Order of Events
| 6:00 pm | Cocktail Hour Silent Auction Open |
| 7:00 pm | Program Begins Welcome & Introductions |
| 7:05 pm | Buffet Taco Dinner *Tables will be dismissed |
| 7:15 pm | Program Resumes Panel Discussion |
| 7:45 pm | Awards Presentation |
| 8:30 pm | Silent Auction Ends |
| 8:45 pm | Closing Remarks |
| 9:00 pm | Program Concludes *Finalists and Nominees please approach the stage for photos |
Panelists
Panel discussion moderated by Jimmy Sherrills
Dee Dee Taylor
Dee Dee Taylor is the Founder and President of Taylor Made Re-Entry, where she transforms lived experience into systemic impact. She leads efforts to bridge gaps between justice-impacted individuals, law enforcement, and communities by providing housing, employment, and reentry support before, during, and after incarceration. Under her leadership, TMR has hosted expungement clinics, reentry simulations, and community healing events that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in West Michigan. Dee Dee’s grassroots advocacy has reunited families, shifted perspectives, and created pathways of stability and dignity—ensuring people are not defined by their past, but empowered to thrive.
Jamiel Robinson
Jamiel Robinson, President and CEO of Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses (GRABB), is a visionary leader dedicated to advancing Black entrepreneurship and creating a more equitable economy in West Michigan. Beyond GRABB, he leads and co-owns several ventures, including Isle Construction, Motu Viget Spirits, Motu Lakeshore Wine Bar, Prohibition Cocktail Bar, and Sip Coffee & Cocktail, all of which foster collaboration and opportunity across communities. Widely recognized by outlets such as Crain’s and The Guardian, Jamiel has received honors including 40 Under 40 and West Michigan’s 200 Most Influential Business Leaders. His bold, innovative leadership—rooted in service, community building, and challenging the status quo—embodies the spirit of the Bridges of Impact Leadership Awards and this year’s theme of building bridges that connect and empower.
Kelsey Perdue
Kelsey Perdue is a City Commissioner, public health leader, and equity strategist working at the intersection of people, policy, and systems. She defeated a billionaire-backed opponent to represent one-third of Grand Rapids, where she champions thriving small businesses, housing, and sustainable development. She helps steward a $690M annual budget and is known for leading with courage—securing $50M in community benefits and championing the city’s first lead safety ordinance in decades. Kelsey previously held leadership roles at a statewide policy think tank and led regional community health for Michigan’s largest health system. Now pursuing her Executive MPH at Yale, she brings lived experience, bold vision, and evidence-based insight to building healthier, more just communities for all.
Award Finalists
Advocate Award
The Advocate Award goes to a passionate individual, constantly talking about their cause and raising awareness each and every day. They are a tireless staff member or volunteer that never stops working towards the mission.
Innovator Award
The Innovator Award goes to an individual who thinks outside the box. They find new creative solutions to old problems and are not afraid to make waves whether they have been in their role for 10 days or 10 years.
Good to Great Award
The Good to Great Award goes to an individual that has moved an organization or program from good to great. This means that they are ‘moving the needle’ in their sector. From process improvement, to holding their peers and superiors to a higher standard, a good to great nominee works hard and continues to strive to improve their own work and the work of their organization.
Unsung Hero Award
The Unsung Hero Award goes to someone who positively influences a nonprofit organization from behind the scenes. Whether a staff member or a dedicated volunteer, they work tirelessly to support their cause, and rarely stand in the spotlight.
Excellence & Achievement Award
The Excellence & Achievement Award honors an experienced leader in the nonprofit industry of West Michigan; someone who consistently sets an example for the next generation of nonprofit leaders. These individuals are considered mentors, friends, and an inspiration to young nonprofit professionals.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes a nonprofit organization located in Grand Rapids and/or serving the West Michigan area that has been in operation for five years or less. Organizations nominated for this category deserve recognition for the large amount of impact they’ve made in a short amount of time.
Hidden Treasure Award
The Hidden Treasure Award honors a nonprofit organization located in Grand Rapids and/or serving the West Michigan area. The organization should demonstrate a substantial impact in its mission area while keeping DEIA at the forefront of its work. This organization may rarely stand in the spotlight but deserves recognition for its positive influence on and dedication to the community.
Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award
The Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award represents an individual who embodies all of these award categories and more! They always go above and beyond for their cause, are always looking for a new way to make nonprofit service better and are an overall excellent nonprofit professional.
Kevin Allen
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