2026 WomanUp & Celebrate West Michigan

Tuesday, June 9, 2026
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
JW Marriott, Grand Rapids

Celebrate Bold Leadership.
Connect with West Michigan’s Most Influential Women.

Join Michigan Women Forward for WomanUp & Celebrate West Michigan — a powerful midday gathering that brings together the region’s most influential women and the people paying attention.

On June 9, 2026, at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids, we’ll recognize leaders whose impact is felt across industries, organizations, and communities — and create space for the kind of conversations and connections that don’t happen anywhere else.

This isn’t just a celebration. It’s a room full of momentum.

What to Expect

• Recognition of West Michigan women leading at the highest levels
• A program that’s thoughtful, relevant, and worth your time
• The chance to connect with leaders, decision-makers, and future collaborators
• A break from your day that leaves you energized

Tickets

• General Admission: $150
  Power of 100 Women members receive 10% off. Ask your P100 representative for your special code.

2026 WomanUp & Celebrate West Michigan Honorees

• Winnie Brinks | Woman of Achievement & Courage Award Honoree

  Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks is the Senate Majority Leader. She is proud to have earned the historic distinction of being the first woman to hold this position in the […]

  Read more about Winnie Brinks | Woman of Achievement & Courage Award Honoree
• Misti Stanton | Woman of Achievement & Courage Award Honoree

  First VP, Talent and Culture Officer of Mercantile Bank Misti Stanton is First VP, Talent and Culture Officer at Mercantile Bank, where she leads efforts to build an inclusive, people-centered […]

  Read more about Misti Stanton | Woman of Achievement & Courage Award Honoree
• Kim Suarez | Woman of Achievement & Courage Award Honoree

  Co-Founder of Business Equity Initiative Fund Kim Suarez enjoyed a long and successful career in health care. The last twenty years of her working life were spent in the Corewell Health integrated […]

  Read more about Kim Suarez | Woman of Achievement & Courage Award Honoree
• Rachel Gorman | Women to Watch Honoree

  President & CEO of Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Rachel Gorman serves as President and CEO of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, where she partners closely with community leaders, […]

  Read more about Rachel Gorman | Women to Watch Honoree
• Emily Henao | Women to Watch Honoree

  Vice President of Marketing for Meijer Emily Henao is the Vice President of Marketing at Meijer, a privately-owned and family-operated Grand Rapids, Michigan-based retailer that operates more than 500 supercenters, […]

  Read more about Emily Henao | Women to Watch Honoree
• Nancy Quero | Women to Watch Honoree

  CEO & Owner of Guelaguetza Designs Nancy Quero is the founder of Guelaguetza Designs, a business she launched in 2005 to stay connected to her Mexican heritage. What began as […]

  Read more about Nancy Quero | Women to Watch Honoree

Diamond

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Table

In Kind

Be Part of the Celebration

This is more than an event — it’s a moment to honor progress, amplify leadership, and invest in a future where women continue to lead at every level.

Explore sponsorship opportunities to align your brand with this powerful celebration and demonstrate your commitment to advancing women’s leadership.

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