The 10th anniversary Brilliance Awards, an annual celebration of the dynamic talent, spirit and intellect of those who tackle issues facing professional women, took place April 23 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
As the West Michigan Woman community gathered once more for an evening filled with awards, drinks, dining and music, we were reminded of the many inspiring stories of the women and men within the community who truly elevate others and blaze trails of inspiration.
While always memorable, the Brilliance Awards this year marked an important milestone: 10 years of shining a spotlight on the incredible individuals within the community who drive real change and influence those around them for good.
The evening began with remarks from Kasie Smith, President and Publisher of West Michigan Woman, who asked everyone in the audience to stand who’s been a top honoree within the last 10 years, those who were a 2026 finalist, followed by those who’ve been a sponsor of the event, those who sat on the selection committee and are part of the West Michigan Woman team, and of course, those who are in attendance supporting a finalist. What followed was the entirety of the room on their feet, expressing sincere gratitude and admiration for the brilliance found within the room in all forms.
The successes of local leaders were honored across nine categories, with nominees including top executives, business owners, emerging leaders, mentors, connectors and social change agents. Ultimately, three finalists for each category, and eventually a top honoree, were carefully selected from over 350 incredible nominations.
The 2026 event also saw the awarding of the Legacy of Brilliance Award to Shelley Irwin, Host and Producer for The Shelley Irwin Show, a newsmagazine talk-show on the local NPR WGVU affiliate. Chosen by the West Michigan Woman team, the Legacy of Brilliance Award honors a woman who has a reputation for showing up for her team, her network and her community throughout the entirety of her exceptional career.
"Our milestone 10th annual Brilliance Awards was an incredibly inspiring evening full of connection, collaboration and stories of perseverance and powerful passions," said Kasie Smith, President and Publisher of West Michigan Woman. "It has been and continues to be our greatest honor to be able to shine a light on those leaders and trailblazers whose work positively impacts others in our community and makes West Michigan such a wonderful place to call home. The West Michigan Woman community wouldn't be what it is without everyone who attended the event and in turn supported and lifted up those women and men willing to challenge the status quo for a better world."
The evening also saw the date announcement of the second annual West Michigan Woman Brilliance Summit, taking place November 5.
"The Brilliance Summit is the perfect way to have the energy of the awards continue on throughout the year,” Smith added. “We’re so pleased to invite some of our finalists and top honorees to once again connect with our community and impart their wisdom directly. This half-day event is aimed at inspiring and strengthening leadership capabilities of women at all professional levels, so please join us! Last year's attendees can certainly attest to that!"
Within the ballroom beneath Dale Chihuly's Gilded Champagne Gardens Chandelier, seated at tables adorned with golden accents, glittering candles and meticulously designed floral arrangements, attendees were able to converse, share laughter, exchange heartwarming stories, and say "cheers" to all who were being honored. The award presentations were given in between meal courses, offering attendees a chance to enjoy their dinners and drinks while also connecting and continuing conversations from the cocktail hour prior to the program's start.
From heartfelt acceptance speeches and moments of deep humanity to cheers from steadfast supporters, everyone in attendance was touched by inspiration in some way and left motivated and ready to change the world, much like our brilliant 2026 finalists and top honorees.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
Photo courtesy of Arrae Photography.
