2025 WomanUp & Celebrate West Michigan

On May 20, 2025, Michigan Women Forwad held its annual WomanUp & Celebrate event at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids. There, we recognized 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.

Read more about our remarkable 2025 honorees below. 

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 […]

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

  Owner of Ibex Hospitality Women to Watch Honoree Emily Leestma is a leader and entrepreneur based in Muskegon. She earned her PhD in cell and molecular genetics from Van Andel […]

  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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Become a WomanUp & Celebrate Sponsor

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