The 2019 West Michigan Woman People's Choice Brilliance Award
Voting is now closed! The West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards is entering its 3rd year of celebrating the unique talents of women and men in our community. For the first time ever, the public will select one honoree from the 30 finalists for the People's Choice Brilliance Award. The winner will be announced on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards where they will receive their award and recognition.
• To vote, please provide your first and last name and email address • You may only vote 1x for one person • Voting opens February 28th and closes at 5pm on March 14th
Anyone who votes by March 5th will be entered to win a pair of tickets to the International Women's Day event sponsored by West Michigan Woman and WZZM TV on March 8 at 20 Monroe Live.
Enjoy reading the bio snippets below that were taken directly from the nominators' submissions.
President West Michigan Sports Commission Brilliant Best Supporting Man
Mike oversees the West Michigan Sports Commission, which has one male and six female employees. For a sports industry organization this is very rare. It’s obvious that Mike is a champion for females in the work force, as well in sports. Notably, several of the female team members serve in leadership roles.
Co-Founder and Managing Member Avanti Law Group Brilliant Tenacity
Raquel immigrated to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic. When she enrolled in law school, she could not speak English and would record her classes and translate them every night. She went on to work for one of the largest law firms in West Michigan and later purchased Avanti Law Group, as well as a tax consulting business and real estate company.
Director of Public Policy Alzheimer’s Association Brilliant Champion of Service
Among Jen’s service achievements is serving as a critical member of the team of advocates responsible for the successful passage of Michigan’s smoke free air law, which has protected millions of people from the devastating health effects of secondhand smoke. Jen is motivated by the opportunity to dramatically improve the lives of the greatest number of people (and animals) possible.
Shareholder Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge Brilliant Best Supporting Man
In a field where it takes intentional efforts to extinguish institutional barriers to women advancing in the ranks, Bill has been that standout champion for the achievement of women lawyers. Through his service for two terms as CEO of Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge, he has prioritized and advocated for equitable representation of women within the firm and the community.
Founder and Photographer Mod Bettie Portrait Boutique Brilliant Social Change Agent
Mod Bettie is an empowering photography studio. Elise empowers women to love themselves for the beautifully imperfect person they are. Through #squadbettie, the online community she created, she is able to help build a safe place for love, acceptance, empowerment and community for over 1,300 women and that numbers grows every day.
Voting is now closed! The West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards is entering its 3rd year of celebrating the unique talents of women and men in our community. For the first time ever, the public will select one honoree from the 30 finalists for the People's Choice Brilliance Award. The winner will be announced on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards where they will receive their award and recognition.
