Over 20 Years, the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology has created impact through opportunity in our community. And while the big-picture impact is a great story to tell, the personal stories of impact — a new career leads to income stability for a family, college and career exploration kickstarts a future of purpose for a young adult, creating art grows the confidence of a teen — capture the core of WMCAT’s mission.

At iBall 2025 on Thursday, March 13 we celebrated 20 years of these stories, connected over our shared goal to provide access to opportunity, and collectively invested in future impact. iBall was hosted in downtown Grand Rapids with live music, engaging activities, and a vibrant celebration of three WMCAT alumni honorees who embody innovation, imagination, and inspiration.

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WMCAT Award for Inspiration
ARICK DAVIS

The WMCAT Award for Inspiration is presented in honor of James C. Welch.

The WMCAT Award for Inspiration was presented to Arick Davis, in honor of the late Jim Welch, WMCAT’s founding board chair. A student in WMCAT’s first Teen Arts + Tech Program class, Arick gained the confidence, creative ambition, and community connection as a teen that manifest in his life today. Co-founder and CEO of Last Mile Cafe — a Black-and-woman-owned coffee shop in Grand Rapids — Arick is shifting the narrative on what business can do: donating revenue to local organizations, prioritizing ethical and sustainable practices, and leading with a vision for a more equitable community.

WMCAT Award for Imagination
CORINN MAPP

The WMCAT Award for Imagination is sponsored by Steelcase.

The WMCAT Award for Imagination was presented to Corinn Mapp, graduate of Step Year at WMCAT, who is creating belonging and purpose through her art. Following her journey in WMCAT’s college and career exploration program, Corinn is elevating her voice and art as a keynote speaker to nationwide audiences about the impact of Wayfinder curriculum — integrated throughout the Step Year experience — and as an ArtPrize artist. Corinn represents the spirit of Step Year, embracing self-discovery and new experiences while inviting others to do the same.

WMCAT Award for Innovation
STACIA MASON

The WMCAT Award for Innovation is sponsored by Acrisure.

The WMCAT Award for Innovation was presented to Stacia Mason, graduate of the WMCAT Adult Career Training Program’s inaugural Cybersecurity class. Now a GRC (governance, risk, and compliance) analyst at Acrisure, Stacia proudly shares the story of her journey to tech with established and aspiring cybersecurity professionals alike, aiming to make the industry more accessible and inclusive. By creating social capital in community, building confidence in herself and others, and embracing personal and professional development, Stacia embodies the spirit of the Adult Career Training Program and is investing in the success of current and future students.