Milinda Ysasi

CEO
Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW)

About Me

Milinda is the CEO of Grow, a Grand Rapids based community development financial institution focused on providing capital and knowledge to entrepreneurs.

Prior to Grow, Milinda led The SOURCE, an organization focused on reducing employment barriers and creating opportunities for mobility for employees that work for their partner organizations.

Prior to her non-profit leadership, Milinda worked in human resources at Cascade Engineering, Herman Miller, and Spectrum Health. She received her executive MBA from Michigan State University in 2019.

In November 2019, Milinda was elected to serve as a City Commissioner for the 2nd Ward of the Grand Rapids. Milinda serves as the chair of the appointments committee, on the fiscal committee, the civil service board, public safety and on the local brownfield body.

Milinda is a co-founder of the Latina Network of West Michigan, an organic collective focused on changing the Latina narrative in the region. For the last 7 years, Milinda has been a facilitator for the LEADERes program that focused on Latinx leadership development.

Milinda has been recognized for her commitment and leadership with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Young Professional award, the GVSU Alumni Service award, GR Business Journal 40 under 40, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network-GR DoGooder and Exemplary Executive awards, GR Business Journal 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan, as one of 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan and Top 25 Latinx in Michigan