At Inforum, my job is to help us achieve our mission of accelerating careers for women.
We do that by providing opportunities to meet professionals in a wide range of industries, job titles, and career stages. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is leading initiatives that help younger professionals begin building those networks early.
One example is our six-month, $35 membership for young women and men ages 18-33. Through a series of monthly challenges—such as attending an in-person or virtual affinity group, connecting with other members for a coffee or virtual chat, or volunteering—young professionals experience the power of Inforum while developing habits that foster long-term growth.
Our newest effort focuses on university students. We know that the connections we make during our college years can shape both our personal and professional journeys. But what if we could expand those opportunities even further? Thanks to the generous support of the Walters Family Foundation, we are working with Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and other in-state universities on programs that connect students with professionals in ways that complement their schools’ existing offerings.
Here in West Michigan, we’re also strengthening relationships with West Michigan colleges and universities by offering recurring opportunities for students to access programming, mentorship, special events, and other opportunities. Our goal is simple: To become a trusted resource for students during and after college as they work to build their careers.
Working with us in this effort is our Next Gen Advisory Council, which helps us meet the needs of young professionals.
The council’s purpose is to provide rising talent with opportunities to make an impact in their communities, foster connections with peers in other companies and industries, and advise our staff and board of directors on their needs, challenges, and preferences in the workplace as they work to accelerate their careers and add more value to their organizations.
One of their key areas of focus is expanding engagement with Grand Rapids campuses through student programming, alumni outreach, and collaborative professional development events. We’ve listed them below—connect with them on LinkedIn if you’d like to know more:
- Nada Aouad, Executive Assistant, Fishbeck
- Karen Avila, Senior Internal Auditor, Comerica Bank
- Lexie Bahm, Process Engineer, Lear Corp.
- Ashley Bayley, Marketing Analysis, Interiors, Forvia
- Dwight Bowman, North American Talent and Community Development Specialist, Gordon Food Service
- Lauren DeVries, Marketing Manager, SpartanNash
- Olivia Engvall, Project Engineer, Amway
- Libby Gardner, Owner, Stratify
- Kasey Codd Halek, Associate, Chase Bank
- Brooke Helder, Director of Development, Alpha Grand Rapids
- Abigail Heyde, Wealth Strategist, Senior Associate, Northern Trust
- Fatimah Jobeh, Owner, Her Yemen
- Leitaiya King, Business Analyst II, Meijer
- Alexis Pickrell, Group Operations Director, Henry Ford Health
- Brooke Scott, Tax Senior, Deloitte
- Jessica Starr, Account Manager, Branex Group
- Blake Stewart, Advanced Analyst, Formats, Strategy & Corporate Reporting, Meijer
- Ellie Van Farowe, Business Development Marketing, Grand Home Automation
- Gabrielle Dolenga Wiles, Communications Manager, Magna International
Together, these leaders exemplify the energy, creativity, and commitment of the next generation. Their voices and vision are ensuring that Inforum’s impact extends well into the future.
At Inforum, we believe that when young professionals are connected early, they build not only stronger careers but also stronger communities. That’s the future we’re working toward—one connection at a time.
Anna Grace is Inforum’s senior director of events and membership. She can be reached at [email protected]. You can also check us out at www.myinforum.org.
Courtesy of Inforum.
Photo courtest of Robin Gamble Photography.
