Virtual Inner Circle Series: Event 2

Virtual Inner Circle Series 2020

Event 2

Friday, April 24th

Noon - 1 p.m.

Registration will be closed 24 hours before the meeting. If you are interested in registering please contact Anna Grace, agrace@inforummichigan.org 

Inforum's Inner Circle each year celebrates some of Michigan's most accomplished and admired women - those in the "inner circle" of business, civic, and community life - and gives them an opportunity to share practical know-how and inspire leadership in others. This year our honorees are participating in a virtual Inner Circle, where three honorees are grouped together for one of seven virtual events. These will allow for real conversations between the honorees and participants. 

Honorees

Keri Becker
Director of Athletics
GVSU
Keri has spent her entire career in intercollegiate athletics spanning 25+ years. She is currently in her fourth year as the Director of Athletics at Grand Valley State. Keri began this role in the summer of 2016. Prior to being named Director of Athletics, Becker’s career has always been on a college campus. She began her journey in 1990 as a softball student-athlete at Division II Saginaw Valley State University, moved into the head softball coaching position in 1996, at yet another rival school, Ferris State University where she stayed for 15 years. In 2011, GVSU brought her on board as the Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator. Keri is also a military veteran, having served in the United States Army Reserve from 1992-2006, and was called to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom from January 2003-February 2004.  She achieved the rank of staff sergeant and was honorably discharged in October 2006. To read more about Keri click here.

Keli Christopher
Executive director
STEM Greenhouse

Keli Christopher is currently the executive director of the STEM Greenhouse, an organization committed to preparing vulnerable children for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Keli founded STEM Greenhouse in 2014. The STEM Greenhouse specializes in fun and hands-on STEM programs for students in kindergarten to 12^th grades. She became the first black person to receive a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Illinois and the third black woman in the world to receive a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering.  Dr. Christopher has worked as an engineer for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Grand Rapids Area Pre-College Engineering Program, and the Kent County Conservation District. To read more about Keli click here.

Karen Scarpino
Owner and President
Green Giftz

Karen Scarpino is the owner and president of Green Giftz, a high-design and sustainable branded merchandise agency located in West Michigan. Over the course of her 20 year history as President, Karen has helped revolutionized the promotional products industry by repurposing and upcycling post-industrial scrap from major corporations like Steelcase, Herman Miller, Chrysler & Haworth to create one-of-a-kind gifts like padfolios, totes, duffle bags, awards, air plant holders, journal covers and more. In 2019, Karen Scarpino was the Corporate Chair for the Arthritis Foundation, winner of the Grand Rapids Chamber EPIC! Creative Business of the Year Award and Corp! Magazine Michigan’s Economic Bright Spot. Karen has expanded Green Giftz offering by launching a retail-inspired “Made in Michigan” line of items which is sold in the Grand Rapids Airport, Detroit Airport, Amway Gift Shop & University of Michigan Metro Hospital Gift Shop. To read more about Karen click here.

Event Details

Time: Friday, April 24th; Noon - 1 p.m.

Registration: Free for Inforum members (must register), $5 for nonmembers

Location: Virtual link will be sent to those who register

Leadership Sponsor

Interested in sponsorship? Please contact Carole Leigh Hutton clhutton@inforummichigan.org