FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kasie Smith
President & Publisher, West Michigan Woman
‘WEST MICHIGAN WOMAN’ NAMES SHELLEY IRWIN RECIPIENT OF 2026 LEGACY OF BRILLIANCE AWARD
Award recognizes Irwin’s celebrated career and significant contributions to public media, community storytelling, and volunteer efforts in West Michigan.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 2, 2026 – West Michigan Woman, a magazine and online community that informs, connects and inspires the women of West Michigan, has announced that Shelley Irwin, host and producer for The Shelley Irwin Show (a news magazine talk-show format on the local NPR affiliate WGVU), will be honored with the 2026 Legacy of Brilliance Award at the upcoming 10th anniversary Brilliance Awards, taking place April 23 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids.
The Legacy of Brilliance Award, chosen directly by the West Michigan Woman team, was created in 2023 and is presented to a well-respected woman who has a reputation for showing up for her team, her network and her community throughout the entirety of her exceptional career. The Legacy of Brilliance Award recognizes a woman who for years—perhaps even decades—has given of herself, personally and professionally, to better the lives of those around her and the place we call home. She's someone who everyone can share a story about, and has worked tirelessly over time to ensure progress is always being made. Through every interaction, this woman has helped lay the stepping stones for others to excel. She inspires, cheers others on, has broken barriers and is celebrated for the path she has already paved and continues to forge.
The Legacy of Brilliance Award is presented alongside nine additional categories awarded at the annual Brilliance Awards event: Mentor, Connector, Social Change Agent, Tenacity, Champion of Service, Entrepreneur, Emerging Leader, Best Supporting Man, and Woman of the Year.
“As we celebrate 10 years of spotlighting extraordinary women in our community through the Brilliance Awards, we’re thrilled to once again recognize a woman specifically through the Legacy of Brilliance Award who has contributed so much to our community and inspires others,” said Kasie Smith, President & Publisher of West Michigan Woman. “Shelley is a superwoman in so many ways to so many people. She’s a champion for public media, a trusted leader, a reliable confidant, an empathetic journalist, and so much more. She shows up when and how it matters! We’re honored to show her the love she deserves for her tremendous contributions which have touched the lives of many throughout West Michigan and beyond.”
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.
“‘Wow!’ is all I can say on receiving the 2026 Legacy of Brilliance Award on behalf of West Michigan Woman!” Irwin said. “I join a stellar team of prior Legacy recipients. My fingers are crossed that our work makes a long-lasting impact to those in the community and those charged to carry on the torch. There is power in legacy.”
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.
For 10 years, the Brilliance Awards have recognized the dynamic talent, spirit and intellect of those who tackle issues facing professional women. Focusing on nominees who are committed to creating positive change and excel in their fields, the Brilliance Awards shine a light on local leaders within the West Michigan community who truly elevate others and blaze trails of inspiration.
Ticket and table information can be found at: westmichiganwoman.com/brilliance-awards
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