From doctors and lawyers to social workers and artists, each woman is unique in the role she fulfills. The women come into the story of west Michigan from a wide variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds, both here and abroad, and yet all exhibit the same courage, strength and determination. These amazing women have overcome difficult circumstances, pursued nontraditional careers and changed lives with their care and compassion.

The stories of these women, told by author Crystal Bowman and accompanied by Tim Priest's exceptional black-and-white photographs, are a celebration of lives well lived and will inspire readers of any age, both in West Michigan and beyond.