Something happened recently that was rather routine yet remarkable. It was a networking event – something that occurs in Grand Rapids fairly regularly. Nearly 200 business, civic and municipal leaders gathered to meet new people, renew old friendships and tell a few stories. Nothing really new there.

What was unique were the guests – they were all women. Mayors, CEOs, CFOs, business owners, foundation presidents, marketing executives, media professionals and state officials all turned out.

Each year, Truscott Rossman holds a Wonderful Women event in Grand Rapids to encourage women executives to work together to make our community stronger and, in the process, extend their network. Kelly Rossman-McKinney, principal and CEO, treats everyone to wine and hors d’oeuvres, but what she really gives them is a chance to grow personally and professionally. Those who attended called it a fantastic and fun event.

In some ways, Grand Rapids’ own Betty Ford helped usher the women’s movement into the White House and the public consciousness. Forty years later, we may still have a ways to go in the area of gender equity, but rest assured the Wonderful Women of Grand Rapids know exactly how to lead the movement.