Feature and Event Writer
August 2014 - May 2018
Women's LifeStyle is a local Grand Rapids magazine that connects community and fosters well-being by sharing stories on lifestyle, local events, health, food, and inspiring people. I worked on a small, talented team as a writer for feature stories, events, and descriptions for the monthly calendar. I also ripened my skills in editing, layout design, illustration, and content posting.
None of us were limited to what our job titles suggested. Sometimes, tasks were as cool as attending a gala to snag an interview with a noted fashion designer. Other times tasks were as mundane as licking stamps for invoice envelopes. Either way, we functioned as the team behind Grand Rapids' most adored and accessible lifestyle magazine, and as a family behind the office's doors.
Scroll for examples, or click to take a ride to what you want to see:
P.S. Don't let the Kilroy name fool you. I got married since these were written. #KilroyWasHere
People
Kathrine Switzer: Marathon Woman Changes the Pace
by Bri Kilroy
Many runners keep their running bibs as a souvenir of their accomplishment to preserve the triumphant memory that no one can take away from them; however, that’s not to say someone hasn’t tried...
Jenna Arcidiacono: That's Amore
by Bri Kilroy | photography by Two Eagles Marcus
Those who don’t know Jenna Arcidiacono wouldn’t guess the gregarious woman with the pink mohawk and matching eye shadow speaks fluent Italian— including the two Italian men she overheard talking rudely about...
Victoria Upton: 20 Years of Women's LifeStyle
by Elyse Wild, Bri Kilroy and Sarah Anderson | photography by Richelle Kimble
Victoria Upton: She is insatiably positive and uproariously inspiring. Her passion is contagious, and her brilliance is unmatched. She is fiercely dedicated to our community and a champion of diversity. Around here, we call her...
Sarah Gust: Gusting Through the Elements
by Bri Kilroy | photography by Two Eagles Marcus
Do you want to know the exact number?” offered Sarah Gust when asked about her weight prior to embarking toward a healthier lifestyle. Most women won’t give that information to their friends let alone an article...
Rosalynn Bliss: Blissful Leadership
by Bri Kilroy | photography by Two Eagles Marcus
The last few months have been busy as the mayoral elections approached. Rosalynn Bliss finished strong by spending the day before the elections, which was also her 40th birthday, walking door-to-door talking to people...
Events
Over the Edge: Once in a Lifetime Chance Round Two
by Bri Kilroy | photography by Easterseals and WLM
This time last year, I got the unprecedented opportunity to rappel down the Plaza Towers, the second tallest building in Grand Rapids (just 52 feet shy of matching the River House Condominiums' 397-foot height). It was the first year Easterseals Michigan...
Louder Than Words: Rock, Power, Politics
by Bri Kilroy | photos courtesy of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The moment we hear Stephen Stills sing “There’s something happening here...” building to the chorus “...Stop, children, what’s that sound? Everybody look what’s going down,” we hear a catchy protest song. Would you believe...
The Prized Coffee
by Bri Kilroy | photography by Richelle Kimble
There are 1,453 entries in Art Prize Eight being displayed at 170 venues among the downtown neighborhoods...One thing we can agree on as Grand Rapids kicks off the largest international art competition is: We're going to need coffee!
Local First Fork Fest
by Bri Kilroy
Do you have dinner plans October 20? Cancel them and work up an appetite for Local First’s 6th annual Fork Fest. Dozens of local restaurants, farms and bakeries set a table at Romence Gardens &
Greenhouses, inviting you to...
Grown Up Play Date at Grand Rapids Children's Museum
by Bri Kilroy | photography by Sarah Anderson
Few things exemplify the longing to be a kid again more than passing the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (GRCM), at the corner of Monroe Center and Sheldon Avenue, and peeking indoors at the iconic yellow Volkswagen...
Fun Stuff
No Internet Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MI. June 16, 2016 – The Women’s LifeStyle magazine (WLM) office, at 800 Monroe Ave. Suite 206, was in peril this morning after arriving to the office for a day of Internet use only to discover that there was no Internet connection...
Inside the Art Box (Feat. My Actual Art Box)
by Bri Kilroy
Take a tour of my personal art box!
Best Time for Productivity
by Bri Kilroy
There are times when the body and mind are at peak performance for certain tasks. Whether sending an email, holding a meeting, or studying information, jot these guidelines in your planner to get things done when your body and mind are at their best...
Acres of Nature
by Bri Kilroy | photography by Richelle Kimble
As the earth absorbs the final trace of snow, look to the hundreds of hiking trails weaving throughout Michigan for a breakaway that reintroduces spring and outdoor experiences. Take anywhere from a half-hour to a half-week...
Take a Bike!
by Bri Kilroy | photo by Two Eagles Marcus
Traffic jams, finding parking, gas prices and navigating a vehicle through crowded streets can cause more anxiety than enjoyment, especially during a Grand Rapids event as big as Art Prize. The elixir: choose a bicycle...
Illustrations
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