
These are words that resonate well in the Grand Rapids community and were shared by our newest
Emerging Leaders Council (ELC) member, Justine Slawinski. Justine, who is a Senior Tax Manager at BDO USA, said “I’m truly excited to learn more about DABSJ and find ways that I can advance the mission.” Justine has known about DABSJ for some time now. “I’ve been lucky enough to know a family with a long history of fostering and adopting children with DABSJ. I was curious to learn more!”
The Emerging Leaders Council exists to engage diverse and young supporters, while cultivating leadership, volunteerism, and philanthropy in support of DABSJ. Last year the group raised more than $30,000! Members come from a variety of backgrounds and have joined for many different reasons.
Slawinski shares, “One of my mentors sits on the DABSJ Board of Directors, so I expressed interest in getting involved with DABSJ to her. She connected me with Jim Visser. After walking through the campus and meeting with other Council members, I knew the ELC was something I wanted to be a part of.”
