If Megan Feenstra Wall has anything to say about it, architecture will be a place and space for all people. Starting in January, she will be the first woman to serve as the President of the American Institute of Architects Grand Rapids (AIA GR). With her new role, she aims to transform the outdated, homogenous industry to a more diversity-driven pool of reconnected and reengaged talent. 

Eighteen Michigan laboratories are collaborating with dozens of municipalities and health departments to detect COVID-19 outbreaks before local health care systems are overwhelmed. In West Michigan, the effort involves molecular biologists, waste water experts, interns, and a plumber.

For these essential workers, social distancing is impossible – and personal protective equipment (PPE) is both indispensable and alarmingly difficult to obtain.

Amidst COVID-19, the holiday season brings additional opportunities to support local businesses in Grand Rapids. 

As law enforcement records a rise in crime during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kent County Board of Commissioners allocated $500,000 of its federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding towards a grant aiming to decrease the rates of violence in our communities. Through the Community Violence Prevention Grant Program, Kent County will assist nonprofits via the prevention of violent behaviors and the rehabilitation of individuals with established violent behavior.

Grand Rapids Community Arts is an organization on a mission to increase visibility of underrepresented artists and foster diversity and inclusion in the city’s arts community.