Congratulations to our 2011 Champion Award Winners!

Since I've been writing lately about reasons to love, live and enjoy Grand Rapids, I wanted to congratulate four community leaders that go the extra mile to make our town a fine place.

The Center for Community Leadership Champion Awards recognize members of the CCL community for exceptional work in one of the four platforms (Community Connections, Diversity, Leadership Skills, Systems Thinking) that has lead to making Grand Rapids a community of uncommon greatness.

The awards will be presented at CCL's Annual Fundraiser tonight, April 20, 2011 at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. Congratulations to the 2011 Champion Award Winners!

 SYSTEMS-THINKING SKILLS

Janay Brower, LGR 2009 of Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness (Roofs to Roots)

Janay Brower understands that to solve any great challenge you need to look beyond the simple and address the systemic factors that contribute to it.  Janay has worked tirelessly to build an effective coalition of individuals and organizations to address the root causes of homelessness in our community.  The Roofs to Roots campaign seeks to educate the community and build a wide range of resources through partnership and collaboration to help individuals and families before they become homeless. Her passion to systems change is evident in all that she does.

 LEADERSHIP SKILLS

George Aquino, LGR 2009, of JW Marriott Grand Rapids

George Aquino’s ability to lead not only those he works directly with but also the community at large is inspirational.  Under George’s leadership Superfriendz leverages passionate, connected individuals across all sectors of our community to mobilize and engage their own networks to promote non-profit causes and give back to the community. George is passionate about this community and his lead-by-example attitude is commendable and encouraging for the future of this community.

 DIVERSITY

Tom Hanley, LGR 2008, of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

In his position at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Tom Hanley has worked relentlessly to increase awareness about the hospital and to ensure its accessibility to everyone in our community. Tom’s kind disposition, openness and enthusiasm for his organization and the community are infectious. Tom’s passion to create a hospital where all children can receive world class healthcare makes him an incredible asset to this community.

 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Laurie Cirivello, LGR 2008, of Grand Rapids Community Media Center

Laurie Cirivello leads a team that provides services in public access cable, community radio and nonprofit IT support and web development. Laurie’s work with The Rapidian continues to receive national exposure as Grand Rapids’ hyper-local news source and has become an incredible outlet for organizations to share their stories and accomplishments.  Laurie is always seeking to connect people and organizations to one another to enhance their efforts and make their impact on the community even greater.