Tag Archives: Immigration

Kent County Gates for Growth looking for Welcome Plan coordinator

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

By Lori Latham
Kent County

The Kent County Plan Coordinator Gateways for Growth Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Samaritas, will be hire a Welcome Plan Coordinator to facilitate implementation of the Kent County Welcome Plan.

Grand Rapids/Kent County was one of 13 communities throughout the U.S. who participated in the national initiative, Gateways for Growth, with each community developing a localized plan. The community-led plan is structured around helping refugees and immigrants overcome barriers in five categories: civic engagement, economic development, safe and connected communities, education, and equitable access to services.

 

“Between 2016 and 2018, our immigrant community grew by more than 5,000 residents. With nearly $1.1 billion in spending power, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans is both the right thing to do and economically beneficial,” said Grand Rapids Chamber Vice President of Sales & Marketing Omar Cuevas. “These neighbors are making critical contributions to the local economy and adding to the rich cultural fabric that collectively creates a great community.”

 

The Steering Committee is now accepting applications for candidates to work with community stakeholders to implement the plan’s recommendations and strategies.

 

“The Welcome Plan Coordinator will play an integral part in executing initiatives geared toward making Kent County more welcoming to immigrants and refugees,” said Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer Teresa Branson. “We are excited to fill this important position and to work with community members to bring this plan to fruition.”

 

This part-time contracted position will be under the supervision of the newly established Kent County Inclusion Office with guidance and direction from the Welcome Plan Steering Committee. Additionally, the coordinator will collaborate with community stakeholders.

Qualifications for this position include: 

  • Project management, budget management, and community engagement experience
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to effectively coordinate the implementation of long-term projects
  • Skills in organizing complex projects with multiple components and stakeholders
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills
  • Ability to effectively promote and engage people during events both in the community and during
    interactions with key stakeholders
  • Ability to be creative and flexible
  • Ability to facilitate a consultative process with individuals, sub-teams, and large groups.
  • Demonstrated experience engaging diverse communities and cross-cultural experience
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms
  • Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Political Science, Public Administration, Social
    Work, or related field preferred
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
  • Grant writing experience preferred 


“Our immigrant community has faced and overcome challenges and systemic barriers, but much remains to be done,” said West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Guillermo Cisneros. “We look forward to selecting a Welcome Plan Coordinator to help us implement the plan and bring meaningful change to our immigrant community.”

Those interested in the Welcome Plan Coordinator position can apply at https://www.accesskent.com/RFPWorkbench/LoadPublicTableAction.action by 5 p.m. on July 13. Applicants with questions about the position can attend a pre-bidding conference on June 29.

Feel Like You Belong: Sharing the passion for the rhythms of life

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, WKTV Projects, ,

Alan Headbloom
Feel Like You Belong

At an early age, singer/songwriter Netty Bruce Manga, stage name Ney-T, discovered he had a knack for music as he was able to distinguish the different parts of harmony.

From the West African nation of Senegal (bordered by Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Gambia, and Mauritania), Manga recently sat down with Feel Like You Belong host to talk about his home country and his “passion for the rhythms of life.”

Netty Bruce Manga (WKTV)

Manga said that his mother was directing him more to what people call “respected jobs” such as a lawyer or engineer.

“But when I discovered my passion for music, it was a very big discussion,” Manga said during the interview.

Manga continued to head down a different career path until he bought himself his first guitar while in college. It was with that guitar that he discovered just how much music meant to him and that he needed to follow the calling.

For more of Manga’s music, visit nettybrucemanga.com. For more from Feel Like You Belong, visit feellikeyoubelong.com.

WKTV In Focus podcast of Community Conversation on Immigration available on-demand

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Going Local, Hard News, Local Business, Local Faces, Politics, WKTV Journal In Focus, ,
WKTV Journal In Focus’s audio only podcast of a Community Conversation on Homelessness featured Kentwood City Commissioner and community advocate Emily Bridson moderating along with Marshall Kilgore and, from left, panelists Hillary Scholten and Bo Torres. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal’s In Focus series of podcasts, we bring you City of Kentwood Commissioner Emily Bridson’s Community Conversation on Immigration, held Thursday, Jan. 9, at Broad Leaf Local Beer in Kentwood.

The event was moderated by Bridson and Marshall Kilgore, Western Michigan Director for United Precinct Delegates, and included panelists Hillary Scholten, candidate for the U.S. 3rd Congressional District, and Bo Torres, a Hispanic community leader.

WKTV Journal In Focus’s audio only podcast of a Community Conversation on Immigration set-up by Kentwood City Commissioner and community advocate Emily Bridson drew a crowd Jan. 9. (WKTV)

The conversation drew about 100 people, with standing room only, and included discussion on current immigration policies as well as the contributions made to the United States from immigrants — both documented and undocumented. It also included discussion on proposed Michigan governmental action to change the state’s driver’s license laws.

