2025 WomanUp & Celebrate West Michigan

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
JW Marriott, Grand Rapids

Celebrate amazing women. Connect with Michigan leaders.

Join us on May 20, 2025 at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids where we’ll recognize the strength, vision, and determination of seven incredible women leaders who have excelled in their careers and made a difference in the West Michigan community.

This year’s emcee is Fox 17 meteorologist, Terri DeBoer.

Our Women of Achievement and Courage honorees are Jenna Arcidiacono, Holly Johnson, and Dr. Candace Smith-King. 

For 2025, we’ve added a new recognition — a Women to Watch honor, awarded to women ages 45 and under who have demonstrated leadership in their communities and careers. This year’s honorees are Michigan Rep. Kristian Grant, Dr. Sommer Jabbar-Pearson, Emily Leestma, and Xuesi Li Gurney.

Read more about our remarkable 2025 honorees below. 

To get details on sponsorship opportunities to show your organization’s support of our organization and women leaders, please visit our sponsorship page.

2025 WomanUp & Celebrate West Michigan Honorees

• Jenna Arcidiacono | Woman of Achievement & Courage Honoree

  Chef-Owner of Amore Trattoria | Founder of Food Hugs Woman of Achievement & Courage Honoree Jenna’s first job was slinging chili dogs and root beer floats at Cook’s Drive-In in […]

  Read more about Jenna Arcidiacono | Woman of Achievement & Courage Honoree
• Holly Johnson | Woman of Achievement & Courage Honoree

  President of the Frey Foundation Woman of Achievement & Courage Honoree As President of the Frey Foundation, Holly oversees a program that awards roughly $6 million annually. Before joining Team […]

  Read more about Holly Johnson | Woman of Achievement & Courage Honoree
• Dr. Candace Smith-King | Woman of Achievement & Courage Honoree

  Vice President of Academic Affairs and Designated Institutional Official at Corewell Health Woman of Achievement & Courage Honoree Dr. Smith-King is the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Designated […]

  Read more about Dr. Candace Smith-King | Woman of Achievement & Courage Honoree
• Kristian Grant | Women to Watch Honoree

  Michigan State Representative for Grand Rapids’ 82nd District Women to Watch Honoree State Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) is a dedicated public servant, community advocate, entrepreneur, and proud mother, born […]

  Read more about Kristian Grant | Women to Watch Honoree
• Dr. Sommer Jabbar-Pearson | Women to Watch Honoree

  Director of Inclusion & Belonging for the Grand Rapids Chamber Dr.Sommer Jabbar-Pearson is an accomplished leader, educator, and advocate, dedicated to fostering inclusion and belonging in both educational and organizational […]

  Read more about Dr. Sommer Jabbar-Pearson | Women to Watch Honoree
• Emily Leestma, PhD. | Women to Watch Honoree

  Owner of Ibex Hospitality | Managing Partner of Adelaide Pointe Women to Watch Honoree Emily Leestma is a leader and entrepreneur based in Muskegon. She earned her PhD in cell […]

  Read more about Emily Leestma, PhD. | Women to Watch Honoree
• Xuesi Li Gurney | Women to Watch Honoree

  Director in Category Management and Supply Chain Strategy Consulting for GEP Worldwide Women to Watch Honoree Xuesi Li Gurney is a community volunteer and an impactful leader in supply chain […]

  Read more about Xuesi Li Gurney | Women to Watch Honoree

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Partner with us as we honor trailblazing women who inspire and elevate their community at our 2025 WomanUp & Celebrate West Michigan event on May 20, 2025.

To become a sponsor of WomanUp & Celebrate West Michigan, contact Laura Town, Executive Director – West Michigan