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.
Executive Director Mental Health Foundation of WM Brilliant Woman of the Year
Christy has worked in mental health for over 30 years in West Michigan. Her life’s mission is to educate people about mental illness and reduce stigma. Christy is the creator and founder of the Michigan Health Foundation’s be nice. Program, which is a mental health education, bully and suicide prevention initiative that creates positive, cultural change through simple, daily actions.
As a male ally to women and gender equity, Mike understands the significance of his role as COO to enable other male leaders to be advocates and champions of gender equity, where male leaders step up beside women to fix the system, not women. As an ally, he treats gender equity as a business priority and reminds leaders it’s not about setting quotas, it’s about setting priorities.
Founder and CEO Shannon Cohen Inc. Brilliant Connector
As the Founder and Principal and Shannon Cohen, Inc., she offers speaking engagements in areas such as emotional intelligence, and equity and inclusion that transform the lives of leaders. Also, she is the co-founder of Sisters Who Lead, which recognizes and uplifts women.
Founder & Addiction Medicine Specialist The Dettmann Center P.C. Brilliant Tenacity
This Emergency Medicine doctor became disabled with rheumatoid arthritis in 2004 then in 2013 found a way to re-enter the workforce, re-gain her medical license, become board certified in Addiction Medicine, establish her own practice and personally commit to doing what she could to help educate the public about opioids, mental illness and addiction.
Founder & Chief Brand Officer Maria Erazo Enterprises Brilliant Entrepreneur
Maria began her journey working factory jobs and learning English, but she did not want to settle there, she knew she had so much more to give. Through her determination, grit and perseverance, Maria became the owner and #1 selling agent in the county of a Farmers Insurance Agency. She now owns Maria Erazo Enterprises, where she supports small business owners.
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.
