Find Businesses & Organizations in Grand Rapids, MI
Explore businesses and organizations from diverse cultural communities in Grand Rapids, MI. Find law firms, medical practices, restaurants, retail stores, nonprofits, and community organizations owned by or serving multicultural populations. Connect with establishments that bring global perspectives and celebrate cultural diversity in their services.
Since its founding in 1938, Women's Council of Realtors has grown into the 12th largest women's professional organization in the United States, with the West Michigan chapter proudly serving the Grand Rapids community. What began with just 37 women representing nine states has evolved into a nationwide network of 12,000 real estate professionals united by shared values of relationships, leadership, influence, diversity, and professional credibility. The West Michigan chapter embodies the organization's core mission: advancing women as business leaders in the real estate industry and in the communities they serve. Built on the foundation that women in real estate benefit from flexible work schedules, peer support, and networking opportunities with fellow professionals, Women's Council of Realtors West Michigan creates a trusted, collaborative environment where members can thrive both professionally and personally. The organization is recognized as the premier source for leadership development in real estate, offering members access to resources that support their individual growth while promoting the achievement and influence of women throughout the industry. Rooted in Grand Rapids, MI, the West Michigan chapter continues the legacy of empowering women REALTORS by providing a strong community of professionals who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of the real estate business. Members join a network that values their expertise, supports their ambitions, and celebrates their success as business leaders shaping their local marketplace and communities.
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, CREW West Michigan is the 75th chapter of CREW Network, a globally recognized organization founded in 1989 to transform the commercial real estate industry by advancing women professionally and personally. Since its establishment in 2018, CREW West Michigan has been dedicated to educating, connecting, advocating, and influencing the success of women in commercial real estate across West Michigan. The organization represents a community of accomplished professionals representing nearly every discipline within the industry, united by a shared commitment to excellence and mutual support. CREW West Michigan members are characterized by the quality and integrity they bring to their work, leveraging their diverse expertise to inspire teamwork and create innovative solutions. The chapter serves the Grand Rapids area by fostering an inclusive environment where women can develop leadership skills, build authentic professional relationships, and access industry research that shapes the future of commercial real estate. With a focus on business networking, leadership development, industry research, and career outreach, CREW West Michigan provides a platform for women to grow their careers, expand their influence, and contribute meaningfully to their industry. The organization embodies a mission of transformation, recognizing that advancing women in commercial real estate strengthens the entire industry and creates opportunities for sustainable success.
Founded in 1938, the Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance Grand Rapids Chapter has spent over 75 years advancing opportunities for women in accounting and finance. The organization's mission centers on enabling women in all accounting and related fields to achieve their full potential while contributing meaningfully to their profession's future development. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this chapter brings together successful, driven women from various accounting and finance backgrounds who are committed to supporting one another's growth. Members consistently report that AFWA provides invaluable resources at every career stage, from early professionals building foundational skills to experienced leaders refining their expertise. The chapter creates a safe, professional environment where women can connect authentically, share experiences, and learn from peers facing similar challenges in their industry. Through scholarships, mentorship programs, and networking events, AFWA members develop leadership capabilities while building an extended family of smart, ambitious women who serve as friends, advisors, and sources of inspiration. The organization's core values of empowerment, integrity, leadership, and passion reflect its dedication to creating meaningful change in the accounting and finance professions. For women in the Grand Rapids area seeking community, professional growth, and genuine connections with like-minded professionals, AFWA offers a powerful network of support and opportunity that has evolved alongside the industry for nearly a century.
