Troy is an artist and designer based out of Traverse City, Michigan. After spending much of his twenties battling cancer, Troy found himself sharing stories of his personal trials through art and design via his blog Strong Odors. As a result Troy launched his freelance design and illustration business Ten Point Studio in 2009, has exhibited fine art in galleries around Michigan as well as Chicago … [Read more...]
LEAH BAGDON MCCALLUM, U.S. SENATOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Leah is a waitress, turned grant writer, turned proud government employee. She charted her career path based on her mission to improve the quality of life for all around her. –A goal that may sound a little vanilla, but that is absolutely her truth. Leah has channeled her entrepreneurial spirit into whatever makes people and places around her thrive. Whether building Chicago’s Prentice Women’s … [Read more...]
Erin Anderson Whiting, Parallel 45 Theatre
Erin grew up surrounded by cherry farms near Elk Rapids, but left to pursue an adventure at Interlochen Arts Academy, where she majored in Creative Writing and was named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Her journey continued in New York City, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree focused in Middle Eastern History from Sarah Lawrence College and later stayed to work in the publishing … [Read more...]
Brad Kik, Crosshatch
Brad Kik is the co-founder and co-director of Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology. Brad’s varied background—film study, environmental activism, graphic design, community organizing, traditional music, ecology and permaculture—plays a key role in directing the intention behind Crosshatch’s work in the community. Brad also serves on a number of boards reflecting Crosshatch’s diverse approach to … [Read more...]
Betsy Coffia, Change Maker
Betsy is the Director of Alumni Relations at NMC and has also recently run for State Representative in Michigan. She grew up in rural Kalkaska County and over the years has served as a journalist, social worker and change maker to Northern Michigan communities. “I can’t explain exactly why I do what I do, only that I see the things that are easier to ignore. And I cannot unsee. I am driven toward … [Read more...]
Glenn Wolff, Bassist and Illustrator
Glenn grew up in Traverse City. He studied Printmaking at Northwestern Michigan College, and received his BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. His career began in New York as an illustrator where he also played music in several clubs. In 1987 he returned to Northern Michigan concentrating on fine art and book illustration. He is best known for his illustrations in the books of Jerry … [Read more...]
KATE PEARSON, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
KATE PEARSON is the fundraiser for Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. A lifelong resident of Traverse City, Kate brings to her position a deep love of the region and appreciation for the wonderful people who make up our community. Before joining GTRLC, she was the Visitor Center Manager for the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau, as Kate LOVES where she is from. “Notice what … [Read more...]
Gary Jonas, The Little Fleet
Gary Jonas and his wife Allison have been in the restaurant and bar business for over 10 years. They opened our first restaurant called The Farm on Adderley in Brooklyn, NY in 2006, followed by a bar called Sycamore Bar and Flowershop in 2008, and The Little Fleet in 2013. They live in Traverse City with our 2 daughters Madeleine and Viola. I love creating environments that makes people want … [Read more...]
Bill Pallidino, Taste The Local Difference
BILL PALLADINO is the project director for Taste the Local Difference, creator of an upcoming independent bookstore "Leeward Books", and a lover of local food and biking everywhere he can. He has sustained roles as Executive Director, Business Consultant, Executive Coach, Instructional Designer, CEO for Hire, Economic Development Director, and Keynote Speaker with over 25 years of management and … [Read more...]
Bryan Ulbrich, Left Foot Charley
Bryan has been in the wine industry since 1993. The realization that a part-time cellar rat position could develop into a legitimate career path spurred him to pursue a winemaking apprenticeship rather than a Ph.D. in political science (real tough choice, eh?). The apprenticeship transformed into a winemaking and general management position. Without pause, 11 years passed. He was fortunate to … [Read more...]
Cari Simon, Women’s Rights Lawyer
Cari Simon has dedicated her life to fighting for women's rights, and lives that out as a lawyer. Cari’s nationwide law practice focuses on the civil representation of victims of school related sexual violence and other misconduct. She is a leader in the national movement to address campus sexual assault, serving on the Board of Know Your IX and the Advisory Council of the National Crime Victims … [Read more...]
Mike Moran, Singer/Songwriter/Podcaster
Mike is a performing singer songwriter who writes songs from his experiences in relationships and working a variety of different jobs in and out of the music industry. He is also the Sales and Marketing Manager for MI Local Hops in Acme, and founded Quarter After Productions, a podcast production business in the fall of 2013. He consistently performs music throughout Northern Michigan weekly, and … [Read more...]
Kathi Mulder, Dance of Life Midwifery
Kathi has been a practicing midwife since 1992 and a Certified Professional Midwife since 1997. She is the founder of Dance of Life Midwifery and has served on the board of the Michigan Midwives Association for many years (six years as president) and is a member of the international organization Midwives Alliance. Kathi has 3 grown daughters all of whom were born into the hands of … [Read more...]
Steve Nance, Oryana Natural Foods
Steve has been in business most all his life, from partnerships in his late teens to his own small businesses in his twenties to working for the largest firms in his thirties through fifties and now filling the role as the General Manager of Oryana, our local food cooperative. “I am an unintentional, intentional grocer! Though grocery store management was never one of my career goals, I am … [Read more...]
Miriam Pico, Singer/Singwriter
Miriam Pico is a singer/songwriter, a wife and a proud mother of three. She is passionate about using her musical gifts to “entertain, educate and empower”. She wholeheartedly believes that musicians have an opportunity to be ambassadors of joy and love wherever they perform. A proud native of Puerto Rico, Miriam is fluent in Spanish and always welcomes the opportunity to sing in her first … [Read more...]
Chuck Korson, Blk Mrkt Coffee
Chuck is the creator, owner and chief operator of Blk/Mrkt Coffee. His extensive years in the coffee and hospitality business grew many ideas and passions of the culture he would create if ever owning his own shop. This led to the creation and opening of BMC in January, 2014 “My two favorite things in the world are making people happy and making the most quality cup of coffee. I get to pour … [Read more...]
STEPHANIE LEE WITALA, Events Manager & Chef, Black Star Farms
Stephanie has helped build the events program over the past few years at Black Star Farms as the Events Manager and Chef. She is and energetic mother of three, and a highly motivated and passionate professional in the culinary arts and hospitality industry. She has always loved working with people and creating experiences that are special and memorable whether it be on a plate at the dining table … [Read more...]
ELON CAMERON, Acupuncturist and Creator of Imagine Health
Elon is the founder of Imagine Health in Traverse City where she practices acupuncture and herbal medicine. She studied at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago “Energy moves through our body like electricity through a house, Acupuncture is like turning the light on in one room. My favorite thing about my job is my job. I like it when people feel better. After all, acupuncture has … [Read more...]
Jonathan Pool, Leadership Strategist
Jonathan Pool is a leadership strategist, creative thinker, and guide that brings clarity to organizations and individuals that leads to breakthrough thinking and true alignment. For years Jonathan was the engineer of last resort for clients with seemingly unsolvable problems, however he also experienced the physical pain that occurs when one is misaligned with their true self. Today he is … [Read more...]
May Erlewine, Singer Songwriter
May Erlewine is a Michigan based singer songwriter and a member of the Earthwork Music Collective. She plays guitar, fiddle, viola, piano and a few other instruments, but mostly she sings. Her songs are treasured by people of all faiths and politics. May’s songs are sung (and recorded) by other artists, both great and small. May comes from a family of artists and musicians. Early on she was … [Read more...]