With its first event described as “a record-breaking show,” Muskegon’s VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center is generating excitement in downtown Muskegon. The 37,700-square-foot facility will be ideal for conventions, conferences, meetings, trade shows, and larger social events, Muskegon Chamber officials say.
Kaja Thornton Hunter, head of the nonprofit Overcoming Barriers, developed a passion and love for those with disabilities. Entrepreneur Thornton Hunter also created Kaja’s Flavor Packs to bring the beloved flavor of a Southern crab boil to Muskegon.
As a supplier diversity manager at Meijer, Kavy Lenon works to improve Meijer’s partner diversity for internal and external processes. Nicknamed “Wonder Woman,” she also brings her ample energy and passion to her work as an advocate for minority populations in West Michigan and beyond.
Dr. Beth Peter, a physician at Lakewood Family Medicine in Holland, says COVID-19 brought a year like no other for those in the medical field. She describes the pandemic’s effects on her work, her family, and her community.
Springing up across Michigan, palliative care programs aim to shift the way we think about death and serious illness.
The Rapid recently welcomed new chief executive officer, Deb Prato, to the helm. As she begins her new role and gets acclimated to the community, The Rapid gathered community members, transit riders, and stakeholders to gain a better understanding of current strengths, gaps and local resources.
Speaking up for herself and for others important is to Nayeli Mora, who will compete next month for the Midwest Youth of the Year after winning the local and state competitions.
Jessie Nieusma works with the medical community, businesses, and schools to raise awareness and acceptance, and to humanize transgender people and kids, so they receive the care and role models needed.
As the mother of a child with Down syndrome, Amanda Rhines is a passionate disability advocate. After a decade at D.A. Blodgett-St. John’s, Rhines is in her first year as executive director of Disability Network/Lakeshore.
Secretary Miguel Cardona invited Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink to join a recent call with national media. During the call, to discuss $36 billion in emergency U.S. Department of Education grants, Cardona highlighted GRCC’s outreach to and support for students impacted by the pandemic.
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