grand rapids chamber

Chamber Issues Forum events provide an opportunity for members to be part of the conversation around the most pressing topics impacting business in Michigan at the local, state, and federal levels. These events provide members with unbiased, data-backed information and discussion to help make better decisions for organizations.

Chamber Issues Forum events provide an opportunity for members to be part of the conversation around the most pressing topics impacting business in Michigan at the local, state, and federal levels. These events provide members with unbiased, data-backed information and discussion to help make better decisions for organizations.

We empower, connect, and equip women in West Michigan to fearlessly lead and cultivate our next generation of leaders.

ATHENA, an affinity group of the Grand Rapids Chamber, provides the information, access, and connections to support the professional development of women professionals in West Michigan. The scheduled events and programs of ATHENA are built upon 8 Principles: Learning, Relationships, Celebration & Joy, Courageous Acts, Fierce Advocacy, Authentic Self, Collaboration, and Giving Back.

ATHENA Grand Rapids focuses on issues and topics relevant to women professionals at all career levels in corporations, small businesses, public and non-profit organizations within our community. The program offers the annual ATHENA Leadership Award, ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, and ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award, scholarships to women, and leadership forums and events.

We empower, connect, and equip women in West Michigan to fearlessly lead and cultivate our next generation of leaders.

ATHENA, an affinity group of the Grand Rapids Chamber, provides the information, access, and connections to support the professional development of women professionals in West Michigan. The scheduled events and programs of ATHENA are built upon 8 Principles: Learning, Relationships, Celebration & Joy, Courageous Acts, Fierce Advocacy, Authentic Self, Collaboration, and Giving Back.

ATHENA Grand Rapids focuses on issues and topics relevant to women professionals at all career levels in corporations, small businesses, public and non-profit organizations within our community. The program offers the annual ATHENA Leadership Award, ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, and ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award, scholarships to women, and leadership forums and events.

Join us for a powerful and timely conversation with Jane Gietzen as she shares her personal journey to authenticity, set against the backdrop of today’s shifting corporate landscape. 

Through story, reflection, and dialogue, Jane will explore how belonging shows up in real life and real workplaces, offering perspective on how far we have come, and what it will take to continue moving forward. This session is designed to spark thoughtful discussion, practical ideas, and renewed commitment to leading with courage and authenticity. 

You’ll walk away with insight on: 

• The real value of showing up authentically at work 
• Why the pace of change is influenced by many factors, inside and outside our organizations 
• Why progress is rarely a straight line 
• One small shift you can make in your own sphere of influence to strengthen belonging 

Come ready to reflect, connect, and engage in the business of belonging. 

As a champion for a diverse and inclusive community, the Chamber is proud to provide OutPro, an LGBTQ+ professionals group that can serve as both a resource to employers and employees, as well as an affinity group for the LGBTQ+ community.

OutPro promotes a welcoming culture in the West Michigan community and offers social and professional networking opportunities throughout the city. OutPro events are attended by professionals at all career levels, representing a diversity of corporations, small businesses, and public and non-profit organizations.

As a champion for a diverse and inclusive community, the Chamber is proud to provide OutPro, an LGBTQ+ professionals group that can serve as both a resource to employers and employees, as well as an affinity group for the LGBTQ+ community.

OutPro promotes a welcoming culture in the West Michigan community and offers social and professional networking opportunities throughout the city. OutPro events are attended by professionals at all career levels, representing a diversity of corporations, small businesses, and public and non-profit organizations.

What You’ll Gain:

• Insight into how employers, clients, and collaborators engage with your online presence
• Clarity on what to share, when to share it, and how it impacts your brand
• Strategies to build a consistent, value-driven presence across platforms
• Practical ways to leverage social media for career advancement or business growth
• Confidence in owning your story, culture, and identity as strengths

Latina Connect meets our Latina business professionals and community members where they are. This program works to support Latinas in making new connections and growing as leaders.

Latina Connect está diseñado para respaldar a las profesionales latinas y miembros de la comunidad, fomentando nuevas conexiones y fortaleciendo su liderazgo.