Wedgwood Staff, Board Members Selected as Brilliance Awards Finalists

The finalists for the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards, honoring the success of women in the West Michigan community, have been announced. The Brilliance Awards recognize three finalists in 10 categories: Woman of the Year, Mentorship, Connector, Social Change Agent, Team Player, Champion of Service, Tenacity, Entrepreneur, Emerging Leader, and Best Supporting Man. Among this impressive group of finalists are Wedgwood employees and board members.

Brina Tiemeyer, Wedgwood Outpatient Therapist – Brilliant Team Player Award Finalist

Brina, a licensed mental health professional with Wedgwood Christian Services, is committed to providing children, teens, families, and adults with excellent, grace-filled counseling and support. Brina was instrumental in developing and implementing effective teletherapy services when the pandemic halted many in-person therapy options. She is also dedicated to supporting her team and cultivating a work-place culture that is proactive against burn-out. She is a member of Wedgwood’s Diversity Committee and was recently recognized as a Top West Michigan Mental Health Provider by GRKids.

Jennifer Greenop, Wedgwood Executive Board of Directors (Ernst & Young) – Brilliant Mentor Award Finalist

Jennifer is a partner at Ernst & Young in Grand Rapids. She co-founded EY’s Professional Women’s Network which fosters an inclusive culture through networking and learning opportunities for women, and she leads inclusion and diversity efforts within the Grand Rapids office. Jennifer also encourages young professionals through servant leadership within organizations and on boards. She is a member of the Inforum’s West Michigan Regional Council, Board Chair Emeritus for Wedgwood’s Executive Board of Directors, sits on Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business’ School of Accounting Advisory Board, and is Board Vice Chair at Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids.

Aleka Thrash, Wedgwood’s NextGen Board (ACTPhotoMedia) – Brilliant Entrepreneur Award Finalist

Aleka uses her drive to propel her vision forward. She is the owner and principle photographer for ACTPhotoMedia, and uses here business to help elevate small and minority-owned business in West Michigan. She also runs a lifestyle blog, NaturallyACT through which she offers workshops that encourage women of all hair types to be comfortable wearing their hair in its natural state, and created and curated her own brand of headdresses to empower women of color. Aleka has been recognized as a Threading Change Finalist, Good for Michigan Companies, Local First’s LocalMotion Award winner, and 2020 Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 under 40. She also uses her drive to propel her community forward, serving on Wedgwood Christian Services’ NextGen Board and on the Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s African American Heritage Fund Committee.

Vivian TerMaat, Wedgwood’s Chief Advancement Officer – Brilliant Champion of Service Award Finalist

Through establishing relationships and encouraging philanthropic efforts, Vivian is dedicated to raising funds and awareness of the life-transforming services Wedgwood offers to the West Michigan community. In spite of the pandemic, Vivian led her team to increase donor giving so that essential mental, emotional, and behavioral health services would remain available and accessible to the community. She created Women of Wedgwood, an inter-generational group of women who are passionate about taking an active role in their community, encouraging hundreds of women in their philanthropic efforts and volunteerism. She also led her team and committee in surpassing the Faith In Our Future Capital Campaign goal to meet the increasing complex needs of those Wedgwood serves.

“These women are committed to creating positive change, elevating others, and making our community a brighter place,” said Wedgwood’s President/CEO, Dr. Dan Gowdy. “We are so proud and grateful to count such brilliant women as a part of the Wedgwood Christian Services team!”

The West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards shines a light on the dynamic talent, spirit, and intellect of local women; celebrating the brilliant and meaningful impact they have on our careers and communities. Focusing on nominees who excel in their fields, are committed to creating positive change and demonstrate how they elevate other women, this event recognizes those who tackle the issues facing professional women and blaze trails for the rest of us. The winners of each category will be announced at a live event on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, 5:30-8:30pm at the JW Marriott. For more information: www.westmichiganwoman.com/brilliance-awards

ABOUT WEDGWOOD | Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been dedicated to boldly taking on the toughest problems facing children, teens, families, and adults through residential care, counseling services, and community programs. Our goal is to support and help restore the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual well-being of those who rely on Wedgwood. www.wedgwood.org