Each of the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards finalists were selected for a reason. All exude a contagious spirit and broad skillset that, in one facet or another, betters the West Michigan community. This is an opportunity for you to get to know them. Read through their bios, resonate with their challenges and triumphs and ideally, make a few new connections!
Strategic Communications Manager, Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Emerging Leader
Heather Gill Fox is a book lover, storyteller, wife, mother, woman of faith and dedicated community member who uses her skills for connection and communication to challenge systemic injustices and create more inclusive spaces.
At the Community Foundation, Gill Fox manages projects that promote racial, social, and economic justice, and utilizes her platform to learn, adapt, and drive conversations and actions that prioritize dismantling barriers to equity. Community and conviction are truly central to her leadership. Beyond her professional sphere, Gill Fox mentors students, engages in national networks for communicators, and volunteers with organizations fostering a more equitable society.
Gill Fox hopes her leadership will inspire others to join in the collective journey towards a more just future, and says, “Leadership is not a title; it’s a way of being. You may not have the specific title or all the decision-making power, but people are inspired by those who have conviction and confidence. You can make a difference in your community, your workplace, your family simply by sharing your strengths, listening to those around you and advocating your passion for change.”
Marketing and Communications Manager, Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Emerging Leader
Haley Abbas is a dynamic marketing and communications professional who recognizes the influence women mentors and advocates have had on her career and how they’ve inspired her own pathway to leadership.
In her current role, Abbas leads a comprehensive marketing strategy to enhance Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s brand presence locally, regionally and nationally. Serving as Public Information Officer, Abbas manages the airport’s crisis communications and public relations initiatives, and plays a pivotal role in supporting air service development efforts to further foster connectivity for West Michigan’s gateway to the world. Her commitment to excellence has garnered national recognition, including Best Overall Marketing Strategy for a Small Hub Airport by Airports Council International - North America. Prior, Abbas gained extensive experience in economic and community development at Lakeshore Advantage in Zeeland, contributing to the growth of one of the fastest-growing economies in the U.S.
Leadership lessons abound for Abbas, who says, “As a leader, seeing my team members grow and succeed is the most rewarding part of my job. I’m someone who’s there to support and empower others to shine. It’s not about being front and center; it’s about lifting others up and helping them reach their full potential.”
Founder & Co-Owner, Cellar Door Preserves
Entrepreneur
What started as a canning hobby and way to eat as much local food as possible, became a business for Zenobia Taylor-Weiss in 2016. After attending college in Grand Rapids, she became convinced the world’s best fruit is grown in Michigan—a fact she felt more people should know. Through this belief, Cellar Door Preserves was born.
She dedicated nights and weekends alone for over two years to Cellar Door Preserves, while also working other jobs. Today, she oversees a small but mighty staff and has sold jam made with Michigan fruit in all 50 states and Canada. Cellar Door Preserves won the Best Product Award at the prestigious NY Now Gift Show and has graced the tables of farmers, celebrities, high-end restaurants and foodies alike. But Taylor-Weiss’ favorite compliment is someone sharing that her products taste like jam their grandmother used to make.
She says, “The biggest mistakes I’ve made in my business were when my gut instinct told me something was off and I ignored it. In our culture, especially as women, we’re often taught to doubt our instincts and not trust ourselves. What I’ve learned from being an entrepreneur for over seven years is that the person who knows what’s best for your business is YOU.”
Founder, Your Legacy Brand
Entrepreneur
Tiffany Neuman is a visionary branding strategist who helps highly-motivated women business owners and leaders up-level their brand.
After 15 years in the corporate world, working with brands like FedEx, Adidas, Stoli Vodka and Burt’s Bees, Neuman left to establish a revolutionary branding business that stays one step ahead of the trends. She now works with clients across the globe to help them grow their sales times 10 and be known as leaders in their industries. She’s a contributor for Entrepreneur magazine and has appeared in media outlets such as Forbes. A former professor of design and branding at Kendall College of Art and Design, Neuman’s proudest achievement has been inspiring the next generation to become leaders in our community. She attributes her success as an entrepreneur to a combination of passion, resilience and innovation.
Neuman reminds fellow entrepreneurs: “Stay adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges, as our world is changing at an amazing rate. Remember that your unique perspective and experiences as a woman in business can be your greatest strength. Trust in your abilities, stay true to your values, and never underestimate the power of perseverance.”
Owner & CEO, El Granjero Mexican Grill
Entrepreneur
Originally from Mexico City, Mercedes Lopez-Duran grew up in a humble home, raised by her grandmother and siblings. She left school to get married at an early age and started a family. New to the restaurant business, she developed a passion for cooking and learned customer service skills while working in different restaurants in Mexico.
Lopez-Duran faced many challenges when she moved to Grand Rapids in 2005, including language barriers and depression from being far away from family and her hometown. But when she had the opportunity to take over a local restaurant, El Granjero Mexican Grill was born! With a rebrand and fresh menu, Lopez-Duran grew the restaurant from $60,000 in revenue in 2007 to close to $1 million as of last year, increasing her catering services to 30% and providing employment to 100 people over 17 years. Today, Lopez-Duran is also a partner at the new Mercadito Mexican Eats & Treats, bringing a street-food inspired menu to GR’s Westside for the first time.
Lopez-Duran says, “It’s critical to build your village. Owning a business, especially a restaurant, is something you cannot do on your own. I’m thankful for the community among other restaurant owners because we support one another and offer knowledge and even resources to ensure everyone does well.”
