Speaker Series

be inspired by wisdom

a group of people intently listening to a speaker

wise words

In an ever-changing world, it’s important to stay up-to-date, informed, and inspired.

We are honored to host industry leaders who share their experiences and insights on a diverse range of topics, including creativity, design, globalization, faith, and technology. Each session features a 1-hour presentation with a Q&A segment, offering you the chance to engage directly with the speaker.

Join us at AMDG for our free Speaker Series events and learn from the best in our community!

upcoming speakers

Ashlee Eiland headshot

Ashlee Eiland, Head of School

Living Stones Academy

Thursday, February 13, 2025 | 4:00-5:00 pm | at amdg (4th floor)

Story as Strategy: Leveraging the Power of Words to Strengthen Trust & Unlock Imagination

A good strategy requires passionate leadership, compelling vision, clarity of direction, and actionable next steps. But what happens when your strategy seems to stall or become stale? Enter: the power of your people. During this session, Ashlee Eiland will reawaken you to the power of words through story — and how the stories represented among you just might be the key to your strategy’s new life.

Bio: Ashlee Eiland is a thought leader, writer, and Bible teacher who exists to join in God’s redemptive work on earth. She earned her BA in International Relations from the University of Southern California and her Masters in Organizational Leadership from Judson University. She also completed certificate work at both Moody Bible Institute and Fuller Seminary.

Ashlee currently serves as Head of School at Living Stones Academy, a Christ-centered, intentionally-inclusive, and academically rigorous elementary school in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She formerly served as Co-Lead Pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church in West Michigan, as well as Vice President of Partnerships for The Colossian Forum, a non-profit that works to harness the power of disagreement to restore connection. Ashlee began her career as a Human Resources professional with Nestlé USA in both corporate and plant capacities.

Ashlee’s the author of three books: Myles and His Many Friends, HUMAN(KIND), and Say Good, which was released last May. Ashlee and her husband, Delwin, live in Grand Rapids with their three kids.

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past speakers

Justin Beene with hair pulled back in a suit looking off to his left

Cultivating a Flourishing City for All

Justin Beene, Visionary and Founder

Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation

Grand Rapids has been named one of the best places to live, retire, invest, and raise children. We are often named as one of the most philanthropic communities in the country. Yet, despite our many efforts, large portions of our residents have not benefited from the economic vitality of the region. Why is it that our best efforts seem to be failing? Is there hope for a new path forward? Through this presentation you will gain historical context and learn about some exciting opportunities to join a collaborative in reimagining our city to create a culture where it’s normal for everyone to Thrive and Prosper.

Ashanti Bryant headshot

Windows and Mirrors: How Education Creates Opportunity to See the Brilliance in All

Ashanti Bryant, Senior Program Officer

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Windows are stories about seeing others, while mirrors are stories about seeing ourselves. At the beginning of the school year (across our state and around the country), Ashanti Bryant will open his own “picture book” chronicling his personal learning journey. He will also share how education remains a transformational tool for experiencing the true possibility and potential of all children in all communities.

Nathan Leaman headshot

Creating a Leadership Framework

Nathan Leaman, Managing Director

Frontline Training Solutions

It is estimated that the market for Leadership Development is anywhere between $60 billion and $400 billion. For decades, Leadership Development has been an essential element of any solid learning and development strategy. Organizations know they need to focus on Leadership Development. They know leaders sit in a unique position to attract, engage, develop, and retain others.

Faye Richardson-Green headshot

The Challenges of Leading Diverse Teams

Faye Richardson-Green

Consultant and Visiting Professor

Today’s work environment is full of challenges for today’s leadership including uncertainty with post-COVID business models; attracting adequate talent to support customer demands as well as navigating increasingly divisive social-political community dialogues around business diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Matt Davidson headshot

Fully Charged Leadership

Matt Davidson, Superintendent

Timothy Christian Schools

There’s an energy crisis in America that isn’t getting enough attention – the diminishing energy from today’s leaders. The demands on leadership today are significant. Some leaders are winning with record achievements but losing passion along the way. Some are experiencing growth and success, but their energy levels are declining.

Charles Burke headshot

A Remarkable Moment

Charles Burke, President & CEO

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Charles Burke, recently appointed President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, previously served as President and CEO of The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms, a waterfront cultural campus that curates experiences focusing on arts, culture, film, patriotism, community connectivity, and leadership.

Lance Davids headshot

Get Gritty in Addressing Social Media in Our Schools and with Our Kids

Lance Davids, Head of School

Illiana Christian High School

Lance Davids is Illiana Christian High School’s Head of School. He has been serving Illiana since 1999 both as a teacher and an administrator. Lance received his BA from Trinity Christian College with a major in History and minors in Education.