Article Author: Olivia Koster

A true community servant with a heart for helping others, David Thomas is the owner and professional counselor at Insight Associates LLC. David served for over 20 years at the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, and his combined experiences in public safety and counseling make him a true champion for others, particularly serving oppressed communities […]

Josh Fitzgibbon, system director of cancer care for Bronson Healthcare Group, is a lover of all things Southwest Michigan and cares for our community in big ways. Josh was a member of the 2015 cohort of Leadership Kalamazoo, the Southwest Michigan region’s premier leadership development program that started in 1987. The lessons and experiences from […]

We’re going to let you in on a little secret: today is National Hamburger Day! If you get the chance to enjoy a home-grilled burger this holiday weekend, we challenge you to get out and see how yours stacks up against the pros. And if you don’t, well, taste and see what’s grilling out there. […]

Dr. Carmen Maring, principal at Gull Lake Middle School, is a passionate leader who is doing her part to make the middle school experience better for all students. “Everyone’s experience with middle school is varied, but overall, it’s not usually people’s favorite time period,” said Carmen. “I’m trying to rewrite the story for middle-level education […]

Summer means it’s time to grill out and chill out in Southwest Michigan. FIRST & 42 has gathered a list of four of the sauciest barbecue joints in the region for you to dig into—napkins not required, but highly encouraged. Moe Pritchett, owner of Big Moe’s BBQ Sauce and Catering, is an award-winning chef and […]

Cherise Buchanan is an active community member, entrepreneur, leader, connector, mentor, and much more. A member of the 2015 class of Leadership Kalamazoo, our region’s premier civic leadership development program powered by Southwest Michigan First, Cherise puts her skills and gifts in action each day to help create positive change. Cherise serves as a project […]

Nick Koch is graduating this spring from the Western Michigan University (WMU) Product Design Program at the Richmond Institute for Design and Innovation. Nick is a curious learner who is constantly in search of new opportunities to grow his skillset and knowledge and is mainly interested in the field of medical design. Nick has an […]

Aisha Thaj is graduating this spring from the Western Michigan University (WMU) Product Design Program at the Richmond Institute for Design and Innovation (RIDI) in the program’s first-ever graduating class. Aisha is a logical, yet out-of-the-box thinker who loves to help solve problems by stepping out of her comfort zone. Interested in the aerospace, medical, […]

David Bulley is graduating from the Western Michigan University (WMU) Product Design program this spring and has over 16 years of experience in the U.S. Navy as a Fire Controlman Technician. Now, trying to reenter the professional world, David is hoping to use his past experience and technical skills along with his newly acquired knowledge […]

Race Natta is graduating this spring from the Western Michigan University (WMU) Product Design Program and is searching for an opportunity to use his strong work ethic and design skills in the community. Race is interested in a variety of industries and loves to design anything that can evoke emotion. One of his passions is […]

When it comes to good pizza, Kalamazoo really delivers. Whether you’re looking for thin crust or thick, sit down or carry out, meat lovers or veggie extreme, you can grab a slice in our region. We’ve boxed them up for you below. A treat smuggled straight out of Italy, Bimbo’s has served up slices since […]