Author

Shandra Martinez

Shandra Martinez is the managing editor of The Lakeshore WM. After a distinguished career in daily journalism, she launched her Holland-based business, Shandra Martinez Communications. A longtime resident of the Lakeshore, she now writes and edits on a variety of platforms for clients in Michigan and across the country. She can be reached at mailto:shandra@thelakeshorewm.com

Shandra Martinez's Latest Articles

An aerial view of the Little Hawks Preschool on the Outdoor Discovery Center campus.
ODC Network acquires 295-acre parcel in Kalamazoo River Greenway

The nonprofit will begin managing the River Junction Preserve to improve and preserve the property’s ecological value. Consistent with ODC’s mission, the preserve should be publicly accessible in fall 2023.

Grand Haven City Councilmember Karen Lowe (Shandra Martinez)
The role transformative placemaking can take in building community

As part of the Tuesday Forum Series, community members gathered to learn about the concept of transformative placemaking on the hyperlocal scale as a way to solve problems and create better communities.   

Nearly half of the high-demand jobs in West Michigan are in the health sciences sector.
New report reveals West Michigan’s high-demand jobs for 2023

Nearly half of the high-demand jobs in West Michigan are in the health sciences sector, followed by construction, according to the 2023 Hot Jobs! List.

LAUP moved its headquarters and Lift Zone from a shared space to 430 W. 17th St.
LAUP reopens ‘Lift Zone’ to bridge the digital divide

“Lift Zone” provides a safe space where families can get help accessing the Internet for learning, resources, and digital skills building.

Caroline Henry is the chair of the GHACF's Youth Advisory Council. (Shandra Martinez)
Community conversation gives youth wider perspective

High school students from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council are joining with community members to learn about and discuss issues critical to  Northwest Ottawa County.

Patrick Cisler
Community Foundation picks local nonprofit leader as next CEO

After a national search, local nonprofit leader Patrick Cisler has been tapped to be the next president/CEO of the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area.  

Sara Hendren, right, at the DAKC workshop with a participant. (DAKC)
How Sara Hendren inspires a ‘joyful approach’ to accessible design

Sara Hendren, the author of “What Can A Body Do? How We Meet the Built World” advocates for the “most creative, joyful approach to making the world accessible.”

Norman Peak explore the new inclusive playground at Milham Park. (Shandra Martinez)
Park playground transformation creates space for inclusive play

The transformation of the playground at Milham Park has created a model for inclusive play for children with disabilities. It's part of a growing trend to make parks more accessible for people of all abilities.

Dairy Amcor's Shirley Monte reads a book about farming to elementary school students. (WMW)
How West Michigan agribusiness professionals inspire the next generation

In an effort to educate the next generation about the agribusiness industry, agribusiness professionals volunteered their time to visit 26 classrooms and engage with 550 elementary school students. 

Coopersville resident Wade Wiltenburg placed third at the ABC National Craft Championships. (West Michigan Chapter ABC)
West Michigan focus on craft trades leads to apprentice’s bronze finish in national competition

Wade Wiltenburg, a GRCC student and electrical apprentice from Coopersville, earned a bronze medal in a national competition featuring nearly 200 of the nation’s top-performing craft professionals. 

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