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Stay connected to BL²END

Join an organization in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan for young professionals of color that intentionally focuses on Social Networking, Professional Development and Community Outreach on a monthly basis.

We are a community of leaders dedicated to uplifting professionals like you!

Like us on Facebook

Stay Connected to BL²END

Join an organization in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan for young professionals of color that intentionally focuses on Social Networking, Professional Development and Community Outreach on a monthly basis.

We are a community of leaders dedicated to uplifting professionals like you!

Like us on Facebook

Connect. Develop. Contribute.

Business Leaders Linked to Encourage New Directions

BL²END was established in 2006 to increase the engagement and retention of young professionals of color in the Greater Grand Rapids community by holding monthly events that align with our strategic initiatives of Social Networking, Professional Development, and Community Outreach. As an organization, we believe in building genuine relationships through the values of collaboration, community, education, integrity, and professionalism.

Learn more about BL²END
_Meet our leadership team_

Social
Networking

Connect and build genuine relationships with other professionals in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Through the support of our local partnerships, our Social Networking BL²ENDers are hosted in the greater Grand Rapids area.

Professional
Development

Develop and sharpen your professional skills while building your network at a our Professional Development events. Each program and presentation is customized for the young professional audience which covers a variety of current topics and applicable development opportunities.

Community
Outreach

Contribute to local organizations through a wide-range of Community Outreach events. BL²END strategically partners to support the initiatives of nonprofits in the Grand Rapids area by providing volunteer staff and event support.

Young Professionals of Color Confrence

Cascade Engineering is hosting a one-day professional development conference for young professionals of color in West Michigan on Monday, November 2, 2020. Last year, the conference convened over 200 young professionals of color at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We are happy to return to the Young Professionals of Color Conference, again as the Exclusive Young Professionals Partner whose mission directly aligns with the purpose and intent of this conference.

Register for the YPCC today! http://www.ypccgr.com/ypcc-2020

Testimonials

“I love the mission of BL²END and the focus on young professionals in our city. Their work is so important in helping our upcoming generation of leaders to develop a network of peers and mentors. As a result, these connections will strengthen their professional lives today and tomorrow.”

Dr. Bill PinkPresident, Grand Rapids Community College

“BL²END is one of the best stories of success in West Michigan. What started by a handful of volunteers with a specific goal in mind, has grown to be uniquely positioned in the market to have the biggest impact in the lives of young professionals of color and, in turn, our community. BL²END’s many opportunities for network and professional development are complementary to the private sector’s efforts to develop, attract and retain talent.”

Carlos SanchezDirector, Latino Business and Economic Development Center of Ferris State University

“For any community that is committed to being relevant, attractive and “sticky” to emerging top talent, it must understand that a mental shift from simply being a welcoming community to a belonging community is critical. That can’t be done simply with research – it must be modeled. This is why BL²END is a fundamental component to the success of West Michigan. They offer opportunities, service and a solid history of making our community better. BL²END helps young professionals feel like they belong.”

Skot WelchPresident, Global Bridgebuilders | Founder, The Mosaic Film Experience

“BL²END is a critical lifeline for talented professionals of color — especially those new to the Grand Rapids community.  As a Detroit native, BL²END created a space of belonging for me to forge authentic relationships with emerging and existing leaders, expand my social networks, and serve in philanthropic spaces that aligned with my values, culture, and lived experiences.  Through BL²END, I was able to access employment opportunities and pursue ongoing professional development that supported my desire to be upwardly mobile in my career. “

Shannon CohenFounder and Principal, Shannon Cohen, Inc.

“BL²END has shown itself to our community as an organization of world-changers. Where individuals with various backgrounds and perspectives have joined together for the greater cause of creating a more inclusive city to live in. BL²END is contributing to Grand Rapids becoming a place that all professionals, despite color or creed, have the opportunity to connect to the advanced professional makings of a great and growing city!”

Tiffany DeMyersExecutive President, BL²END

“I am very grateful for an organization like BL²END in the Grand Rapids community. Moving from the east side of the state, BL²END served as a tremendous resource for me to connect with other like-minded individuals and develop professionally. Thanks for all you do to serve the community!”

