News Summary
The annual Pillar Awards ceremony in Grand Rapids, Michigan, highlighted the achievements of local organizations and individuals committed to women’s empowerment in the workplace. Held at the JW Marriott, the event recognized exceptional contributions by Paws With A Cause and Treetops Collective, along with the presentation of the Pillar of Hope Award to Tonya Williams. The Women’s Resource Center celebrated a leadership transition while promoting inclusivity within the workforce, reinforcing the importance of women’s roles in building a more equitable community.
West Michigan Employers Celebrate Women’s Empowerment at Annual Pillar Awards Ceremony
Grand Rapids, Michigan, recently played host to a splendid evening that celebrated empowerment, achievement, and a commitment to fostering a better workplace for women. The annual Pillar Awards ceremony took place on March 13 at the stunning JW Marriott International Ballroom, where applause, networking, and gratitude filled the air.
This year’s event saw a gathering of local employers dedicated to promoting women’s roles in the workforce, shining a light on those making significant strides in increasing opportunities and supporting ladies in their careers. The Women’s Resource Center, known for championing women’s initiatives for the past 50 years, has been the proud host of the Pillar Awards since 1987.
Meet the Outstanding Award Winners
As the evening unfolded, the air was thick with anticipation as the winners for the coveted Pillar Awards were announced. This year, Paws With A Cause and Treetops Collective stood out for their unwavering commitment to empowering women and making positive changes in the community. Both organizations have created vital programs that uplift and support women in various capacities, making them more than worthy of recognition.
Another highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Pillar of Hope Award to the inspiring Tonya Williams, who has made waves in her efforts to uplift women in the workforce and beyond. Her contributions have clearly made a difference in countless lives, showcasing the impact that one passionate individual can have.
A Change in Leadership
The Women’s Resource Center also marked a pivotal moment in its journey as Trudy Ender stepped into her role as the new CEO, succeeding LaSandra Gaddy, who recently transitioned to serve as the president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Ender’s leadership comes at a crucial time as the organization looks to deepen its commitment to guiding women toward workplace success and achieving economic independence.
Honoring Leadership and Belonging
The night didn’t stop with the Pillar Awards. The ATHENA Awards Celebration, an initiative that has recognized over 100 local leaders positively impacting women over three decades, also took center stage at the event. The honor promotes leadership that fosters belonging and inspires communities to drive positive change.
This year’s finalists represent a diverse array of sectors and achievements, showcasing the wealth of talent in West Michigan. From Shannon Cohen, CEO of Shannon Cohen, Inc., and founder of the Rockstar Woman™ Movement to Jaime Counterman, Foundation Director at the University of Michigan Health – West, each nominee brings a distinct flavor of inspiration to the table.
Other finalists included Tenisa Frye with over 20 years of leadership experience and LaSandra Gaddy herself as newly crowned leaders in their respective fields. The list also featured Kelly Brown, Director of Marketing and Operations at Green Giftz, and Amanda Rostic, a Senior Project Specialist at Corewell Health known for her trailblazing mindfulness program.
A Commitment to Inclusivity
Organizations like Huntington Bank and SpartanNash were also recognized for their dedication to creating an inclusive environment that empowers women within the workplace through thoughtful HR policies and employee resource groups. Their efforts set a strong precedent, demonstrating how embracing diversity can be transformative.
Notably, the W Talent Solutions have taken their commitment to a new level by donating 10% of their profits to support community partners assisting women facing domestic violence. Such initiatives underscore the importance of giving back and ensuring that the community grows together.
This year’s ceremony was not just a celebration but also a call to action—a reminder of the vital role women play in our workforce and the ongoing journey towards equality and empowerment. With events like these creating a ripple effect, West Michigan continues to shine as a beacon of hope and progress for women everywhere.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Women’s Resource Center Names New CEO
- Wikipedia: Women in the Workplace
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Meet the 2024 ATHENA Grand Rapids Finalists
- Google Search: Women Empowerment
- Fox 17: Redeemed Style Boutique Owner Combines Faith and Fashion
- Google Scholar: Women’s Empowerment
- Forbes: 5 Books to Empower the Next Wave of Business Leaders
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Rights
