Board and Committees

Fuad is the Marketing & Communications Manager at Kamps Pallets, one of the nation's largest pallet recycling and manufacturing companies. He manages and supports the company-wide branding and communications strategy at Kamps. Fuad is active in his community, and in the past has served on the Emerging Leaders Advisory Council for the Special Olympics Michigan chapter. Moving to the United States as a refugee from Bosnia and Herzegovina, he has a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those growing up with English as a second-language and overcoming cultural barriers. Fuad earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing from Davenport University; along with an MBA with a specialization in Strategic Management. In his spare time, he likes to read, watch basketball with his dog, Mia, and travel.

Nate received a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Goshen College and his CPA certification from the
State of Michigan. He currently serves as a Senior Staff Auditor for Crowe LLP and primarily works with
clients in the construction, manufacturing, and distribution industries. Nate is eager to support Affinity
Mentoring’s mission. In his spare time Nate enjoys traveling, playing soccer, and spending time with his
wife, and their dog, Indy.

Candy started her career in the travel business after studying International Relations at MSU. She worked with leisure and corporate clients until her first move to France. She and her husband moved twice abroad while raising two great kids. During this time Candy was president of the Americans in Alsace group. After moving back to Grand Rapids she started a business; Afterthemove where she worked with international and domestic families helping them get settled and find the resources needed to live here successfully. She also was an ambassador with the Grand Rapids Chamber and volunteered with many school clubs and boards. She dedicates much of her time now volunteering in the community. Mentoring with Affinity Mentoring and providing support and time when needed along with her family are her primary focus today.

Rayanne has a Bachelors Degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration and a Masters in Business Administration from GVSU. She co-owns Avalanche Creative, an SEO and web design agency, with her husband Lance. She acts as COO and ensures that the team and operations are all running smoothly from start to finish. Before her entrepreneurial journey, Rayanne worked in various nonprofit organizations, including Kids Hope USA, where she trained and supported mentors and program directors across the country while mentoring a student herself for four years. Rayanne also serves on the board of the Koeze Business Ethics Initiative at GVSU and as a mentor with GVSU’s Seidman MentorShip program. She was born and raised in the Grand Rapids area and lives here with her husband, son, daughter-on-the-way, and their dog, Louie the Laker. They love spending time outside, watching football, and traveling.

Michael serves as a Wealth Management Advisor for Fifth Third Private Bank. He leads a team that focuses on integrating values-based planning with sophisticated solutions for families, professionals, and business owners. Michael earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Grand Valley State University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor. Michael spent the past five years advancing his career in Nashville, Tennessee and recently had the opportunity to return to his hometown of Grand Rapids with his wife to raise their son. Michael is passionate about volunteering, community engagement, and enjoys playing golf with his family and attempting to look after a small hobby farm.

Rachael serves as the Staff Accountant at LINC UP Nonprofit Housing Corporation. In her role at LINC UP, she supports their work at the ground level by managing the transactions between LINC UP and those who wish to support the LINC UP mission financially. Rachael earned a bachelor’s in accounting at Davenport University. She also volunteers at Pleasant Hearts Pet Food Pantry and is a mentor with Affinity Mentoring. In her spare time, she loves to read, play video and board/card games, and spend time with her 9-year-old daughter and partner.