Kisha J. McphersonOperations Specialist, Spectrum Health

“Personally and professionally, BL²END helped me to become connected to amazing people, places and opportunities in Grand Rapids. I developed as a leader and member of the board while becoming a better community member as a result of the programming BL²END has to offer. BL²END is the reason I’m committed to this community and will always be a part of my Grand Rapids legacy.”

Janean CouchProgram Officer, Grand Rapids Community Foundation
PreviousNext

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Mar 1

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BL²END will be hosting our first Community Outrea BL²END will be hosting our first Community Outreach event of the year, "Helping Hands," on Saturday, March 6, 2021, from 11AM-2PM.  This event will occur at 250 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503(former Purple East bldg). We can't wait to partner with Mel Trotter Ministries, Grand Rapids Urban League, Express Employment Professionals Grand Rapids, and Great Clips.  This event will include Mel Trotter Ministries' mobile shower program, free haircuts from Great Clips, free masks and PPE items, and employment resources through Express Employment Professionals. We are so excited for our first event of 2021 and can't wait to #MixMingle and #GRBLEND with you all again.

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Jan 18

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Join BL²END in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Join BL²END in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on this day. His life and legacy taught us that the time is always right to do what is right. We are in unprecedented times where his teachings are, more than ever, a reminder that there is still much work to be done. We will continue to uphold that responsibility to our community. Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

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Nov 26

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#GRBLEND would like to wish everyone a Happy Thank #GRBLEND would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! As our community together faces difficult times, we at BL²END are especially grateful for you on this Thanksgiving. As you safely visit family and friends today, please take a moment to think about how we can better serve you during these unprecedented times by completing our survey for a chance to win a Starbucks gift card. 

https://forms.gle/Kt625AMdx46p1ErR9

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Nov 9

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Thank you to everyone who attended the virtual 202 Thank you to everyone who attended the virtual 2020 Young Professionals of Color Conference last Monday! We truly appreciate all of our partners that made this conference a success despite the current circumstances we all face. We would like to thank our amazing partner, Cascade Engineering, the planning committee,  our Platinum Sponsors Warner Norcross & Judd and W.K. Kellogg Foundation. We would also like to give a huge thanks to all of our amazing speakers including Mark Washington, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Erica Soto, Dr. Andrea Blue, D.L. McKinney, Naomi Magallán, Jessica Lehti,  Rebecca Spann, and Janee' Beville.

The 10th Annual YPCC will take place on July 16, 2021 - stay tuned to www.ypccgr.com for updates throughout the year. 
#GRBLEND #LeadinginTimesofChange #YPCC2020

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Oct 21

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Join us Monday, November 2nd, as we partner with C Join us Monday, November 2nd, as we partner with Cascade Engineering for the 10th Annual Young Professionals of Color Conference! This year's theme is “Leading in Times of Change.” We are excited for the dynamic lineup of presenters including Lt. Governor of Michigan, Garlin Gilchrist, Grand Rapids City Manager, Mark Washington, a panel discussion led by members of our Board of Directors, Edward Jones, plus so much more! 
Registration for the Young Professionals of Color Conference is FREE and now open! We can’t wait to see you there!
http://www.ypccgr.com/ypcc-2020

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Oct 7

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We’re just 3 days away from our #SettingTheStand We’re just 3 days away from our #SettingTheStandard Community Outreach event. Come out and join #GRBLEND along with our partners Urban Core Collective, Grand Rapids Urban League, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, Grand Rapids Public Library, and Read GR this Saturday at MLK Jr. Park, 900 Fuller SE, from 11am - 4pm! #MixMingle #GRBLEND

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Jul 14

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Are you a passionate leader who can support the ne Are you a passionate leader who can support the needs of an organization while elevating the talents of your peers? Are you an innovative and strategic thinker ready to join an Executive team of forward thinking professionals? You may be BL²END’s next Vice-President Elect! Click the link in our bio to apply today! 

#JoinBLEND2020 #ProfessionalDevelopment #Leadership

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Jul 8

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Are you seeking the opportunity to strengthen your Are you seeking the opportunity to strengthen your leadership? Are you passionate about creating intentional spaces for all professionals of color to thrive in our community? Business Leaders Linked to Encourage New Directions is excited to launch our campaign #JoinBLEND2020! 
We are in search of dedicated board members for the following positions. The deadline to apply for our Board of Directors is July 24th. We look forward to adding amazing, new talent to our team! Apply today at using the link in our bio!