For a link to the ‘Community Conversation on Homelessness” audio podcast, click here.

Regular episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times).Individual interviews area also available on WKTV’s YouTube Channel at WKTVvideos.

Kentwood city commissioner to host ‘Community Conversation’ on immigration

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A scene from Emily Bridson’s Community Conversation on Homelessness (and WKTV podcast) at Broad Leaf Local Beer in Kentwood in late 2019. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

A part of her continuing community conversations, City of Kentwood Commissioner Emily Bridson will co-host a Community Conversation on Immigration, focused on America’s immigration policies, on Thursday, Jan. 9, from 5:30-7 p.m., at Broad Leaf Local Beer.

“The New Year promises to be a polarizing time in our country’s history and we need to find a way to work together,” Bridson said about the planned event. “Let’s gather for a candid community dialogue on immigration. We will discuss licenses for all, detainment, and health care, to name a few.”

The panel will include Hillary Scholten, Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, and Bo Torres, local Hispanic community leader.

The event will be moderated by Bridson and Marshall Kilgore, Western Michigan Director for United Precinct Delegates.

WKTV Community Media will be on-hand to create a podcast of the discussion.

Emily Bridson (WKTV)

“As I research and learn more about immigration issues, I was fortunate to be invited to attend a large meeting last month where local organizations that serve immigrants gathered to create a plan to ensure that President Trump’s Executive Order 13888 (EO), which focuses on refugee resettlement in our communities, would be addressed by his established deadlines,” Bridson said.

On Dec. 17, 2019, the Kentwood City Commission voted to allow further resettlement in our city.

“It was a night of heartfelt personal stories where community members shared their memories of making Kentwood their home,” Bridson said. “We know Kentwood is a special place and it is because we embrace cultures and people from around the world in all of our neighborhoods.”

Bridson pointed out that in a recent study, the economic impact of foreign-born residents of Kent County contributed nearly $3.3 billion to the county’s GDP.

“The numbers speak for themselves on the continued positive impact immigrants have in our community,” she said.

“Our first community conversation was focused on discussing solutions to address homelessness,” Bridson said. Kilgore and Bridson “had over 50 interested community members join us.  Bringing our community together to find solutions to pressing issues has been the driving force behind our efforts.”

For a link to that WKTV podcast, visit here.

Broad Leaf Local Beer is located at 2885 Lake Eastbrook, Kentwood. For more information on the event visit here.

Broad Leaf Local Beerwill donate a portion of the proceeds to The Refugee Education Center.

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre hosts immigration discussion

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By Nancy Brozek

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

 

What is it like to be an immigrant in West Michigan? That is the question Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is asking our community. In conjunction with the highly anticipated production of “Ragtime the Musical,” Civic Theatre has partnered with the Grand Rapids Public Library and area experts to engage in community conversation on immigration during this important time in American history.

 

“Ragtime” is told through the eyes of an African American Harlem musician, a white upper class suburbanite, and an Eastern European family of immigrants all hoping to find a place in American at the turn of the 20th Century. Just as relevant a topic now as then, panelist will lead the audience in a discussion on these themes in a modern context.  Speakers will share historical insights and present day experiences.

 

Panelists include:

 

Ricardo Tavarez, Pastor at En Vivo Church

 

Susan Kragt, Executive Director at West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center

 

Kristine Van Noord, Program Manager at Bethany Christian Services’ Refugee Adult & Family Programs

 

Kelsey Herbert, Office of Social Justice at Christian Reformed Church of North America

 

Irina Nadrau, Grand Rapids Public Library

 

The event takes place from 7 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Grand Rapids Main Library, 111 Library St. NE. The event is free and attendees will receive a discount to Civic Theatre’s production of Ragtime the Musical (on stage Feb. 24 – Mar. 19)

Not Just Another Pretty Face

Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces, , , , ,

Maria Erazokathy_gray
Meet Maria Erazo: Entrepreneur, business woman, author, motivational specialist…and the new Face of Siegel Jewelers. Maria’s story is remarkable and in many ways is similar to story of Joseph Siegel, the founder of Siegel Jewelers.

 

“I have fallen in love with the history of the family and the legacy that it inspires,” said Maria.

 

Maria was born in Michoacan, Mexico. She came to the United States when she was 15 years old, hoping to be reunited with her parents who had moved to the U.S. earlier. She came to be settled in the Grand Rapids area with relatives she had never met.

 

Joseph Siegel came to America from Russia at the age of 17. He worked as a clock and watchmaker and opened the first Siegel store in 1889. Both Maria and Joseph experienced the struggles of living in a foreign country with a limited ability to speak English. Both used hard work and perseverance to build successful careers.

