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HealthPartners
Woman of the Year

Megan Schmidt leads Priority Health’s commercial line of business that serve small and large companies across Michigan. In April, she accepted a new position leading health plan growth across five states for Health Partners, an integrated health system headquarters in Minnesota. She inspires and empowers her teams to think bigger, bolder and braver to make health care work better for everyone. Fueled by complexity and challenges, Megan found her place in health insurance about 20 years ago. Her areas of expertise include driving growth, leading through change, and creating strong client relationships. Her greatest achievements include leading amazing teams, raising two incredible young men, professional success and overcoming hardships, as well as being able to mentor and inspire women.

Her recent community involvement includes serving on the board of the American Cancer Society Leadership Council and the advisory board for Ferris State University’s Healthcare Administration program, as well as being co-chair of Inforum HealthcareNEXT West Michigan, among others. A pilot by training, Megan channels her fearlessness both at work and at home with her husband and two sons.

Megan says, “As women, we are often stuck in our own head, stuck in what others think of us, and stuck prioritizing what we truly want for ourselves. My advice is to recognize all of that, but believe we can rise above politics, what others think of us, and the fear of failure. We are all afraid of something, but that fear can make your world smaller and more limited. When you walk with the fear, that is where growth happens. When you’re afraid of what’s on the other side of your goal—whether failure or accomplishment—push through.”

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.