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Executive Director, Meijer LPGA Classic

Cathy Cooper began her career in retail management for Meijer, followed by leadership roles in business development, financial services, foods marketing, vendor marketing partnerships, charitable giving, and ultimately developed the sports marketing and community partnerships areas for the company.

In 2013, as the Senior Director of Community Partnerships and Giving, Cooper was given the opportunity to develop and lead the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give, which has become one of the best attended LPGA tournaments on the tour, resulting in over $13 million to help feed families in our communities. She was also the recipient of the inaugural Fredrik Meijer Award and the 2025 Michigan Better Business Trust award.  

Cooper has had the honor of serving on many boards and committees throughout West Michigan including, Gildas Club, North Kent Connect, Conductive Learning Center, Girl Scouts, Better Business Bureau, Beer City Dog Biscuits, American Heart Association, Michigan Heros Museum, and Experience Grand Rapids.

“[I aim to inspire and elevate other women] through authentic leadership and building trust through what I do and who I am every day. Ultimately … being a safe resource and role model, whether it’s just to listen, provide guidance and/or give women opportunities to grow where I have the influence and the resources.”

From this issue

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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.”
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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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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.