Influential Women

Two leaders from Grand Valley State University have been selected by the Grand Rapids Business Journal to be included in its list of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan.

Pat Oldt, vice president for Equity and Planning and Margaret Sellers Walker, associate director of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership were chosen from hundreds of nominees from all over the three county area of Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon.

'To be selected as an influential woman in West Michigan, a community rich with vital and contributing women, is quite an honor. I'm fortunate to be recognized with this group of women, who inspire me and serve as role models for many,' Oldt said.

The editors of the Business Journal and three judges from outside of West Michigan selected the most influential women. The judges are, Margaret Talbert, the executive director of the Michigan Women's Foundation; Jeffrey Kaczmarek, senior vice president of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; and Melanie Brock, Consumers Power's economic development director for the state of Michigan. The choices were made based on the women's business and community leadership.

'This recognition is both humbling and challenging. The strength of this community is reflected in its leadership. I certainly hope that I will continue to meet the expectations. It's an honor to be included,' said Sellers Walker.

Editor of the Grand Rapids Business Journal, Carole Valade Copenhaver said, 'The Business Journal is thrilled to be able to put women in the spotlight who have worked so hard for so long to make the community as vibrant as it is.'

All 50 women will be honored at a luncheon at the Frederik Meijer Gardens on March 3. The speaker will be Mary Sue Coleman, the president of the University of Michigan. The honorees will also be profiled in the Grand Rapids Business Journal's March 3 edition.