2026 Legacy of Brilliance
Shelley Irwin | The Shelley Irwin Show
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.
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.
2025 Legacy of Brilliance Recipient
Michelle Rabideau, CFRE, MPA
With over 30 years of philanthropic leadership, Michelle Rabideau has raised over $125 million for causes in healthcare, education, and women's empowerment. As President of Saint Mary's Foundation, she has been instrument in advancing community initiatives and public service in West Michigan. Her remarkable dedication continues to shape the region's future. Rabideau has played key roles in numberous community organizations, advocating for healthcare access, women's rights, and social justice. She remains a powerful force for positive change, inspiring others through her leadership and commitment to service.
2024 Legacy of Brilliance Recipient
Christy Buck
With more than 36 years of experience in the mental health field, Buck's passion for transforming and saving lives through mental health education led her to develop two mental health and suicide prevention programs: be nice. and be nice. extension (previously Live Laugh Love.) In addition to being a keynote speaker, Buck and her staff have passionately presented to over 300,000 people in West Michigan on mental health awareness, bullying and suicide prevention since 2006. Buck has been involved with numerous community organizations and coalitions, along with becoming a certified instructor for QPR and Mental Health First Aid, for which she has been recognized as one of the top 100 instructors in the country. Buck has alos been awarded the American Red Cross Hometown Hero Award, 50 Most Influential Women In West Michigan, Daughters of the American Revolution Women In Hisotry Award, and was a Brilliance Awards Woman of the Year finalist in 2019. Of all her accomplishments, Buck's family brings her the most joy. She is "yiayia" to three beautiful grandchildren, and with husband Tim is the proud mom of Demetrios, Katerina, and Isabella. Buck protects her mental health by dominating in trivia every Wednesday night with her friends and spending time at her second home in Manistee, Michigan. She is a proud graduate of Michigan State University and is a devoted member of the Greek Orthodox Church.
2023 Legacy of Brilliance Recipient
Diana Sieger
An effective community, statewide and national leader with a passion for making a positive impact, Diana Sieger has served as President of Grand Rapids Community Foundation since 1987. Through community problem-solving, policy development and advocacy, she has fearlessly moved forward to address key issues, leading transformative initiatives to support all in West Michigan through her more than 35 years of dedicated service to the Community Foundation. Under Sieger's leadership, the Community Foundation grew its financial assets from $38 million to $387 million from a staff of three to more than 30.
Among her many accomplishments and areas of recognition, Sieger has led efforts that have opened the organization to community input and leadership in decision making, including a formal commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.