Sheona Nidefski she/her
Send Sheona a Message- Joined the Community Foundation:
- 2019
Inspirational Quote:
In every heartbeat of a mother lies a world of wisdom, courage and care. This space is built to celebrate that journey, where love leads and purpose follows.
What Sheona does:
Sheona keeps the Program Department humming—managing projects, handling logistics and jumping in wherever support is needed. She's got a sharp eye for detail, a big heart for community and a deep love for making sure things just work. If it’s happening behind the scenes, there’s a good chance Sheona had a hand in it.
What she did before:
Sheona spent 12 years as an administrative assistant at Mercy Health. She also served in the U.S. Air Force during Operation Desert Storm as an electronic journeyman aboard the Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post. Yes, she has stories.
When Sheona is not working:
Sheona is always showing up for her people. She’s an ordained minister, a Notary Public for Kent County (catch her volunteering at expungement fairs) and a proud, active member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community in Grand Rapids. She loves connecting folks with resources, building relationships through service and lifting the voices that too often go unheard.
You’ll find her getting creative sewing, crocheting cozy things or deep into her latest junk journaling project. Crafting is her therapy, her joy and her way of adding a little beauty back into the world.
Sheona is the mom of four extraordinary human beings: Natalie, Veronica, Armoniee, and Lucy, who inspire her daily to lead with love, stand in her truth, and keep growing.
A few of Sheona's favorite things…
- Nonprofit:
- Baxter Community Center, Beyond the City, Camp A.R.Y.V., Urban Core Collective, Grand Rapids Urban League, We Matter Now, Young Money Finances... and of course, GRCF.
- Place to send out of towners:
- Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives, Muse GR and the latest art at NIA Centre GR.
- Place to eat or drink:
- Breakfast: Bodega Bagels + Deli Lunch: Irie Kitchen or El Granjero Mexican Grill Dinner: Zombi Kitchen or Chez Olga Coffee break: Lotus Brew Coffee + Dry Bar—non-alcoholic drinks, comfy seats, and community energy
- Part of her job:
- The variety, the people, and the purpose. Sheona loves working with a team that truly values each other and the communities they serve. Hybrid work life and meaningful collaboration? Yes, please.
- Nonprofit:
- Baxter Community Center, Beyond the City, Camp A.R.Y.V., Urban Core Collective, Grand Rapids Urban League, We Matter Now, Young Money Finances... and of course, GRCF.
- Place to send out of towners:
- Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives, Muse GR and the latest art at NIA Centre GR.
- Place to eat or drink:
- Breakfast: Bodega Bagels + Deli Lunch: Irie Kitchen or El Granjero Mexican Grill Dinner: Zombi Kitchen or Chez Olga Coffee break: Lotus Brew Coffee + Dry Bar—non-alcoholic drinks, comfy seats, and community energy
- Part of her job:
- The variety, the people, and the purpose. Sheona loves working with a team that truly values each other and the communities they serve. Hybrid work life and meaningful collaboration? Yes, please.