As we enter 2026, I’m still reflecting on the West Michigan November Capstone dinner, where we celebrated 20 years of West Michigan’s membership in Inforum.
More than 600 people joined us at the JW Marriott to commemorate the occasion and hear leadership insights from MillerKnoll CEO Andi Owen and Reneé Tabben, head of diverse segments for the private bank business at Bank of America.
We also heard from members—heartfelt testimonials about how Inforum membership has changed their lives—both professionally and personally.
Here are just some of them:
- Opportunities to connect. Inforum members have the opportunity to participate in West Michigan’s affinity groups. These are informal groups organized by members around common interests such as volunteering, health and wellness, geography, and wine and craft beer. They’re an ideal way to network without the work! Members also have access to the member directory.
- Special memberships for young professionals. We offer a special six-month, $35 membership for younger adults—women and men—from 18-33. The plan helps those new members connect and experience what Inforum has to offer through a series of monthly challenges.
- The Inforum App. Available from the Apple Store and Google Play, the app offers multiple ways to connect with other members, including the opportunity to sign up to be a mentor or find a mentor.
- Exposure to thought leaders. We offer events featuring strategically chosen speakers.
- Industry networking. We have specialized industry groups in manufacturing, technology, and healthcare.
- You can build your community profile. We create opportunities for our members to serve as role models for girls and young women and also to be considered for our speakers’ bureau.
- Leadership opportunities. Committees, councils, and the board of directors help lead and shape our work.
- Many learning options. Inforum offers a range of professional development programs for women at all stages of their careers. They include our flagship program, Executive Leadership, which is targeted toward high-achieving women leaders and Ignite Your Momentum; as well as programs targeted at emerging leaders and veterans, and individual coaching, among others. We also offer Learning Labs—quick two-hour seminars with concrete takeaways.
- Inforum Anywhere. You can connect, network, and learn both in person and virtually.
Come join our more than 6,000 members and more than 75 corporate investors. I’ve been a member since 2011 and know the power of Inforum. And I’m not the only one. If you haven’t checked it out already, you can hear testimonials from other West Michigan women in this video about the reasons they belong to Inforum.
Becky Wood is vice president of business development and West Michigan market leader for Inforum. She can be reached at [email protected]. Questions about becoming a member? West Michigan Brand Ambassador Darlene O’Neal can be reached at [email protected].
Courtesy of Inforum.
