By Jenna K. Morton, Rapid Chat Editor

By Jenna K. Morton, Rapid Chat Editor's Latest Articles

RapidChat: Dana Doll & Michelle Hoexum on Opportunity Zoning implications for Treetops Collective

By By Jenna K. Morton, Rapid Chat Editor

●

General

●

September 26, 2019

By structuring their new project with donations and opportunity zone investments, Dana Doll, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Treetops Collective — who focuses on connecting New American women with their new community—is excited to partner with investors and donors in restoring a 100 year old building on the South Division Corridor. With the help of Michelle Hoexum, CEO of Propeller, they will be building out new spaces, enabling them to partner with other leaders who are working with New American families.

RapidChat: Laura Ward on interrupting the cycle of poverty through mentoring relationships

By By Jenna K. Morton, Rapid Chat Editor

●

General

●

September 12, 2019

"When well supported, students can make significant gains in their commitment to learning," explains Executive Director of Affinity Mentoring Laura Ward. Striving to interrupt the cycle of poverty through mentoring relationships, the local non-profit recently added a new site in partnership with Godfrey-Lee Public schools this past fall — as a part of their multi-year expansion plan.

RapidChat: Jonathan Jelks on why entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a lonely road

By By Jenna K. Morton, Rapid Chat Editor

●

General

●

August 22, 2019

As a true proponent for creation over competition, Jonathan Jelks — Co-Founder of GR USA, Ambiance GR, The Midwest Tech Project, and most recently, Motu Viget Spirits — confidently works with like-minded younger-generation entrepreneurs to bring diverse culture, businesses, and entertainment to GR.

RapidChat: Chris Martinez on his newest role on the Varnum Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council

By By Jenna K. Morton, Rapid Chat Editor

●

General

●

August 15, 2019

Identifying both as Hispanic/Latino and as a part of the LGBTQ community, Chris Martinez is an evident fit for Varnum's Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council. As its newest member, Martinez will provide vital insights from both his personal experience and role in leadership development at the YMCA.

RapidChat: Carroll Velie on her new ‘encore career’ with the GRAM

By By Jenna K. Morton, Rapid Chat Editor

●

Arts & Culture

●

July 11, 2019

After 31 years at Varnum LLP, Carroll Velie was ready for lazy unscheduled days, traveling, and better exercise clothes. But before her final curtain call, Carroll is giving one last performance within her "encore career" as Manager of Fundraising Events at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

RapidChat: Josh and Elizabeth Sinclair tackle rental real estate in Grand Rapids

By By Jenna K. Morton, Rapid Chat Editor

●

General

●

June 6, 2019

After purchasing their first home in Midtown in 2016, Josh and Elizabeth Sinclair took the plunge into entrepreneurship and established their own property management company — Sinclair Properties LLC. The two discuss the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly growing market.

RapidChat: Kelley Freridge on developing leadership skills in children through summer camp

By By Jenna K. Morton, Rapid Chat Editor

●

General

●

April 4, 2019

From a very young age, Kelley Freridge had a knack for the great outdoors. "My parents always said that when I was six, I announced that I was going to camp. That's where I learned that 1+1=3." After a decade of working within the outdoor industry, Kelley finds herself back within the space that once brought her such joy — operating as Chief Marketing Officer at the American Camping Association.

Rapid Chat: Annie Paul on bakeries, competition, and better baked goods

By By Jenna K. Morton, Rapid Chat Editor

●

General

●

March 14, 2019

From bakeries specializing in distinct diets, to shops mastering the art of the perfect croissant; there seems to be a rising trend of sweets and savory specialty bakeries within Grand Rapids, MI. It's a niche market that takes not only passion — but patience — which can be learned through the lens of pastry chef Annie Paul.

RapidChat: Robert Barnes on the inspiring work of older adults and the community that supports them

By By Jenna K. Morton, Rapid Chat Editor

●

General

●

February 7, 2019

Senior Neighbors helps older adults connect to local services. Not only that, but "Older adults are an important part of the fabric of our community, but outside the need to offer some of them assistance, they often go unrecognized," emphasizes President of Senior Neighbors, Robert Barnes — who established the annual "16 over 60 Awards Gala" to celebrate achievements and contributions later in life.

RapidChat: Zachary Pisciotta of Green Wagon Farm talks pizza, vegetables, and farm-to-table dining

By By Jenna K. Morton, Rapid Chat Editor

●

General

●

January 24, 2019

"I guess for romantic purposes you could say it was always within me," mentions Zachary Pisciotta, Former Executive Chef of Reserve Wine & Food, when asked about how he became a chef. Now serving as Harvest Manager and resident farm-dinner coordinator at Green Wagon Farm, Zach is experiencing the "Farm-to-Table" phenomenon from both ends of the spectrum.