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The 2019 West Michigan Woman People's Choice Brilliance Award

BAPCA19 Social1 UPDATEVoting 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.

Voting is now closed!

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Finalists

Executive Director
Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors
Brilliant Social Change Agent

In Amy’s 20 years of leadership, alongside a community who has rallied with her, she has uplifted and amplified the voices of the burn community, a group that has often been dismissed or underestimated. Her staunch support for those in the burn community, and her unwavering commitment and dedication to advocating for fire prevention, has changed the lives of thousands.

Executive Director
Scratch Branding and Funky Buddha Yoga
Brilliant Connector

Anna is generous of spirit, committed to community and a champion of others. She created the West Side Artists Project in order to connect the west side business community with area artists. When Anna learned about Drag Brunch and its efforts to help end teenage homelessness, Anna united members across the community to support the effort.

Director of Organizational Development & Leadership Training
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
Brilliant Emerging Leader

Emily is the top nursing recruiter and now director of Organizational Development and Leadership Training at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. As head recruiter for the nursing division, she helped increase the number of inpatient nurses by over 230 percent and decreased nursing turnover. Emily has been asked to speak at numerous events across the country about recruitment and retention efforts.

CEO & President
OST
Brilliant Woman of the Year

To start as a project manager on a team of six people, to eventually running a company of over 200 people with offices in GR, MN and Detroit is amazing. Meredith somehow manages to personally connect with everyone on staff and yet step back and make solid decisions for the business.

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.
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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.