Grand Rapids Community Foundation 185 Oakes Street SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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HAPPY RETIREMENT, RENÁ! After 23 years of service as executive assistant, Rená Guttrich is joyfully retiring. Since joining Grand Rapids Community Foundation in 1999, Rená has provided support for the president, Board of Trustees and multiple departments. She also managed reports at the local, state and national levels. In her retirement, Rená is looking forward to volunteer work—including continued training with her dog Gus through West Michigan Therapy Dogs—and time with her family. Read reflections and more about her career on our website, GRFoundation.org/News. CONGRATULATIONS, ASHLEY! Ashley René Lee, vice president of strategic communications, was recently honored with the 2022 Brilliant Connector Award at the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards. The Brilliance Awards recognize the dynamic talent, spirit and intellect of those who tackle issues facing professional women. The Brilliance Connector Award is given to a woman who “elevates others by selflessly making meaningful connections with the sole intent of seeing people succeed.” WELCOME, DESHAWN Help us welcome DeShawn Madison, who recently joined the Community Foundation as strategic communications assistant. She will provide administrative support,
editorial assistance and act as a thought partner and brand ambassador for the Community Foundation. DeShawn brings a wealth of experience from working with many local nonprofit organizations, most recently with Kids Food Basket and ICCF Community Homes. DeShawn earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Western Michigan University and her master’s degree in public administration, with a concentration in nonprofit leadership and management, from Grand Valley State University. WELCOME, TARA We are excited to announce that Tara Takken recently joined the Community Foundation as executive assistant. Tara will serve as an administrative liaison to the Board of Trustees and provide high-level support to the executive department. She came to the Community Foundation after seven years with the Fremont Area Community Foundation, where she most recently served as the director of administrative services. Join us in welcoming Tara! YOUR VISION, YOUR VOICE Share your voice and your vision for the future of our community. What does it take to ensure a thriving community for the future? What do you hope your grandchildren will experience here? We hope to collect 100 voices to celebrate 100 years—diverse voices with diverse experiences—to help inform Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s next century of service and impact. Share your vision at GRFoundation.org/Vision.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION PRESENTING SPONSOR: