Stephanie Briggs, the director of admissions at Muskegon Community College since February of 2016, received the Homegrown Hero Award during the inaugural Shades of Excellence Professionals of Color Showcase.
The event, which was sponsored by the Muskegon Young Black Professionals (MYBP), was held on Nov. 13 at The Block in downtown Muskegon.
“Shades of Excellence is a showcase curated to highlight the achievements of professionals of color in Muskegon County,” explained Jocelyn Hines, the MYBP founder and president. “These honorees are professionals who have excelled in their varying industries as well as having emerged as leaders in the community. MYBP believes that support and recognition are vital to the retention of our community’s high-quality professionals of color.”
Started in 2017, the Muskegon Young Black Professionals provides personal, professional and social opportunities for professionals of color in Muskegon County. Its mission is to strengthen the community by improving the lives of young black professionals by providing social outlets and professional development opportunities that will equip them to be successful personally and professionally.
The Homegrown Hero Award, one of the eight presented in a variety of categories, is given to a professional of color, who was born and raised in Muskegon County and who has both maintained a presence in the community and shown significant and measurable success in their field.
“The Homegrown Hero Award is such an honor,” Briggs noted. “To be recognized by my peers and community means that the work I am doing is not going unseen. I am passionate about education and providing information to those that see – or do not – college as an option continues to be my driving force. Nelson Mandela said it best, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ I strive to be a change agent for the city of Muskegon and surrounding areas and this award helped to reinforce that the work we are doing at the college is necessary.”
A native of Muskegon, Briggs graduated from Orchard View High School. She earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s in Management – Public Administration from University of Phoenix. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Community College Leadership at Ferris State University.