Today is the International Women’s Day. Around the globe today, people are celebrating women and their achievements.
As in previous years, we have asked our staff around the region to nominate women they see making a difference in the lives of adolescents. These are everyday women—coaches, youth pastors, mothers, teachers, advocates, advisers, mentors, secretaries, counselors—who have unique gifts and abilities and who continually show up to love and serve kids in the places where they live and lead.
We see you leading and inspiring others. We celebrate how you shine hope and light into places that need it most. We applaud you for making a difference—no matter how big or small—in our communities and world. We value your partnership with Young Life as together we enter into the world of adolescents, bring light and hope and the Good News to kids everywhere. Thank you for doing what you do—Cheers!
Introducing our 2019 Women of the Year
Shannon Balcer, Marketing Coordinator and Coach for Michigan Sports Academies
“Shannon goes above and beyond in investing in young women’s character of the next generation. She exemplifies Jesus’ love to so many young women on her teams and in her youth group. Shannon relates to all ages, is a great storyteller, and says yes to just about everyone and everything that involves serving people.”
—Nominated by Eric Hollis, Central GR Young Life
Anna Bauers, Physical Education & Health Teacher & Soccer Coach
“Anna is a PE/Health teacher at North Star Academy in Marquette, MI and also has been an aid to students who required extra care and attention. In addition, she is a soccer coach at Marquette Senior HS for girls in the Spring and boys in the Fall. Kids experience growth because of Anna’s ability to challenge them to strive for better.”
—Nominated by John Balmat, Marquette Young Life
Randi Brinkman, Pre-K Teacher & Part-time Church Youth Director
“Randi is a Pre-K Teacher at Sandy Knoll Elementary school in Marquette, MI, and serves as the youth director at Water’s Edge Church. Randi, her husband, and their three sons host a day-camp at their home during the summer. She continually creates space for kids to feel accepted, celebrated and loved.”
—Nominated by John Balmat, Marquette Young Life
Jill Capozzoli, Special Education Teacher for Forest Hills Northern High School
“Jill is an amazing special education teacher and presence in our community. She always goes above and beyond for every one of her students. Even after they graduate from her classroom, Jill keeps in contact with her students and continues to support and encourage them.”
—Nominated by Ashley Havemeier, NE Grand Rapids Young Life
Ali Doyle, Community Advocate & All-Star Mom
“Ali is sacrificial. She constantly and faithfully gives everything she has to the community of Forest Hills Eastern. Since moving into the district, Ali and her family strive to give kids what they need in order to succeed. We are so grateful for her!”
—Nominated by Greg Bird, NE Grand Rapids Young Life
Audra Holst, Child Life Specialist for Cedar Springs Public Schools
“Audra has been working with children and families for the past 12 years in the school setting, children’s hospitals, and the non-profit world. She is dedicated to meeting students where they are at and walking through life with them in some of the hardest times of their life. Audra is currently serving as a Child Life Specialist at Cedar Springs Public Schools K-12 and is also a part of their mental health team. Her goal is to increase coping and decrease stress for students, families, and school staff. Part of her role is both working with students who have experienced trauma and working towards creating trauma informed schools.”
—Nominated by Ryan Elders, Eastern Ottawa Young Life
Anna Horn, Residence Hall Community Adviser at Northern Michigan University
“Anna doesn’t just see her role within NMU’s residence halls as a job. She genuinely cares about the academic, relational, emotional and medical struggles that college students deal with. She’s gladly “on-the-clock” always, and opens her door to whomever needs to be reminded that they belong.”
—Nominated by John Balmat, Marquette YL
Beth Stoel, Special Education Resource Teacher for West Ottawa Public Schools
“Beth is an amazing woman who loves kids especially teen moms. Back in 2013, when Greater Holland YoungLives approached the principal at West Ottawa asking permission to have YoungLives at their campus, Beth Stoel—a mother of 5—responded right away. For the past 5 years, Beth has worked alongside the ministry of YoungLives with teen moms at West Ottawa High school, encouraging, supporting, and loving them. Beth is definitely making a difference in these precious girls’ lives!
—Nominated by Christine Bakker, Greater Holland YoungLives
Barb Weston & Margie Chism, Head Secretary & Receptionist
“These two women directly impact the students at Forest Hills Central Middle. They have such compassion and love for their students. Every day they are greeting students with warmth, seeking their needs, and empowering the school they work in!”
—Nominated by Brianna Andrew, NE Grand Rapids Young Life
“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
—Matthew 5:16 [The Message]
