Category: Leadership

More than 25 local leaders from a diverse range of sectors joined together at The Foundry last week to kick off the 2021 class of Leadership Kalamazoo. Participants represent both large and small organizations from our region including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Live Your Song, Western Michigan […]

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 […]

Do you have an idea or a problem that needs to be solved? A product that needs to be created? Have you had an idea for a business that you’ve been itching to make a reality? Do you feel that with a little guidance, you’d be able to finally launch your concept? If this sounds […]

FIRST & 42 is giving readers a front row seat to read the stories of leaders from the 2020 class of Leadership Kalamazoo in our FIRST & 42 Leader Spotlight. Learn more about these leaders’ “firsts’ in life as well as insights about leadership and their visions for our community in the coming years. It’s […]

From registering to vote through casting a ballot on Election Day, informed voters are empowered voters. As you prepare for the big day on November 3, 2020, the best thing you can do for your voter self is to make a plan of action for when you enter that voting booth or fill in the […]

FIRST & 42 continues to celebrate the stars from the 2020 Class of Leadership Kalamazoo with our Leader Spotlight series in which these leaders share insights on leadership, some personal “firsts” in life, and their vision for our community. Abbie Rumery, partner at Southwest Michigan First, is featured today. Abbie collaborates internally and externally to […]

To help our community members make informed choices in the upcoming election, we asked candidates running for important local, state, and national seats to participate in our Forum to help you get to know them better. Today, meet John James. Gary C. Peters is running for re-election to represent the state of Michigan in the […]

FIRST & 42 continues the celebration of the Leader Spotlight, showcasing the region’s up-and-coming stars from the 2020 class of Leadership Kalamazoo. Jump in and learn about these leaders’ “firsts” in life as well as their answers to a few deeper questions about their leadership and vision for our community. Today’s featured leader is Natalie […]

FIRST & 42 continues to celebrate the region’s up-and-coming stars from the 2020 class of Leadership Kalamazoo with the Leader Spotlight. Jump in and learn about these leaders’ “firsts” in life as well as their answers to a few deeper questions about their leadership and vision for our community. Reverend (Rev.) Doreen Gardner is in […]

FIRST & 42 continues to celebrate the region’s up-and-coming stars from the 2020 class of Leadership Kalamazoo with the Leader Spotlight. Jump in and learn about these leaders’ “firsts” in life as well as their answers to a few deeper questions about their leadership and vision for our community. Featured today is Leatrice Brooks, owner, […]

To help our community members make informed choices in the upcoming election, we asked candidates running for important local, state, and national seats to participate in our Forum to help you get to know them better. We will share responses as they are submitted. Stay tuned to become acquainted with your local legislative leaders. Motivated […]

Our region’s future is bright thanks to the strong leaders who are navigating change and cultivating successful teams today. Not only are these leaders a catalyst for change today, but they are also molding and shaping the leaders of future generations. FIRST & 42 is celebrating the region’s stars from the 2020 class of Leadership […]