Featured Stories

NOMIWOMAN SPOTLIGHTA Winding Path to MedicineBY KATIE PEREZ | GVSU STUDENTMy path to Grand Valley State University's Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) program in Traverse City certainly wasn't a straight line.I started in aerospace engineering at the University of Colorado and worked on satellites for several years …

NOMIWOMAN SPOTLIGHT60 Years, Five Generations, One Mother-Daughter TeamBY LEISA ECKERLE HANKINS | OWNER& ALISON HANKINS | BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERWhat’s the story behind your business or news?Benjamin Twiggs is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026, but our story goes well beyond the last 60 years. Our family has …

NOMIWOMAN SPOTLIGHTMeet Shea Petaja, Coach Shea Petaja is a strategic advisor, executive coach, storyteller and speaker who helps business owners find clarity and their voice! Each fall, Shea hosts her Women in Business Retreat just outside Traverse City, giving women the time and space to step back from …

NOMIWOMAN SPOTLIGHTMeet Sierra LaRose of Kingsley Folk SchoolA barn raising, hands-on learning and a community coming together — it sounds like something out of another era, but it’s happening right here in Northern Michigan. Sierra LaRose, founder of Kingsley Folk School, is inviting the community to …

NOMIWOMAN SPOTLIGHTMeet Amy Spitznagel, the founding owner of Idyll Farms in Northport. What began as a family’s desire to reconnect with agriculture has grown into an award-winning goat creamery rooted in Northern Michigan.  What’s the story behind Idyll Farms?Our story really began with family. Years ago, my …

NOMIWOMAN SPOTLIGHTMeet Kathleen LaTosch of Water & WoodsWater & Woods is an 80-acre retreat property in Kaleva, Michigan, surrounded by lake, woods and meadow. For founder Kathleen “Kat” LaTosch, the vision has been a lifetime in the making—rooted in decades of experience working with teams and …

NOMIWOMAN SPOTLIGHTMeet Rachel Straughen: A Life OutdoorsRachel Straughen is the Education Director at the Grand Traverse Conservation District, where she’s spent the last seven years leading environmental education programs, staff development, and youth engagement initiatives that connect thousands of learners with the outdoors each year.Outside of …

NOMIWOMAN SPOTLIGHTWhen We Are Together, We Are BetterAn inside look at leadership, growth & finding space to connect by Amanda ToySenior Vice President of Membership & Partnerships, Michigan Chamber of CommerceLife is full for many of us, me included.  As I grow in my career (and …

NOMIWOMAN SPOTLIGHTTAKE THE STAGE!-In conversation with Maria PurvisSenior Manager of Events & Special Programs at 20Fathoms What’s the story behind 20Fathoms' TCNewTech?Maria: The next TCNewTech pitch competition is coming up on September 29, and we need your startup to apply to be on stage! I tell people that we’ll overwhelm you with support (in a good …

TOP HIKING DESTINATIONS IN THE U.S.From our friends at Gerald R. Ford International Airport, here's some fun travel inspiration for your next getaway. If hiking is calling your name, these three destinations offer unforgettable trails—and they're all accessible with nonstop flights from GRR!Denver: Rocky Mountain HighsA …

"I can't wait for you to discover your bravest, best YOU." -In conversation with Sarah Hehir, founder of Beyond Brave Wellness Q: What inspired you to start Beyond Brave Wellness?Sarah: Maybe this sounds familiar: constant fatigue, stubborn belly fat, bloating no matter what you try, trouble …

-In conversation with Lauren Kroells, Owner & Operator of Leelanau Gourmet LLC Q: You weren't looking to buy a business. How did you become the owner of Leelanau Gourmet?Lauren: I stumbled across Leelanau Gourmet's signature roasted walnuts while frequenting the farmers' market. I would chat with …

Your next girls' trip to California just got easier-In conversation with Gerald R. Ford International Airport    NoMiWoman sat down with Gerald R. Ford International Airport about the new nonstop Allegiant route from Grand Rapids to Santa Ana — a direct way to reach Southern California …

Meet the New Cherry Queen Ainslee Hewitt What was the most meaningful lesson you learned participating in this year’s National Cherry Queen Program? To be present in the moment. It may seem simple, but in today's world, we often find ourselves chasing what's ahead, constantly being …

We have another cool story to share this week—I’ve been learning more about Impact100, and it actually came from getting to know a woman in our coffee chats. She’s part of both Impact100 and our NoMiWoman Membership group, and she’s shared more about Impact’s vision. I love how it …

FLIGHT CLUB by Ada Takacs I was excited to retire a few years ago, but it was also a time of many unknowns. Would I continue to spend my days doing things I love? How could I find people with as much passion as my co-workers? …