Kristen Evans has been an involved supporter of the GVSU Women's Commission since her arrival to Grand Valley in 2008. Having served as Chair and Co-Chair of the Commission, Kristen was pleased to be able to elevate that work serving as one of two MI-ACE Institutional Representatives.

Kristen's all-girls Catholic high school experience paired with the involvement and impact of many mentors, aunts, and cousins inspire her to lean into leadership and advocacy opportunities such as the Women's Commission, MI-ACE, and the FTLC Women, Leadership and Higher Education Learning Community.

From the creation of Conscious Conversation to the continuation of the HerStory series to a variety of Teach-In sessions to the successful Family Leave Task Force, Kristen is proud of the success of the Women's Commission throughout the past fifteen years. Kristen's favorite Women's Commission annual event is Reflections (formerly known as the Mentoring Reception) . Serving as MC of that event over several years provided an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with incredible leaders including Annie Bélanger Jodi Chycinski, Maria Cimitile, Mei Mah, Lee VanOrsdel, and Pat Waring.

While the composition of membership and leadership varies year to year, something that does not change is the empowering and refreshing nature of the Women's Commission. Whether it is a general monthly meeting or a formal annual event, the spirit of authenticity and support is always evident and what has kept Kristen involved for so many years.