NONPROFITS
SANDRA GADDY
CEO Women’s Resource Center, Grand Rapids
Sandra Gaddy is the CEO of Women’s Resource Center, an organization founded in 1973 with the mission is to equip women to achieve purpose, fulfillment and financial stability through meaningful employment. She previously served as vice president of advancement for Inner City Christian Federation, and chief communication and development officer for Mel Trotter Ministries. Prior to her nonprofit work, Gaddy spent 15 years in banking, including serving as vice president of business banking and wealth management. She has over 20 years of leadership experience and brings expertise in team development, strategic planning, forming collaborative partnerships and fund mobilization.
BONNIE NAWARA
CEO Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women, Grand Rapids
EDUCATION: Cornerstone University (B) FIRST JOB: Babysitting. My mom was a licensed child care provider and had a home daycare center. I was a trained assistant, so I had a lot of experience. FAVORITE QUOTE: “No one has ever become poor from giving.” Maya Angelou TOUGHEST CHALLENGE: Although transitioning from a corporate career to a career in nonprofit service was challenging on many levels, it was one of the most rewarding decisions I made. FUNNIEST WORK EXPERIENCE: Walking into clean glass door — very fast. PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Jada Pinkett-Smith or the great Angela Bassett
CHRIS PALUSKY
President, CEO Bethany Christian Services, Grand Rapids
Chris Palusky is Bethany Christian Services’ fifth president, joining the organization in January 2018. He began his career at World Relief and most recently served as U.S. vice president of private funding and humanitarian and emergency affairs at World Vision, a global Christian humanitarian organization partnering with children, families and their communities to tackle the causes of poverty and injustice. He brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience to Bethany, having implemented and established multisite teams that have flourished and grown to meet the needs of vulnerable populations around the world. As president and CEO, Palusky is developing long-term strategy and direction, leading innovative change, and building relationships and partnerships for one of the largest global Christian social services organizations.
Bonnie Nawara is an asset to the local business community in many ways. She was recognized as one of the Business Journal’s 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018. She also received the Remarkable Woman Award in 2012 from the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Center for Empowerment and Economic Development in 2012, The John H. Logie Neighborhood Business Champion Award from the Neighborhood Business Alliance in 2014 and was recognized by Center for Community Leadership as a 2015 Extraordinary Leader. Nawara also spent seven years as parts manager for Freightliner of Grand Rapids — the only female parts manager in the country at that time. EDUCATION: Grand Valley State University (B) INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: “Life can only be understood backward but must be lived forward.” Soren Kierkegaard FUNNIEST WORK EXPERIENCE: I had a team member who was not working out and as a leader had made the tough decision to do what was in the best interest of the organization. After lunch, I asked the team member to meet with me. As I was explaining their employment termination rights, the team member threw the remains of their chocolate malt (from lunch) on me. I kept my composure and completed the exit interview, chocolate malt and all.
THOMAS PIERCE
Executive director Grand Rapids Pride Center, Grand Rapids
EDUCATION: Kennesaw State University (B), University of Reading (M) FIRST JOB: Dishwasher at a country club BEST ADVICE: Listen to as many perspectives as you can but, at the end of the day, make a decision TRAVEL DESTINATION: I have traveled to over 70 countries and lived in 23 of those. A favorite travel destination is tied between Beirut, Lebanon, and Oxford, England. FAVORITE CHARITY: Bethany Christian Services, of course! GRAND RAPIDS ATTRACTIONS: The cultural festivals and ArtPrize
74 THE GRAND RAPIDS 200
Grand Rapids Pride Center turned 30 last year, which coincided with Thomas Pierce’s arrival. A native of Brooklyn, New York, his vision for the center that focuses on the LGBTQ community is long term. Going forward, Pierce plans to improve internal operations and expand the organization’s presence over the next three to five years through community engagement and partnerships. He moved to Grand Rapids in 2012 to attend Grand Valley State University and spent five years as Hope Network’s director of children’s residential services. EDUCATION: Appalachian State University (B), Grand Valley State University (M), Spring Arbor University (M) INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: “Most things will be OK eventually, but not everything will be. Sometimes you’ll put up a good fight and lose. Sometimes you’ll hold on really hard and realize there is no choice but to let go. Acceptance is a small, quiet room.” Cheryl Strayed FUNNIEST WORK EXPERIENCE: I worked at Walmart in college, and one day, a duck wandered in the front door and it became my job to get it out of the store, which I attempted until the duck started chasing me around the front of the store — in front of everyone. GRAND RAPIDS ATTRACTION: I really enjoy watching planes take off and land at that parking lot/ pavilion area next to the airport.