President, Women At Risk International
Champion of Service
Rebecca McDonald doesn’t consider herself to be special—just someone determined to give voice to the silenced. She’s spent four decades reaching out to the wounded and lifting them up to a place worth and dignity in over 60 countries and America.
The daughter of a surgeon and artist, McDonald grew up in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) from age five until college and attended boarding school in Pakistan, something she considered a great privilege. By age 14, they’d stayed through two wars so her father could provide medical care. One day, her Bengali playmate was raped and fought back, silenced forever with acid poured down her throat. Her friend’s suffering set McDonald on a path to give voice to the silenced, wrapping arms of love around them and helping them rewrite their stories. She founded WAR International—best known for its anti-trafficking fight—to educate, unite, and create circles of protection and hope around the wounded through culturally sensitive, value-added intervention projects in addressing 15 risk issues.
“Serving others is addictive,” McDonald says. “If you stick at it long enough, you have the luxury of hindsight to see that it truly works! I could tell you thousands of stories with happy endings! That pours steel into my backbone every time.”
Rebecca McDonald
- Details
- Category: Brilliance Awards Finalists 2024
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.
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.
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.