New City Neighbors Interactive Panels

Let’s learn from leaders in the community

We’re excited to host another opportunity to learn and grow together as a community. Our yearly panel event highlights the lived experiences and insights of individuals from within the community, offering a valuable chance to listen, reflect, and connect. Come ready to engage: ask questions, meet the panelists, and join in meaningful conversations that enrich us all. Check out our previous topics below!

Upcoming Panel Topic

Diverse Business Leaders

  • New City Neighbors

    1115 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

  • July 29,2026
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    5:00 pm-7:00 pm

  • Refreshments Provided

Meet Our Panelists

Kirel Shaw

 

Chef Shaw, was born in Detroit, MI and raised in Grand Rapids. He gained his knowledge and skill working under countless chefs in the Grand Rapids & Greater Grand Rapids area, totaling over 15+ years in the industry. He spent a significant part of his culinary career studying a wide range of native African cuisine & African American history, bringing that knowledge to bear in his work. Chef Shaw is the local chef and owner of Mizizi and StreetChefShaw. We’re grateful for his presence and artistry in our neighborhood as he brings tasty food and flavors to the communities of West Michigan.

Christina VanDam

 

Christina has always dreamed about flying. After teaching in the public school system for 8 years, she felt called to the air. In 2018, Zeal opened its doors. Through surviving COVID and moving to a new space, Zeal has continued to grow and thrive.  Her favorite thing is when people say they can’t, but it really is “I can’t….yet”. This mentality has helped many individuals discover a love for aerials, community, and themselves. 

When not at Zeal, you can find her teaching color guard to local high schools, volunteering at various boards in the city or playing with her kiddos.

Rohmell Matthews

 

Rohmell Matthews, co-owner of Abo Coffee, was born and raised in Grand Rapids and has lived in the Creston neighborhood for the last 5 years. He says, “I was introduced to the coffee industry 8 years ago as a barista at our local Biggby Coffee. After that I continued to work at local specialty coffee shops in the area and quickly fell in love with the industry. Combining my natural entrepreneurial spirit with my love for coffee seemed like a very natural progression, and it has been so rewarding. It has allowed me to become even more connected with my community and I’m excited to see where this journey continues to lead.”

Gilbertto Johnson

Gilbertto Johnson is a lifelong artist, entrepreneur, and military veteran whose business journey began in 1985 with the founding of Just Chill Artwear. Although he dreamed of becoming an architect as a child, limited opportunities led him down a different path that included service in the U.S. Army, work in the coal mines of West Virginia, and a career at General Motors in Michigan. After accepting a GM buyout, he fulfilled his entrepreneurial vision by opening a brick-and-mortar business dedicated to custom apparel and creative design. Over the years, he has continually adapted to advances in technology, developing skills in screen printing, embroidery, sublimation, heat transfer, DTF printing, and digital design. His commitment to excellence has earned him industry recognition, including Tri-State screen printing awards, certification from the National Screenprinting Association, and a business award from the City of Grand Rapids.

Previous Interactive Panels at New City Neighbors:

Leaders in Good Food- Sexism & Racism in the Food System

How is sexism present in our food system today?

Have you experienced racism or sexism in your line of work related to the food system?

What is the difference between a food desert, food sovereignty, and food apartheid?

What advice would you give someone to be involved in creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive food system?

LGBTQ+ Leaders

What resistance or difficulties have you encountered in your job being openly Queer?

What made you decide to be open about your sexual orientation and / or gender identity?

Describe the ways in which you connect your work, volunteerism, and hobbies with the LGBTQ+ community. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be openly Queer in their workspace or professional circle for the first time?

Leaders in Good Food- Equity in the Food System

In what ways can we promote and enhance connections within the food system?

How does food insecurity impact marginalized communities?

How can individuals and communities contribute to creating a more equitable food system?

What are you doing now to bring people’s attention to the issues in the food system?

Indigenous Leaders- The Intersection of Food & Culture

How do you define food sovereignty and its importance to Indigenous people groups, based on your experience?

What barriers do you currently see for indigenous peoples as it relates to health, healthy food access, and enjoying culturally relevant foods? 

What drives your passions in your work?
What parts of your culture have shaped or are shaping you the most?

What advice can you give to people who want to learn more about native culture and food?

Neighborhood Leaders- Cultivating Community

What is a challenge the Creston community faces, and how have you/your organization mobilized local assets to address that challenge?

What strategies have you found most effective in identifying hidden or
underutilized community assets?

How do you build trust across diverse interest groups within a neighborhood?

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in community
development or asset-based work?