Rooted in the transformative experience of the 1988 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, Grand Rapids Pride Center emerged from the vision of West Michigan activists who returned home determined to create lasting positive change. What began as casual meetings in homes and welcoming businesses evolved into a dedicated community center that has served Grand Rapids, MI for over three decades. The organization hosted Grand Rapids' first Pride Celebration in 1988, establishing itself as a cornerstone of LGBTQ visibility and celebration in the region. From its early days navigating community resistance to becoming a recognized partner in historic civil rights achievements—including Grand Rapids' groundbreaking ordinance protecting residents from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity—Grand Rapids Pride Center has consistently championed equality and belonging. The organization's evolution reflects its commitment to growth and accountability. In 2016, the Lesbian Gay Community Network officially became Grand Rapids Pride Center, better representing its expanded mission and modernized operations. More recently, the center created a Community Accountability Plan addressing systemic racism and anti-Blackness, demonstrating their dedication to continuous learning and justice. Today, Grand Rapids Pride Center envisions a vibrant community where 2-SLGBTQ people are celebrated and empowered to achieve their fullest potential. Guided by principles of authenticity, accountability, community care, liberation, and justice, the organization remains dedicated to breaking down barriers, creating awareness, providing inclusive services, and bridging relationships within the Grand Rapids community and beyond.
Founded in 1956 by prominent Grand Rapids citizens Thomas F. McAllister and Siegel W. Judd, Alliance Française de Grand Rapids represents nearly seven decades of dedicated service to the community. McAllister, a decorated World War I veteran and federal judge, and Judd, a co-founder of the Warner Norcross & Judd law firm, established the organization to foster deeper understanding of French language and culture within West Michigan. Today, the Grand Rapids chapter continues their legacy as part of a worldwide movement that brings together nearly 500,000 French learners and 6 million cultural participants annually across 138 countries. The organization serves as a welcoming community hub for native French speakers, language students, and Francophiles throughout Grand Rapids, MI, creating meaningful connections through shared cultural interests. Whether attending French conversation groups, participating in cooking clubs, enjoying film events, or pursuing formal language instruction, members find themselves part of a vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates French heritage. With a dedicated volunteer board and active membership base, Alliance Française de Grand Rapids embodies the cooperative spirit of its international network while remaining deeply rooted in local relationships and community values.
Founded in January 2008 by Delvenia Beason and Barbara Welch, the Greater Grand Rapids Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. emerged from a shared vision to create meaningful opportunities for African American children in Grand Rapids, MI. What began as the West Michigan African American Mothers Society (WMAAMS) with 41 dedicated members has grown into an officially chartered chapter, officially installed on November 14th, 2010, with 16 charter members committed to the organization's mission. The chapter's founders believed deeply that a local organization should provide enriching experiences through active participation in civic, social, educational, cultural, and personal development activities—a philosophy that continues to guide the organization today. The journey from provisional group status to full chapter recognition reflects the resilience and dedication of the Grand Rapids, MI community members who persevered under the theme of "Yes We Can!" during the organization's formative years. Today, the Greater Grand Rapids Chapter serves as a welcoming community for mothers seeking to nurture their children's potential while building meaningful connections with other families who share similar values and aspirations. The organization's roots in West Michigan run deep, with charter members who continue to exemplify the commitment to strengthening children through leadership, service, and civic engagement. By joining this chapter, families become part of a legacy of empowerment and community building that extends beyond Grand Rapids to connect with the national Jack and Jill of America network, creating opportunities for growth, learning, and lasting friendships.
The Vietnamese American Community of Grand Rapids Michigan (VACGRM) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to preserving Vietnamese cultural heritage while strengthening the Vietnamese-American experience in West Michigan. Founded to serve the Grand Rapids community and its surrounding areas, VACGRM operates as a 100% volunteer organization where every dollar received directly supports community programs and initiatives. The organization prioritizes civil rights protection, democratic values, and cultural preservation through collaborative relationships with local religious organizations, colleges, universities, and government agencies. VACGRM's mission extends to supporting vulnerable community members, including elderly residents through partnerships with local agencies and the Vietnamese Senior Organization, ensuring no one is left behind. The organization actively recruits and develops future community leaders by identifying qualified candidates from local educational institutions and providing mentorship opportunities. With a commitment to financial transparency and inclusive decision-making, VACGRM welcomes community input at all public meetings and maintains open communication through their community website and social media platforms. By fostering stronger relationships within the Vietnamese-American community of Grand Rapids, VACGRM creates spaces where everyone's voice matters and contributions are valued. The organization's comprehensive approach—from cultural celebrations to business support to elder care—reflects a deep commitment to building a unified, proud Vietnamese-American community that enriches the broader Grand Rapids region.
