Rachel Hood Named as One of the Fifty Most Influential Women in West Michigan

Rachel Hood, Executive Director of West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC), was named as one of The Fifty Most Influential Women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. Since 1997, the Grand Rapids Business Journal has recognized the leading women in West Michigan in an effort to acknowledge the great contributions women make within the region.

Hood has advocated for environmental sustainability throughout her career. She has been involved in a number of community programs and initiatives including the Turner Gateway Project, a Michigan Cool Cities project, Local First and the Great Transit Grand Tomorrows study to determine how to increase public transit participation. In 2010, Hood was honored as an exceptional West Michigan business and community leader as part of the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 business leaders under the age of 40 award.

Hood currently works to advance WMEAC’s missions through her skills in program design and management, strategic planning and fund development. Hood also currently serves on the West Michigan Strategic Alliance Green Infrastructure Task Force, Lower Grand River Organization of Watershed’s Development Team, West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum Board, Green Grand Rapids Advisory Committee, GRCC Sustainability Team, Greater Grand Rapids Children’s Environmental Health Steering Committee, Grand Rapids Youth Boxing Foundation, Progressive Women’s Alliance Candidate Committee and Michigan Clean Water Fund Political Action Committee.