GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The West Michigan Center For Arts +Technology, more commonly referred to by its acronym WMCAT, will hold its annual iBall celebration on March 13.
It will take place at G-L-C Live at 20 Monroe in downtown Grand Rapids. All proceeds will support the nonprofit organization's mission to provide a culture of opportunity for people make social and economic progress.
The cost is $150per ticket and includes dinner, an open bar and live entertainment. Three WMCAT alumni will receive awards at the gala.
Here are more details in a WMCAT news release:
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH., February 18, 2025 – Over the last 20 years, the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT) has created impact through opportunity in our community. And while the big-picture impact is a great story to tell, the personal stories of impact — a new career leading to income stability for a family, college and career exploration kickstarting a future of purpose for a young adult, creating art growing the confidence of a teen — capture the core of WMCAT’s mission.
Join us on Thursday, March 13 from 6-9 p.m. for the 12th annual iBall celebration presented by Meijer. This year we’ll celebrate 20 years of stories, connect over our shared goal to provide access to opportunity, and collectively invest in future impact. iBall will be hosted in downtown Grand Rapids with live music, engaging activities, and a vibrant celebration of three WMCAT alumni honorees who embody innovation, imagination, and inspiration.
2025 AWARD HONOREES
Receiving the WMCAT Award for Innovation | Stacia Mason
The WMCAT Award for Innovation will be presented to Stacia Mason, graduate of the WMCAT Adult Career Training Program’s inaugural Cybersecurity class. Now a GRC (governance, risk, and compliance) analyst at Acrisure, Stacia proudly shares the story of her journey to tech with established and aspiring cybersecurity professionals alike, aiming to make the industry more accessible and inclusive. By creating social capital in the community, building confidence in herself and others, and embracing personal and professional development, Stacia embodies the spirit of the Adult Career Training Program and is investing in the success of current and future students.
The WMCAT Award for Innovation is sponsored by Acrisure.
Receiving the WMCAT Award for Imagination | Corinn Mapp
The WMCAT Award for Imagination will be presented to Corinn Mapp, graduate of Step Year at WMCAT, who is creating belonging and purpose through her art. Following her journey in WMCAT’s college and career exploration program, Corinn is elevating her voice and art as a keynote speaker to nationwide audiences about the impact of Wayfinder curriculum — integrated throughout the Step Year experience — and as an ArtPrize artist. Corinn represents the spirit of Step Year, embracing self-discovery and new experiences while inviting others to do the same.
The WMCAT Award for Imagination is sponsored by Steelcase.
Receiving the WMCAT Award for Inspiration | Arick Davis
In honor of James C. Welch
The WMCAT Award for Inspiration will be presented to Arick Davis, in honor of the late Jim Welch, WMCAT’s founding board chair. A student in WMCAT’s first Teen Arts + Tech Program class, Arick gained the confidence, creative ambition, and community connection as a teen that manifest in his life today. Co-founder and CEO of Last Mile Cafe — a Black-and-woman-owned coffee shop in Grand Rapids — Arick is shifting the narrative on what business can do: donating revenue to local organizations, prioritizing ethical and sustainable practices, and leading with a vision for a more equitable community.
EVENT DETAILS
iBall 2025 presented by Meijer
Date: Thursday, March 13
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Location: GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Tickets: $150 per ticket - includes dinner, open bar, live entertainment, and WMCAT activities.
All proceeds from the event support our mission to provide equitable access to opportunity.
For more event details, tickets, and more visit wmcat.org/iball-2025.
ABOUT WMCAT
The West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a culture of opportunity for people to make social and economic progress in their lives and community. WMCAT fulfills this mission through visual arts and digital media engagement with young people, workforce development with adults, and social enterprise, Public Agency at WMCAT. Learn more at wmcat.org.
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Photo: Source: WMCAT image.
Photo: Source: WMCAT image.
Photo: Source: WMCAT image.