Who We Are

Hope Network

she/her/hers

Urban Core Collective

she/her/hers

“GAAH is so welcoming of absolutely everyone that they come in connect with. I love what they bring to the community. GAAH gives kids a chance try new things that they normally wouldn’t have done or seen. So getting an opportunity to be part of that is amazing. ”

John Ball Zoo

they/them/theirs

“My passion is to help people tell their stories and I’m so excited to be a part of an organization that so intentionally uses art and story to inspire confidence and break down harmful structures. ”

President

Ktisis Capital

he/him

“I instantly fell in love with the work of GAAH – the neighborhood and vast intersection of identities the organization serves is inspiring. Education and the arts hits true to the core of my personal passions. I am excited by the organization’s and staff’s potential to affect systemic change in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood specifically and the philanthropic sector broadly.”

Grand Valley State University
she/her

“I wanted to spend my time walking alongside an organization that was committed to equity. GAAH uses an equity lens in all it does. It elevates the voices of neighbors, works to create the conditions for their thriving, and specifically invests in youth in the community – an investment in the future.”

Treasurer
PNC Bank
he/him

“I love seeing kids allowed to be kids, be happy, find themselves and feel safe. I know GAAH creates those spaces and when a board position opened, specifically for Treasurer, it matched my skill set and I wanted to help.”

Secretary
Bradbury Miller Associates
sher/her/hers

“GAAH is such an important organization in our community. It provides our neighbors with a safe and caring space where kids and families can build community, try new things, and grow. The staff take the time to really get to know the neighbors and make them feel welcome and empowered.”

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
she/her/ella

“I joined the board because GAAH is awesome and I wanted to give back to the org that helped me tap into my creativity. Growing up, I’d go to GAAH’s summer camps and I loved trying new things like pottery, guitar, violin etc. I’m excited to continue to champion the work of GAAH and help advance it.”