised in Southern Indiana as the youngest daughter in a large, lively family, Becky Wood has always believed the glass is half full, trusting that there's purpose in every experience. It's this can-do attitude and her long-instilled faith which have equipped Wood to navigate life's obstacles with resilience and hope.
"Twenty-six years ago, I moved to Zeeland and quickly fell in love with West Michigan," said Wood, noting it's truly become home for her. "At 42, I married the love of my life, Derek Wood—proof that some of life's best chapters begin a little later in life."
Today, Wood serves as the VP of Business Development & West Michigan Market Leader for Inforum, a nonprofit that offers a portfolio of network-building opportunities, proven professional development programs, and opportunities to learn from impactful leaders across many industries. Combined, these efforts accelerate careers for women and strengthen talent initiatives for companies. Wood was first introduced to Inforum (and became a member) while working for 13 years in the staffing industry.
"At the time, networking was a completely new concept for me," Wood recalled. "Inforum quickly became a valuable resource, not only for building professional connections but also for personal growth and leadership development."
Wood's first Inforum event years ago stands out as one that's had a lasting impact.
"I remember being surrounded by a sea of professional women, and it was a bit overwhelming at first, simply because I'd never been in a space with so many women who looked like they belonged exactly where they were," said Wood, who left that evening feeling inspired and energized. "It was the first time I truly saw the power of community, connection, and shared experience, and it's a moment that continues to shape how I lead and show up for others today."
Now, as Inforum celebrates a milestone 20 years, Wood reflects on what makes the organization so special, including the relationships its members build along the way.
"Over the past 16 years, I've had the privilege of meeting some truly amazing women—people I could call at any time, whether for professional advice or personal support, and they'd answer without hesitation. That kind of connection is rare," she said. "You can feel it the moment you walk into a signature event; the energy, the warmth, the excitement. It's not just networking—it's belonging."
One skill Wood personally has been able to foster through her involvement with Inforum is her public speaking, just one example, she explained, of how the organization helps women grow both professionally and personally.
Wood shared that Inforum's mission to accelerate women's careers is evident in everything they do, whether it's their events, affinity groups, classes, seminars, original research, or other activities. Inforum also exists in West Michigan today thanks to an intentional process from a group of local women business leaders*.
"These women wanted to find a forum to meet the networking needs of women across multiple industries," Wood explained. "That process led them to pursue the creation of a membership group within Inforum, which at the time served only Metro Detroit. Several prominent local companies** helped support the effort. We're excited to be honoring that legacy this year."
Part of that legacy has been a purposeful effort to expand Inforum's West Michigan membership, especially by engaging more emerging leaders and women of color.
"When I look 10 years down the line, my hope is to attend events—whether it's an affinity group gathering, an Industry Group meeting, a signature event, or a talent development program—and see true representation in the room across position levels, generations, ethnicities, and industries," Wood said. "Inforum's mission—to help all women lead and succeed—will remain at the heart of what we do. But I hope we'll continue to evolve, not only by removing barriers for women but also by increasing the presence and partnership of men who believe in and support gender equity."
Personally, Wood hopes to still be in a space where she's growing, learning, and helping to create opportunities for others to thrive.
"There's still so much impact to be made, and I'm excited to be part of that journey."
For women who have just joined Inforum (or are considering it), Wood emphasized the importance of being your authentic self.
"Many times in my career I found myself shrinking in certain spaces, looking around the room, questioning if I belonged, and sometimes trying to be someone I wasn't," she reflected. "It wasn't until I joined Inforum 16 years ago that I really began to understand what was happening: Imposter syndrome, something so many women silently wrestle with."
Wood encourages women to give themselves time to explore Inforum's offerings to see where they feel most connected—an affinity group can be a good starting point. And lastly, she recommends being open to expanding your network to include those you might not typically connect with.
"Sometimes the most meaningful relationships and opportunities come from stepping outside your usual circles," Wood shared, noting that we all carry bias shaped by our experiences. "Over the past seven years, that truth has taken on a much deeper meaning for me. I've learned how important it is to truly listen to the stories of others. Their experiences may be different from yours, but the emotions, hopes, fears, joys, and struggles are often the same."
Wood truly believes we as people were created for community, and that means needing one another.
"Growth and progress only happen when we are willing to create spaces where people feel safe to be fully themselves, seen, heard, and valued. That's where real connection and transformation begin."
In her off time, Wood—a self-proclaimed Type A introvert—can be found spending time with her husband and being out in nature, whether it's hiking, working in the yard, watching the sun set, walking by the water, or simply spending quiet moments outdoors.
"It's important for me to find ways to slow down, and being in nature helps me recharge, recenter, and disconnect from the constant pull of everyday life," she said. "Meaningful engagement and intentional downtime can absolutely coexist, and both are essential for showing up as my best self."
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
This article originally appeared in the Aug/Sept '25 issue of West Michigan Woman.
*The original committee members included: Melissa Collar; Laurie Forte; Patti Griswold; Kathleen Hanenburg; Michelle Hoexum; Peggy Janei; Cynthia Knoll; Kathleen Maine; Melissa Peterson; Denise Sherwood; Elizabeth Topliffe; Jennifer Tyler; Rita Woodruff; and Pam Tyler.
**The local companies who supported the West Michigan Inforum launch included Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, Mercantile Bank, Varnum LLP, Comerica, Fifth Third, and Steelcase.
Photo courtesy of Kelly Braman Photography.