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May 1

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Please take a moment to read this article on thera Please take a moment to read this article on therapy and healing as a person of color in West Michigan 
https://www.urbancorecollective.org/post/you-deserve-to-heal-going-to-therapy-in-west-michigan-as-a-person-of-color?fbclid=IwAR0dbXuZzT_15a8vncWeWMx2Qn5o4rq5BMKD3RhRF-PDm_6GZc4eYRV4l_E

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Apr 29

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Mental health was another top priority identified Mental health was another top priority identified by our recent Social Distancing poll. Explore the following list of resources available including links for movement (yoga and dance), meditation and mindfulness, expression, education, podcasts, apps, recipes and more. 
If you or someone you know provides mental health services available in our community, please share below! #GRBLEND #MentalHealthMatters 
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1skB0lYHZ8m0-6CNS6BUU5k5WyqQeNfdBFRkBMbCUQHU/edit?pli=1#gid=0

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Apr 27

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Over the next few weeks, we will focus our efforts Over the next few weeks, we will focus our efforts on sharing resources from our community along with connecting you to online resources. 
Here is another way to connect to higher learning and #ProfessionalDevelopment for free! #TryNewThings

https://online-learning.harvard.edu/catalog/free

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Apr 26

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#GRBLEND thanks you for your dedication and servic #GRBLEND thanks you for your dedication and service to our community! #EssentialWorkers

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Apr 9

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BL²END continues to be a resource to our communit BL²END continues to be a resource to our community during this time. We understand that in these unprecedented times the professionals of color in our community, especially, still need access to opportunities to thrive in Professional Development, Community Outreach, and Social Networking. This anonymous poll will help us assess the needs of our participants so that BL²END can provide you and your families more access to vital resources. Please select all that apply to you. Thank you for your responses (link in bio)!

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Apr 7

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#GRBLEND is here to support all of our participant #GRBLEND is here to support all of our participants during this time of uncertainty. Please take one minute to complete the following anonymous poll in order for us to better assess the needs of the community we serve. Click the link in our bio.  https://forms.gle/sK2dvSC45AGmJCj1A

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Mar 31

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Today we celebrate Participant Engagement Chair, Z Today we celebrate Participant Engagement Chair, Zahna Woodson! We value your dedication to our community and your leadership on our Board of Directors! Happy Birthday!🎉

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Mar 21

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BL²END has been closely monitoring the about Coro BL²END has been closely monitoring the about Coronavirus (COVID-19) over the past few weeks. To ensure the health and safety of our participants, Board of Directors, speakers, and community, we have decided to postpone our March 24th, Professional Development event, “Framing Y(OUR) Story” until further notice. As we continue to monitor the cases of COVID-19, we may also postpone our April Social Networking event. 
BL²END will continue to update you with any changes to our events on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and via email.

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Mar 13

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We would like to celebrate, Eddie T.L. Tadlock, cu We would like to celebrate, Eddie T.L. Tadlock, current Advisory Council member, who was recently honored as the 2020 W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award at the 38th annual Giant Awards in February. #GRBLEND #GiantsAwards #trailblazer

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Mar 12

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Be sure to register for #GRBLEND’s next #Profess Be sure to register for #GRBLEND’s next #ProfessionalDevelopment event from 6-8:00pm on March 24th about photography and storytelling at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. We look forward to hearing from Duane Bacchus, professional photographer and Ashley Lee, PR and Marketing expert about highlighting the beauty of people and their stories through photography. We hope you #TryNewThings with us!

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Mar 4

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We are excited to announce our next #ProfessionalD We are excited to announce our next #ProfessionalDevelopment event “Framing Y(OUR) Story” on March 24th from 6-8:00pm at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Duane Bacchus of Duane Bacchus Photography will share professional tips on free and inexpensive tools that anyone can use to edit photos including how to use lighting to your advantage. Ashley Lee of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation will also discuss how framing stories within nonprofit organizations matter to present stories in a dignified way that gives people agency of their own stories. #GRBLEND #trynewthings

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Feb 25

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Thank you all to those who joined us for our Febru Thank you all to those who joined us for our February #CommunityOutreach event in partnership with HQ! Thank you for #SettingTheStandard by supporting the great work that HQ does for vulnerable youth in our community. #GRBLEND
     
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