Author

Leandra Nisbet

Leandra Nisbet's Latest Articles

A decorated rain barrel in Milwaukee
Leveraging nature-based solutions and education to boost water quality, jobs across the Great Lakes

While access to clean water is a basic need, communities continue to struggle with properly and efficiently managing and treating water. Through innovative solutions organizations along the Great Lakes are collaborating, educating the next generation, and influencing policy reform to help create impactful change including economic growth and long-term employment. Send DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend DataSend Data

Up and coming swim and sunwear line Saint Andro was co-founded by two Michigan natives.
Challenging the status quo and empowering people through fashion

Up and coming swim and sunwear line Saint Andro was co-founded by two Michigan natives. Officially launched Dec. 1, the brand seeks to address changing consumer demands, leverage ethical design practices and create products that are innovative, inclusive and empowering.

Courtesy of Liz Brown website
Encouraging connection and the hope of open hearts for National Adoption Month and beyond

In honor of National Adoption Month, Grand Rapids resident Liz Brown has launched her first book, “The ABCs of Adoption.” Highlighting her story as an adoptee, her book seeks to showcase adoption from a different perspective and remind others that though their journey may be different, they are not alone on the path.

Courtesy of The Right Place
Expanding reach and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion through Tech Week

Tech Week is in full swing and provides opportunities for education, entertainment and networking in Grand Rapids and throughout the region.

Courtesy of LeFleur Marketing Facebook page
Further transforming data into human-centered strategies through a company acquisition

Furthering the greater Grand Rapids region’s placement as a technology hub, LaFleur One announced it will acquire Chicago-based market research firm Orchard Insights. Orchard Insights will be a sister company to LaFleur Marketing and provide market research capabilities that can benefit companies of all sizes, continuing to highlight the value of data and tech.

Courtesy of Feeding America West Michigan
Nourishing healthy minds and bodies through collaboration and beyond

Leveraging 15 branches and its Bookmobile, Kent District Library seeks to engage with the community by increasing convenience and accessibility through a partnership with Feeding America of West Michigan and beyond.

Courtesy of Tyler Herbstreith.
Rethinking design with a focus on restoration and regeneration

The 2023 Wege Prize provided an opportunity for students worldwide to create solutions to challenging social and environmental issues. Looking ahead, additional opportunities are available to continue the momentum and develop a more sustainable future.

Prioritizing mental health in May and beyond

This month serves as an opportunity to further remove the stigma around mental health conditions, which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), affect 970 million people worldwide.

Furthering its commitment and taking on a new sustainability challenge

Through their sustainability practices, educational opportunities, support of far-reaching conservation efforts and their participation in Species Survival Plans, John Ball Zoo seeks to not only protect the wildlife under its care but also to conserve the environment. Slated to open later this year, the new pygmy hippo habitat and multispecies exhibit at the Zoo seeks to attain Living Building Challenge Petal certification.

Renée Cummings, data science professor of practice at The University of Virginia, and nonresident senior fellow at The Brookings Institution, will speak at an AI conference in West Michigan this month.
Leveraging technology “in service of humanity”

While artificial intelligence continues to add value and find a home in more segments of our lives, it is important to identify and address potential unintentional biases and data injustices it can create. This week, Renée Cummings will speak about AI ethics and the future of our algorithmic society. Additionally, she will mentor five local young women during a day of education and career exploration.

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