GRWebDev: Grand Rapids Web Development Group

RSVP
This will be a hybrid event; please join us in person or online via Zoom. RSVP on Meetup as a virtual attendee; in-person attendees must register on Eventbrite.

DESCRIPTION
Principled and authentic leaders inspire those they lead, whether working on deadline-driven projects or day-to-day responsibilities. Join us for our next Lead for Good panel discussion, “Principled Leadership.” Local leaders will share how they lead with moral clarity and authenticity to build trust and dedication, as well as examples of the negative impact of those who lost their conviction and empathy. The panel will also impart how they lead with positivity and compassion, stay true to their moral principles, and build trust that results in long-term change for all.

OUR PANELISTS
Amanda Stek transforms how purpose- and equity-driven teams, projects, and organizations evaluate and use data to enhance their effectiveness and impact. As a senior leader, Amanda leverages her background in economics and research, eight years of working and living in developing countries, and 15+ years of leadership in shaping industry best practices in measurement, learning, and evaluation. Amanda is dedicated to creating lasting change for the most vulnerable children, families, and communities in the USA and around the globe. Her most recent experience includes serving as Director of Encompass, a women-owned business offering innovative, customized solutions for leadership, where she led multi-million dollar US government programs in Lebanon, Ukraine, Senegal, and Zambia.

As president, Carlos Martinez (he/him) leads People First Economy and its mission to build tools, support networks, and a more inclusive, circular, stakeholder, and regenerative economy rooted in community care where people and environmental wellbeing are essential. His background spans economic development, higher education, and global partnerships, with previous roles at the West Michigan Chamber of Commerce and New York University. As a nonprofit leader and a local business owner, Carlos brings a grounded, practical perspective to supporting entrepreneurs across Michigan. A proud graduate of Grand Rapids Public Schools (go Central Rams!), Carlos also holds a master’s degree from Grand Valley State University and a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.

For nearly two decades, Cole Williams has successfully walked alongside youth, families, and systems to pave the way toward improved outcomes for all. He currently works directly with family services systems from across the state (juvenile justice, child welfare, etc.) to provide parenting education, youth empowerment opportunities, youth/family engagement strategies, cultural responsibility across systems, and other training and support for youth, families and those that serve them. Cole was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2021 to serve on the Michigan Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force. Subsequently, Cole was appointed to and proudly served on the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice in 2022.

As an affiliate faculty instructor at the Grand Valley State University College of computing, Holli Reyes brings a multidisciplinary lens to her work supporting students in both their academic and professional development. She also serves as the international student engagement coordinator and internship coordinator in the College of Computing. Passionate about fostering belonging and cultural understanding, Holli advocates for international students as they navigate new academic environments and prepare for careers in the United States. With a background spanning tech, nonprofits, and academia, she designs programming to build cultural competencies, ease transitions, and empower students to thrive. Known for her welcoming presence and creative problem-solving, Holli is committed to building inclusive communities where everyone feels seen and supported.

OUR MODERATOR
Alex Thibodeau’s practice specialties range from commercial disputes and emerging technology to environmental litigation and Resources, Energy. and Environmental Law. Before joining Warner, Thibodeau was a senior leader in the Whitmer Administration, where he served as Director of Gubernatorial Appointments, advising the governor on appointments to more than 2,500 state appointees to state boards, commissions, and judicial seats. As a dedicated public servant and community leader, Thibodeau sits on the board of directors for the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the Grand Rapids Bar Association, and the State Bar Young Lawyers Advisory Council. Thibodeau also serves as the current president of the Floyd Skinner Bar Association, West Michigan’s first and only organization for black legal professionals.

SPONSORS
This month’s meetup is sponsored by West Michigan Tech Talent. West Michigan Tech Talent connects local employers, educators, community organizations and workforce experts who are invested in creating a strong tech workforce. By sharing best practices, leveraging resources and collaborating on innovative solutions, WMTT is actively addressing the tech talent gap and makes upskilling affordable and accessible. Learn more at westmichigantechtalent.com.

This month’s meetup is also sponsored by Payload. Based in Grand Rapids, Payload is a fully Next.js-native headless CMS and backend that powers thousands of enterprise websites, internal applications, and more around the globe. Built with TypeScript and a code-first approach, Payload gives you a complete backend and admin panel to create anything. Learn more and get started at payloadcms.com.

GRWebDev is also sponsored by Start Garden. Empowering West Michigan's startup ecosystem through financial, intellectual & social capital, Start Garden provides a neighborhood for startups to grow. No matter where you are on your journey - whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup or simply a dreamer with a great idea - the Start Garden ecosystem provides a strong community of support to help you get your idea off the ground or move your business to the next level. Learn more at startgarden.com.

GRWebDev’s title sponsor is LaFleur Marketing. LaFleur is your forward-thinking digital marketing partner, creating innovative, data-driven marketing strategies and assets for law firms, healthcare organizations, and growing businesses. Learn more about their services on the web at lafleur.marketing.

SCHEDULE
6:00pm … Refreshments and Networking (In Person)
6:20pm ... Virtual Meeting Opens
6:30pm … Introduction and Panel Discussion
7:30pm … Q&A
8:00pm … Wrap Up and Close