Maria Erazo

 

Maria is a highly motivated young woman who is the founder of The ME Marketing Agency. She works to help entrepreneurs develop their own brand, based on their personal story. Utilizing digital marketing and social media, Maria leads business owners through training in personal development and sound business structuring. On top of her marketing agency, Maria is the founder of the Farmers Insurance Agency, located at 2435 Eastern Avenue, boasting more than 15 years in the insurance industry. She has also authored two books.

 

So, how exactly did this highly successful young woman become associated with Siegel Jewelers?

 

Maria will be the first to admit, she didn’t know Siegel’s existed two years ago. It was by the very social media that she utilizes every day that Maria came upon a contest looking for someone who would represent Siegel Jewelers at community events, in-store, and through the media. The winner would receive $200/month in jewelry allowance and the ability to borrow jewelry for events, photo shoots, and advertisements. Maria saw it as the perfect opportunity not only to promote the store, but also to reach out to the Hispanic community.

 

The Face of Siegel Jewelers was the inspiration of Amanda Gilbert, who works marketing and community outreach for Siegel’s. “Siegel Jewelers has been in Grand Rapids for 127 years,” explained Amanda. “Community relations and involvement are very important to Siegel’s.”

Maria Erazo

 

“We needed to modernize our outreach,” Amanda confided. “Facebook, Instagram, and other social media were the perfect path.”

 

As a model herself, Amanda had many contacts in the modeling and photography world. After the first contest post was made on the Siegel Jeweler’s Facebook page, they had over 100 applicants within 24 hours. “The response was amazing!” Amanda shared.

 

Finding a “local” face was important, as was the contestant’s commitment to the community.

 

Out of all the applicants, twenty were chosen to move on to the next round of the contest. After the official contest photos were taken, they were each tasked with getting as many “likes” and “shares” on Facebook as possible. After a long process of photo shoots and interviews, plus the Facebook outreach, a panel of judges (2 representatives from Siegel Jewelers and 3 members at large from the Grand Rapids community) named the top 3 candidates. Maria Erazo was ultimately chosen as the Face of Siegel Jewelers for 2016. Two other models, Liv Jackson and Jenna Coller, were also chosen to represent Siegel Jewelers in photo sessions this year.

 

“I see this as an opportunity to bring people in the community together,” stated Maria when asked what being the Face of Siegel Jewelers mean to her. “I would like to be an inspiration to young women, I want them to see that opportunities surround them every day.”

Maria Erazo

For Maria, empowering young women, especially minorities, is her motivating factor. Her early life story and the struggles she has faced are contained in a book she wrote entitled, En Busca de Mi Padre (In Search of My Father).

 

“I am honored that Siegel has given me this opportunity,” said Maria, “It gives me the chance to reach out and bring us all together.”

 

Always looking forward, Maria shared that she would love the opportunity to mentor the women who become the Face of Siegel Jewelers in the future. “I am the first!” she laughed.

 

Keep your eyes out at community events for Maria Erazo. She will be the outgoing, beautiful lady who is always looking to help others believe in themselves. Oh, and she will be showcasing some of the most gorgeous jewelry Grand Rapids has to offer!

 

Kathy is a long-time employee with Spectrum Health. She has been married for 28 years to her wonderful husband, Duke. Together they have 2 children, Emily and Daniel. In her free time she enjoys volunteering with the Casting Bread Mobile Food Pantry at Kentwood Christian Church, making sandwiches at Kids Food Basket, and leading Ladies Bible Study on Thursday nights. Writing has been her passion since elementary school and she loves to write about how others enjoy what they are passionate about!

Clearing the Air on Immigration

Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

Loosemore Auditorium at GVSU's Downtown Campus
Loosemore Auditorium at GVSU’s Downtown Campus

On Tuesday, January 26 at 6:30pm in the Loosemore Auditorium on Grand Valley’s downtown campus, the ACLU of Western Michigan will be hosting a timely event on the immigration issue currently capturing headlines across the United States.  Entitled, Beyond Hate and Fear: Immigration and the Refugee Crisis in America, the purpose of the event is to provide insight into the long overdue process of reforming the current immigration system.

 

“Currently the United States is experiencing its greatest influx of immigrants in its history,” said Linda Sanchez, one of the coordinators of the event. “This has created severe problems and one of those is a hatred and fear that are both being stoked against immigrants. It’s ironic that a nation of immigrants has historically always had such difficulty with immigration, but here we are in 2016 and the problem remains. We’re hoping this symposium will help shed fresh new light on the issue.”

ACLU

 

Panelists include Rubén Martinez, Director of the Julian Samora Research Institute at M.S.U.; Richard Kessler, Attorney and activist specializing in Immigration law; and Liz Black, Legal Services Director for Justice for Our Neighbors West Michigan.

 

The purpose of the event is to discuss the root causes of the anger toward immigrants and refugees. Additionally, discussion will center around the fundamental protections of due process and equal protection that are embodied in our Constitution and apply to every person, regardless of immigration status.

 

Admission to the event is free.