Founded in December 1980 by ten passionate German-Americans, the Edelweiss Club of Grand Rapids has grown into a thriving community organization with over 160 members dedicated to celebrating and preserving German cultural heritage. What began as an enthusiastic vision to bring a progressive, family-oriented club to the Greater Grand Rapids area has evolved into more than four decades of meaningful cultural programming and community engagement. The club's founding members—including Theresa and Jack Arnold, Hildegard Diana-Herr, Martin F. Kroepsch, Maria A. Miller, Barbara and Erwin Rosenberg, Lydia and Dan Spidell, and Beanca Zwarensteyn—established a legacy that continues to thrive today. Operating as a non-profit 501(c)(4) social welfare organization since formally incorporating in February 1981, the Edelweiss Club has become an integral part of Grand Rapids, MI's cultural fabric. The organization's centerpiece is the annual Oktoberfest West Michigan celebration, a beloved tradition since 1982 that transforms Riverside Park into an authentic Bavarian experience. Beyond this flagship event, the club fosters community connection through regular activities, meetings at the Latvian Hall, and an open invitation to anyone interested in German culture and traditions. The club's commitment to gemütlichkeit—the warm, convivial spirit of gathering with friends—reflects its core values of family, tradition, and community belonging. With deep roots in Grand Rapids and a forward-looking approach to cultural celebration, the Edelweiss Club welcomes new members and guests to join in preserving and sharing the richness of German heritage.
Since 1979, the Chinese Association of West Michigan has served as a vital cultural bridge connecting the Chinese community with the broader West Michigan region, particularly in the Greater Grand Rapids area. What began as a small grassroots organization has evolved into a thriving community hub with hundreds of member families representing diverse backgrounds and beliefs. CAWM's mission centers on fostering genuine cross-cultural understanding between China and the United States while celebrating and preserving the rich traditions of Chinese heritage for new generations. The organization recognizes that West Michigan's Chinese population—comprising highly educated professionals in technology, manufacturing, higher education, biotechnology, and international trade—brings unique perspectives and contributions to the region. At its heart, CAWM is built on relationships and shared values. The organization hosts three annual celebration festivals that bring community members together to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, witness cultural performances, and strengthen bonds across generations. The Grand Rapids Chinese Language School emerged from CAWM's commitment to education, providing a space where children maintain connections to their heritage while adults explore Chinese language and culture for personal enrichment and professional development. Beyond cultural programming, CAWM demonstrates deep commitment to West Michigan's wellbeing through active collaboration with local institutions and a decades-long volunteer tradition of community service. Whether through organizing highway cleanups, participating in community festivals, or supporting local education initiatives, CAWM members consistently demonstrate that being part of the West Michigan community means contributing meaningfully to its future. This blend of cultural pride, educational investment, and civic engagement defines CAWM's identity and impact throughout Greater Grand Rapids and surrounding communities.
For more than five decades, the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids has been the heartbeat of Polish-Lithuanian culture in metro Grand Rapids, MI. Founded on a mission to preserve authentic cultural traditions and foster community connection, the society has become an integral part of the Grand Rapids landscape through its dedication to arts, education, and celebration. The organization's signature achievement is the Dozynki Polish Festival, a beloved annual tradition recognized as the longest-running ethnic festival in the Grand Rapids area, bringing together families and community members to experience authentic Polish culture. Beyond the festival, the society demonstrates its commitment to cultural preservation through sponsorships of local dance ensembles, art exhibitions, and educational lectures that keep Polish heritage alive for new generations. The Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids represents more than an organization—it embodies a living connection to Polish roots, values, and traditions within the Grand Rapids community. Members and participants find in the society a welcoming space to celebrate their heritage, learn about Polish history and culture, and build meaningful relationships with others who share a passion for preserving this rich cultural legacy in Michigan.
The calm and steadfast guidance of Grand Rapids divorce lawyer Kelsey A. McCalmon has helped her clients to reach excellent results with family law issues of all types, including divorce, child custody, visitation, and more. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Michigan State University College of Law, Kelsey pursued a career as a Research Attorney at the Michigan Court of Appeals. During her time there, Kelsey decided that she wanted to work with families to help them with their family law problems, and joined the Kraayeveld Family Law team.