Jordy VandeBunte is a self-proclaimed "culinary student with a top secret security clearance." It's not every day you meet an aspiring chef like VandeBunte: a current student at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at GRCC who used to work for the Central Intelligence Agency.
While Urban Curry Consulting will always be her lifeblood, Erica Curry VanEe is currently embarking on a newfound adventure. Due to her circumstances of being relinquished for adoption at birth, she has recently been re-inspired to impact the lives of other adopted children through The Legitimacy Movement, an organization that is looking to bring awareness to the need for action on adoption policy reform.
As a modern-day "Ahab," the conquest for "whalez" (translation: brews that are hard to find) is a boundless expedition. Searching high and low for rare beer selections can exhaust much of anyone's time, especially in our great beer state. With the debut of a new reality TV show, titled "Modern Ahabs," Jason Ley hopes to turn this beer enthusiast lifestyle into a full-blown career.
Emily Hammes, otherwise known as "Bidi Bidi Bang Bang," is a lighthearted, charismatic woman who is no stranger to putting herself out on a limb. As a staple team member of the Grand Raggidy Roller Derby, it's clear that she is composed of equal parts strength and confidence.
Not only was she recently named the Michigan Young Architect of the Year by the American Institute for Architecture (AIA), Megan Feenstra Wall is also a very passionate community member. With her involvement in the Children’s Healing Center, Design Week West Michigan, and KCAD's Master of Architecture program, she advises novices to "keep taking risks, especially in this time of your life when failure is less likely to affect anyone but yourself."
Regardless of your cultural background, financial status, or the language you speak, art is a universal mode of communication for all. This is something that Angela Steele, Executive Director of Artists Creating Together, knows very well. She knows that art sees no boundaries, no barriers, and it can bring self confidence and self worth to a person of any age, or any level of skill.
With three WYCE Jammies under her belt, it's hard to believe that Lady Ace Boogie dropped her highly acclaimed debut album Feel Good Music merely a year ago. Inspired by her own self growth and experiences, her lyrics are relatable and infectious. It's safe to say... don't underestimate this Lady.
At the very young age of 14, Zachary Collins bought and sold his very first company, Twtbase. Now, at 21 years old, and with three successful businesses under his belt, it's clear to see that this young man — who's currently getting a degree in entrepreneurship — has always had a knack for it.
Whether you are located in New York or Grand Rapids, breaking into the world of journalism can prove to be a difficult feat - one which Tom Hagan, a local freelance writer, can affirm. We are living in a digital world, where our lives are being oversaturated with content on a daily basis. How do we make sure we are getting the most definitive information out there? With years of experience in the entertainment journalism, Tom explains his perspective.
As Executive Director of The Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse, and full-time mother of two, Anna Baeten knows a great deal about the art of balance. While it is often difficult to obtain, she knows that the ability to "balance" work and children has less to do with herself, and more to do with the people she surrounds herself with.
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