
Leading Ladies
Leading Ladies is a new and exciting group of multi-generational women who care about philanthropy, education, community partnerships, and building our social network. We are committed to supporting the Clark Promise, which gives residents peace of mind knowing they will always have a home at Clark, despite unexpected financial challenges. Leading Ladies also goes beyond Clark by supporting other local charities that members care about.
Who We Are
- We are not your typical group (no boring meetings)
- We’re social (only join if you like to have fun)
- We’re dynamos (just watch us get things done)
- We are young and old (a wonderful mix of multi-generational women)
What We Care About
- Philanthropy
- Education
- Community Partnerships
- Building our social network
What We Support Financially
We support the Clark Promise, which gives residents peace of mind knowing they will always have a home at Clark, despite unexpected financial challenges. We also go beyond Clark by supporting other local charities our members care about.
Supporting Local Nonprofits
The Leading Ladies’ mission is to create a social network of dynamic and engaged, multi-generational women committed to supporting Clark benevolent care through philanthropy, education, and community partnerships. As part of that mission, we proudly support a local nonprofit each year—and it’s time to nominate organizations for this year’s Nonprofit Recognition Grant.
Do you know of a local nonprofit making a meaningful impact in our community? We invite you to nominate an organization you’d love to see recognized and supported through philanthropy. Most of all, this is your chance to share the nonprofits that matter to you with your fellow Leading Ladies.
After receiving nominations, the Leading Ladies Committee will review all eligible submissions. Eligibility means the organization is a 501(c) nonprofit and is active in the Grand Rapids community. Members will then vote on which organization will receive the $2,000 Nonprofit Recognition Grant. See below or the attached file for the full eligibility requirements.
Nomination Deadline: October 1, 2026
Submit a Nomination: 2026 Nomination Grant Form
Eligible nonprofits that complete an application by October 31, 2026, will be invited to our 2nd Annual She Means Business event on November 17, where Leading Ladies members can meet representatives from these organizations and learn more about the incredible work they’re doing throughout our community.
Together, we can make an even greater impact. Submit your nonprofit nomination today!





Our Mission
To create a social network of dynamic and engaged multi-generational women committed to the support of the Clark Promise through philanthropy, education, and community partnerships.

Become a Leading Lady
It’s easy. There is a one-time $1,000 contribution. Payment options are available. Contact joann.abraham@clarkretirement.org or 616-278-6531 for details.
Our Members
Andrea Abraham
JoAnn Abraham
Laurel Abraham
Zeljka Adzic
Jan Amato
Laura Armenta
Susan Bachelder
Sue Baer
Beth Banta
Diane Barber
Betsy Barton
Stacy Beene
Sarah Belleveau
Natalie Bernecker
Diana Bitner
Michelle Bottrall
Carol Burgess
Suzanne Callahan
Heidi Campbell
Marty Campbell
Tanya Campbell
Frances Carroll
Lee Clark
Melissa Collar
Heather Cook
Cathy Cooper
Alexandra Crow
Karen Custer
Kellie Custer
Kortne Custer
Lauren Davis
Alison DeKok
Theresa DeVries
Lacey Dixon
Madison Eldred
Nancy Everin
Jennifer Feuerstein-DiVita
Betsy Ford
Vicki Francis
Elizabeth Goede
Lynne Goede
Patti Griswold
Abha Gupta Varma
Liz Haan
Joan Hansen
Barbara Hansen
Kat Hartley
Kim Hartman
Katharina Hausler-Gross
Ondrea Havemeier
Mary Lou Helderop
Laura Helderop
Mary Hendrickson
Abigail Heyde
Janice Hilbrands
Kathy Holt
Melissa Hoodhood
Janelle Horvath
Debra Howell
Bernadine Hynes
Shelley Irwin
Roberta Jelinek
Holly Johnson
Cynthia Kay
Deb Kay
Beth Kelly
Brooke Kenyon
Priscilla Kimboko
Jen Koffman
Rachael Kohn
Kathy Laidlaw
Maggie Lancaster
Jody Linkfield
Kathy Lloyd
Marylynn Lower
Michele McIsaac
Jax Merritt
Carolyn Morse
Angela Muilenberg
Corinne Muilenberg
Peggy Murphy
Terri Nelson
Julie Neuhaus
Debbie Nol
Faith Novakoski
KT Novakoski
Liz Novakoski
Joan Panopoulos
Julie Parker
Cheryl Petrie
Deborah Phillips
Cheryl Phillips-LeMieux
Jill Pytlik
Julia Pytlik
Kathryn Ratliff
Sherri Remmelts
Shelby Reno
Norine Roach
Rachel Romero
Barb Rudnik-Wilson
Mindy Seufert
LouAnn Shawver
Mary Ann Sheline
Whitney Sherman
Mary Slafkosky
Patra Slot
Chaparral Smith
Hyubin Song
Kelly Springer
Patty Stasiak
Elaine Stiefel
Judith Uebbing
Diane Vallilee
Jill VanWyk
Maribeth Wardrop
Patricia Waring
Carole Weber
Judy Welch
April Wells
Alex Wilson
Becky Wood
Caitlyn Wood
Edie Young





Community Impact
Part of the Leading Ladies mission is to give back to deserving charities in our local communities.

Read the Latest Leading Ladies Newsletter!

Leading Ladies supports the Clark Promise, which gives residents peace of mind knowing they will always have a home at Clark, despite unexpected financial challenges.
CLARK FOUNDATION
1551 M.L.K. Jr Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 278-6533
