Varnum attorney Luis Avila will be recognized by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce as the Outstanding Emerging Leader Alumnus at the Create Great Leaders event.
The event celebrates participants in the Emerging Leaders Series, a Chamber program for professionals who want to grow their careers and become active in the community. In addition to participation in that program and Leadership Grand Rapids, Avila serves on the governing boards of the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Ballet Company, the Downtown Development Authority, the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Symphony, where he serves as chair-elect.
Avila’s legal practice focuses on labor, employment and immigration issues. He counsels public and private sector employers on a variety of workplace matters such as disciplinary and dispute solution procedures, wage-hour matters, and harassment and litigation prevention.
Others who will be recognized at the Create Great Leaders event include Michelle Meulendyk of Amway, as Outstanding Leading Edge Alumna; and Meg Wheeler Derrer of Greater Good Partners, as Outstanding Leadership Advantage Alumna. Dr. Nkechy Ekere Ezeh of the Early Neighborhood Collaborative will be honored with the Distinguished Community Trustee award.
Each of the recipients will share a personal leadership lesson at the fundraiser event to be held Thursday, June 20 at the Union Pavilion at Railside Golf Club. More about the event can be found on the Chamber’s website.