The West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology provides a culture of opportunity — by design — for people to make social and economic progress in their lives and community. Our tagline, “Impact by Design,” reflects our approach: collaborative, community-centered, and intentional. At WMCAT we’re designing a space that inspires the pursuit of learning by design, imagining a community of shared prosperity by design, innovating for an equity-centered future by design, and creating opportunity for individuals and families to thrive – by design.
Join us at iBall 2026 on Thursday, March 12 from 6–9 p.m. at GLC Live at 20 Monroe for an evening of celebration, connection, and community building. Together, we’ll recognize three incredible honorees and support WMCAT’s tuition-free pathways to opportunity.
iBall 2026 will feature engaging activities, music, and a vibrant celebration of three honorees who embody inspiration, imagination, and innovation.
iBall 2026 is presented by Meijer.
HONOREES
WMCAT Award for Imagination
THE RIGHT PLACE
The WMCAT Award for Imagination will be presented to The Right Place, an award-winning economic development organization reimagining what’s possible for Greater Grand Rapids. By envisioning the region as a leading tech hub in the Midwest, The Right Place is aligning with local business needs while driving sustainable growth and shared prosperity. Through partnership with WMCAT’s Adult Career Training Program Cybersecurity Pathway and alumni, they are growing sustainable tech careers that create economic security for families—shaping a more inclusive economy in our community.
The WMCAT Award for Imagination is sponsored by Acrisure.
WMCAT Award for Innovation
STEM GREENHOUSE
The WMCAT Award for Innovation will be presented to STEM Greenhouse for addressing educational inequities and creating new pathways for students to succeed in science, technology, engineering, and math. For more than a decade, STEM Greenhouse has nurtured curiosity through holistic, hands-on learning while ensuring that the next generation of STEM professionals reflects the diversity of Grand Rapids. Their work shifts the narrative of equity, inspires young minds, and drives innovation by opening doors for students to thrive in fields that shape our collective future.
The WMCAT Award for Innovation is sponsored by Steelcase.
WMCAT Award for Inspiration
ERION ADAMS
In honor of James C. Welch
The WMCAT Award for Inspiration, presented in honor of the late James C. Welch, one of WMCAT’s founding board members, recognizes Erion Adams for embodying WMCAT’s spirit of possibility and leadership. An alum of the Teen Arts + Tech and Step Year at WMCAT programs and a former Teen Arts + Tech teaching artist, Erion’s journey reflects the power of curiosity and creativity to inspire change. Through her work with WMCAT, CARNEVALE, and Grand Valley State University, and as a rising leader in the tech industry, Erion continues to invest in community while contributing to the design, development, and implementation of innovative technology that is driving digital transformation.
SPONSORSHIP
Thank you to our iBall 2026 sponsors! Sponsorship of iBall supports WMCAT’s mission to provide access to opportunity. Please contact Emily Evers at emily.evers@wmcat.org or 616.454.7004 if you or your company are interested in sponsoring.
Presenting Sponsor
Honoree Sponsor
WMCAT Award for Imagination Sponsor
WMCAT Award for Innovation Sponsor
