Sept. 4, 2025 Grand Rapids, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) will launch its 31st Annual Diversity Lecture Series with nationally recognized psychologist and community leader Dr. Brandi Pritchett-Johnson on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 5:30 p.m. in GRCC’s Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center, Auditorium 168, 151 Fountain St. NE. This year’s series, themed “Cultivating a Culture of Care,” invites the campus and community to engage in transformative conversations about empathy, belonging and inclusive leadership. Pritchett-Johnson, CEO and principal psychologist of The Diane Morgan Group, is a leading advocate for mental and community health. Her keynote, Leading with Heart, reimagines leadership grounded in human connection, inclusive vision and courageous care. She will introduce six personal affirmations that inspire individual and collective liberation, igniting participants' passion to impact the GRCC community and beyond. “During an era in our lives where suffering is pervasive, it requires courageous visionaries to birth long-lasting change,” Pritchett-Johnson said. “The time is now to ignite and equip a distinctive kind of leadership in the change-agents of tomorrow. I intend to bring my full heart and expertise to GRCC, because they deserve it.” The Diversity Lecture Series, organized by GRCC’s Woodrick Center for Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs, is among West Michigan's longest-running forums for critical dialogue on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. The program is supported by Steelcase, which has partnered with GRCC for decades to bring nationally and locally recognized voices to the community. This fall’s lineup also includes: Dr. Keli Christopher, founder of STEM Greenhouse Carlos Sanchez, director of Davenport University’s Institute for Latino Business and Economic Development The event is free and open to the public. A livestream link will be provided to those who register. Event details: Who: Dr. Brandi Pritchett-Johnson What: “Leading with Heart,” opening lecture in GRCC’s 31st Annual Diversity Lecture Series When: Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Where: Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center, Auditorium 168, Grand Rapids Community College, Main Campus Cost: Free and open to the public Register Learn more about the Diversity Lecture Series About Grand Rapids Community College GRCC was established in 1914 — Michigan’s first community college — and is focused on making college education accessible and affordable. Classes are scheduled weekdays, evenings and Saturdays in Grand Rapids, Holland and online. We offer traditional liberal arts and occupational career pathways, adult education courses and skilled training courses and apprenticeships.