Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Team Player
Katie Racey finds managing large live events and attractions to be highly rewarding. Even more rewarding are how these events bring together people of all different backgrounds. Katie watches this unfold in her role at Frederik Meijer Gardens when guests meet someone in line at the ‘Butterflies’ exhibition or experience a new type of music they weren’t exposed to prior. While a visit eventually ends, people carry with them the memories and relationships made. These moments are created amongst guests and the co-workers who as a team put in the hard work to ensure an experience comes together. Katie considers the relationships and memories created at these events, and the environment she fosters in everyone she works with, her greatest contributions.
Katie says, “Being on a team is unique: Most of the time you have little control over who’s on the team with you. This is what I like most about it! When you’re on a team, you’re forced to learn about others and are exposed to many backgrounds. I’ve learned the true meaning of ‘team player’ from the wonderful team I get to work with every day.”
Katie Racey
- Details
- Category: Brilliance Awards Finalists 2023
From this issue
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.”
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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