Wheelhouse Talk

Friday, November 20, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Community, Faculty, Staff, Students

Professional headshot of LaSandra Gaddy

About the Event

What does it really take to build a successful career and lead with purpose? Join LaSandra Gaddy, President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, to hear more about her leadership journey and professional wheelhouse--including lessons learned, successes and challenges along the way, and the values and ideas that shape how she leads today.

Join us for an engaging conversation designed to give GVSU students and staff, along with Grand Rapids-area community members practical insights and inspiration they can take into their own careers. Our time together will include a brief lecture, Q & A, and light dinner reception.

This gathering is presented in partnership with GVSU’s Frederik Meijer Honors College Frederik Meijer Lecture Series and the Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy’s Wheelhouse Talk series.

Program Agenda:

4:00 – 5:15 PM: Lecture and Q&A

5:15 – 6 PM: Light Dinner Reception

About Our Guest Speaker

As president and CEO, LaSandra guides the Community Foundation’s staff and Board of Trustees in their fundraising, grantmaking and community leadership efforts. A passionate servant leader, she is focused on expanding the scope and impact of the Community Foundation in its second century.

With decades of nonprofit and corporate leadership experience in West Michigan, LaSandra has extensive expertise in team development, strategic planning, forming collaborative partnerships and fundraising. She previously served as CEO of Women’s Resource Center and in various executive leadership roles in the nonprofit sector focused on building long-term, sustainable change, forming collaborative partnerships and fund mobilization. Prior to her nonprofit work, LaSandra spent 15 years in banking, including serving as a vice president in retail, business banking and wealth management. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Cornerstone University and an Executive MBA from Grand Valley State University.

Know Before You Go

All are welcome! We invite students, faculty, staff, and community to attend.
Admission is free, but registration is required. Please check in when you arrive.
This event takes place on GVSU's City Campus in downtown GR. Free parking with validation is available for non-GVSU guests in the Seward Parking Lot across the street from the Richard M. Devos Center. Please note that faculty, staff, and students must have a valid parking pass or pay-to-park.