2026 WomanUp & Celebrate Kalamazoo

Monday, Sept. 28, 2026 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Radisson Plaza Hotel, Kalamazoo

Join us as we recognize incredible women leaders from Kalamazoo who have excelled in their careers and made a difference in the KZoo community.

This year’s Women of Achievement and Courage honorees are Twala Lockett-Jones and Leona Carter.

Our Women to Watch honorees, awarded to women ages 46 and under who have demonstrated leadership in their communities and careers, are Shacara Burrell and Raquel Juarez.

Read more about our remarkable 2026 honorees below. 

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities that showcase your organization’s support for our organization and women leaders, please download our sponsorship guide.

2026 WomanUp & Celebrate Kalamazoo Honorees

• Leona Carter | Woman of Achievement & Courage

  Leona Carter is an educator, college advisor, entrepreneur, author, and speaker dedicated to helping people discover their purpose, recognize their potential, and create meaningful paths forward. With more than 15 […]

  Read more about Leona Carter | Woman of Achievement & Courage
• Twala Lockett-Jones | Woman of Achievement & Courage

  Twala Lockett-Jones is a Kalamazoo real estate broker, entrepreneur, author, and community advocate whose work is helping families achieve homeownership, build generational wealth, and strengthen neighborhoods. Growing up on Kalamazoo’s […]

  Read more about Twala Lockett-Jones | Woman of Achievement & Courage
• Shacara Burrel | Woman to Watch

  Shacara Burrel, JD, LCSW, is a mental health and wellness professional, attorney, educator, mediator, and entrepreneur whose work helps individuals, families, and communities navigate conflict, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful […]

  Read more about Shacara Burrel | Woman to Watch
• Raquel Juarez | Woman to Watch

  Raquel Juarez is a banking leader and community connector dedicated to strengthening Southwest Michigan’s business community by creating meaningful relationships, expanding access to opportunity, and helping others succeed. As Vice […]

  Read more about Raquel Juarez | Woman to Watch

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Become a WomanUp & Celebrate Sponsor

Partner with us as we honor trailblazing women who inspire and elevate their community at our 2026 WomanUp & Celebrate Kalamazoo event on Sept. 28, 2026.

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