A group of West Michigan innovators from industries as varied as education, biotech, footwear, and food will be honored for their forward-thinking work during the Lakeshore Innovator of the Year awards, hosted by the
Muskegon Innovation Hub on July 31.
The event, happening from 5 to 7 p.m., honors entrepreneurs whose ideas are changing their industries and helping their communities.
This year’s finalists demonstrate how innovation can offer real solutions — whether through cutting-edge DNA analysis, career-focused education, sustainable fashion, or small-business growth.
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Kendra-Stanley-MillsKeith Crandall
Keith Crandall, seqSight
Keith Crandall, president and co-founder of
seqSight, is using artificial intelligence to simplify the complex process of DNA sequencing. His company supports biotech and pharmaceutical firms by identifying genetic markers such as antibiotic resistance genes.
“Think ChatGPT, only instead of asking it where to go for dinner, you give it DNA sequence data,” Crandall says. “Our models pull out unique features like antibiotic resistance genes and more.”
The platform frees time and resources for researchers by streamlining a typically labor-intensive process. Crandall says this shift allows scientists to focus on developing new therapeutics and agricultural interventions.
“We’re partnering with companies to advance medicines and solutions for infectious diseases,” he says. “Our tools can really help in a significant way.”
SeqSight’s participation in the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps has helped position the company for additional funding through a potential Small Business Innovation Award.
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Kendra-Stanley-MillsMatthew Cortez
Matthew Cortez, Muskegon Public Schools
Superintendent
Matthew Cortez is reshaping how students in Muskegon prepare for careers. Under his leadership,
Muskegon Public Schools became the first West Michigan district designated as a Ford Next Generation Learning community.
“Innovation is the ability to think outside the box,” Cortez says. “It’s about changing systems that aren’t working and creating new opportunities for a new generation.”
The district has launched Innovation Academies that introduce career pathways in middle school and allow students to specialize in high school. Backed by more than 70 business partners, the program connects education directly with workforce needs.
“This is affecting our entire community, not just our school district,” Cortez says. “We’re building a steering committee of local employers who will help shape and guide our students’ futures.”
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Kendra-Stanley-MillsJanyelle Milton
Janyelle Milton, J Marie Premium Sneakers
Detroit native
Janyelle Milton founded
J Marie Premium Sneakers to challenge the norms of the footwear industry. Crafted from 100% Italian leather, her line blends style and sustainability.
“When I started the brand, people said sneakers were done and the market was male-dominated,” Milton says. “But I saw an opportunity to be a trailblazer.”
For Milton, innovation also means aligning business with values. Her company emphasizes sustainability and community impact, teaching young entrepreneurs that brand success should go hand-in-hand with social responsibility.
“It’s not just about lifestyle or consumerism,” she says. “It’s about creating products and a company that give back to the environment and push society forward.”
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Kendra-Stanley-MillsBrian Woods
Brian Woods, Big Skinny’s
Brian Woods turned a family recipe into a growing business, proving that innovation can start in your own kitchen. His seasoned pretzels, once a hit at family gatherings, now sell in 19 retail locations across Newaygo and Oceana counties under the
Big Skinny’s brand.
“To be innovative in pretzels is about being bold,” Woods says. “A pretzel is like a blank slate. Coming up with new flavors is the fun part.”
Support from the Muskegon Innovation Hub has helped Woods scale his business. A $10,000 Hub Direct Grant allowed him to invest in new equipment earlier this year.
“I’ve taken the Hub’s classes, and when I have questions, they’re the first people I call,” Woods says. “The Hub has become a second home.”
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Kendra-Stanley-MillsLashae Simmons II
Lashae Simmons II, Black Wall Street Muskegon
Lashae Simmons II saw a gap in support for entrepreneurs of color and set out to close it. With a background in finance, she launched
Black Wall Street Muskegon, a digital incubator that supports small businesses through networking, collaboration, and targeted resources.
“We take high-exposure events, profiles, or portfolios and make them more comprehensive so that anyone in any stage of business can benefit,” Simmons says.
Her platform offers services tailored to early-stage entrepreneurs as well as seasoned business owners. It’s also behind the annual Black Wall Street Muskegon Expo, held each June, which brings visibility to local businesses and connects them with the wider community.
“Innovation to me means coming up with creative ways to do things that already exist, but don’t exist yet for each market or individual,” Simmons says. “To be innovative, you have to be equitable.”
Simmons' work has made her a leader in Muskegon’s small business scene and earned recognition from Western Michigan University, her alma mater.
Photos by Kendra-Stanley-Mills/GVSU