|  

Spectrum Health
Brilliant Social Change Agent

Colleen Lane is a Grand Rapids, Michigan native who is triple-board certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Addiction. Colleen has always had a passion for working in social justice and was drawn to the field of addiction medicine during her residency. She sees herself as a physician advocate and uses her voice and platform to talk about substance use disorders and medication-assisted treatment. Passionate about her work, Colleen strives to expand access to addiction treatment services while breaking down the stigma that surrounds harm reduction. “Despite being in a life-saving medical field, addiction medicine deals with stigma both among medical and non-medical people,” explained Colleen. “I view my role not only as a physician, but also as an ambassador. I take every chance to talk about harm reduction and what it means to love someone through addiction. I want people to know that patients living with addiction are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and neighbors—their lives matter and treatment works.”

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.