by Scott Overpeck is joined by Justin and Nate Beene of Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation to discuss their work in Grand Rapids, MI. They share how they are pursuing Shalom, working toward community flourishing with their neighbors, and seeing God move in their city. They also offer some encouragement for CCD practitioners and recommend some of their favorite parts of Grand Rapids.
Visit grcct.com to learn more about the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation and their work.
Make plans to come to the 2025 CCDA Conference November 5-8 in Grand Rapids, MI.
About Justin
Justin Beene is the visionary and founder of an innovative partnership called the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation, a collective between non-profits and for-profits working together for a flourishing city. He is well known as a global leader and practitioner with extensive knowledge and skills in starting and scaling collaborative ventures, creating win/win/win solutions across sectors, and connecting resources to real problems in innovative and sustainable ways.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Family Studies from Western Michigan University, a master’s degree in Social Work in Management of Human Services from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in Urban Leadership from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and a doctorate in Transformational Leadership with a focus in Entrepreneurial Transformation from Bakke Graduate University. Justin is also a serial entrepreneur starting Building Bridges Professional Services and The 1530 Events; he is also the principal of Impact Partners and Co-Founder of Transformational Executive Coaching, which provides consulting, executive coaching, corporate trainings, and strategy to both local and global corporate clients.
Justin was named by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council as one of “Twenty Entrepreneurs to Watch” (2019), he was named Chicago’s, We Raise Foundation’s National Emerging Leader (2017), was given NAACP-Grand Rapid’s Presidential Award (2020). He was awarded the inaugural Alumni Achievement award by Acton Institute in 2023. He was awarded Belmont University’s Champion of Hope Award (2024). He is a senior fellow of Street Psalms, a faculty member at Acton University, and a board member of Fifth Third Bank West MI.
About Nate
As COO of the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation network, Nate’s role is to execute the vision of a collaborative effort focused on transforming the community through social enterprise/innovation, leadership development, and career and entrepreneurial training. Nate is also co-founder/Owner of Building Bridges Professional Services, Rising Grinds Cafe, and The 1530 events venue, all of which have a focus on hiring from the community and creating opportunities for transformation. Additionally, Nate is an EOS franchise owner and professional implementer where he helps businesses and organizations clarify their vision, gain traction, and grow healthy. Nate is passionate about developing and providing opportunities to indigenous entrepreneurs and incubating and operating transformational businesses that seek impact outside of just profits.
Nate also serves as co-chair of the West Michigan Minority Contractors Association and a board member of the CAIA (Construction Allies in Action) where he advocates for equity and diversity in the construction industry across West Michigan.
