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Tiawanna Ezell

Tiawanna Ezell is a 10-year cancer survivor whose journey with Stage III cancer shaped her passion for advocacy, community, and hope. A devoted mother of three daughters, Tiawanna lives each day with gratitude and determination, embracing the beauty of the outdoors—especially through kayaking—and leading others in nature as a volunteer leader for the Outdoor Afro Grand Rapids network.

Her story is deeply personal. Tiawanna lost her grandmother to breast cancer, and more recently, her aunt and a close friend. These experiences, coupled with her own diagnosis and survivorship, fuel her commitment to ensuring that individuals and families have access to treatment services, resources, and support after a diagnosis. She believes strongly in the power of community, resilience, and the ultimate goal of finding a cure for this devastating disease.

Tiawanna has participated in both Relay for Life and Strides Against Breast Cancer events, where she has shared her journey to inspire others.

“Telling my story is not only a way to honor those I have lost but also a way to bring hope and courage to those currently fighting,” she said.

At her core, Tiawanna is a leader, advocate, and survivor whose strength continues to ripple through her family, her community, and every life touched by her words and actions.

From this issue

/Kathleen%20Vogelsang,%20CFA:%202026%20Brilliant%20Woman%20of%20the%20Year
Kathleen B. Vogelsang, CFA, is a true believer in remembering where you come from. A first-generation college graduate and non-traditional student, she earned her MBA and CFA designation while raising three children and working full-time. “I started out from very humble beginnings, nothing came easy,” Vogelsang said. “I was the first one in my family to go to college and paid my own way through, starting with community college. I don't ever want to lose sight of who I am; I'm still just humble little me—no matter how many awards I get. [What matters] is who I am … someone who’s trying to do the right thing and be a good person.”
/Legacy%20of%20Brilliance:%20Shelley%20Irwin
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 and is award-winning in her profession and beyond. Irwin also gives generously of her time, volunteering with various community organizations. In addition, she’s represented the U.S. in Long Distance Triathlon and Duathlon World Championships. Irwin is the fourth recipient of the West Michigan Woman Legacy of Brilliance Award, an honor created as part of the annual Brilliance Awards, which recognizes a woman who for years has given of herself, personally and professionally, to better the lives of those around her. We caught up with Irwin to get her perspective on her work and what advice she has for others.
/Local%20Loves:%20Skin%20and%20Body%20Care
Has your favorite big brand discontinued your favorite product? Are other products hard to get your hands on? Or do you simply want to purchase a quality product while shopping small? Enter: local skin and body care! Come along as we explore three local brands you should know about.
/Connection%20and%20Community:%20Elevate%20Your%20Overall%20Wellness%20with%20Group%20Fitness
Working out isn’t always some people’s idea of “fun.” For some, working out alone at home or at the gym can feel isolating, whether it’s lack of a routine, accountability, consistency, motivation, confidence, or otherwise. However, for some, working out in a group setting is like hitting a power up button in a video game. You’ve got someone knowledgeable leading you in the right direction, and a community cheering you on as you grow beyond your comfort zone—together! Both mentally and physically, it can be a true game changer.