WM Lead In Affinity Group (virtual)

Commissioner Milinda Ysasi talks to the Lead In group about leadership and community through COVID-19

Milinda Ysasi was born in Grand Rapids and grew up on the southeast side of the city. She attended Catholic Central and Grand Valley State University. She has been married to Rafael Castanon for more than 10 years. They live in Creston.

Milinda Ysasi leads The SOURCE, an organization focused on reducing employment barriers and creating opportunities for mobility for employees that work for their partner organizations. The SOURCE began as an idea by local CEOs who wanted to retain talent in their companies and understood that talent is a differentiator for success.

Prior to The SOURCE, Milinda worked in human resources at Cascade Engineering, Herman Miller, and Spectrum Health. She received her executive MBA from Michigan State University in 2019. In November 2019, Milinda was elected to serve as a city commissioner for the 2nd ward of the Grand Rapids.

Milinda is a co-founder of the Latina Network of West Michigan, an organic collective focused on changing the Latina narrative in the region. She was a 2018 Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Job Quality Fellow. Milinda serves on the Chemical Bank West Michigan community board and the West Michigan Works! legislative committee.

Milinda has been recognized for her commitment and leadership with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Young Professional award, the GVSU Alumni Service award, Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 under forty, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network-GR DoGooder and Exemplary Executive awards, Grand Rapids Business Journal 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan and as one of 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan.

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Lead In Affinity Group
Participate with other professionals in philanthropic activities, engage in leadership and professional development, and build a professional network through social activities. Whether you are just starting your career, blazing a new path, or an established mentor - this group is designed to bridge generational gaps allowing everyone to emerge as stronger leaders.

Chairs
Amy Gerard, AmyGerard@challengergray.com
Amy Ritsema, amy@onsitewellnessllc.com