Tina Derusha - Founder | Chaos Coordinator

Tina Derusha has been a portrait photographer and business owner in downtown Grand Rapids for more than 15 years. She lives in Union Square Condos, formerly Union High School, with her husband, two wily cats, one energetic puppy and an overflowing closet full of shoes. She holds an AFA in Photography from Grand Rapids Community College. In the past, Tina has served in the capacity of Assistant Gallery Director for The Photography Room. She is currently a member of the MI Superfriendz, a group of dedicated people who support and promote charitable causes and organizations in West Michigan. She is adamant in spreading the word about the many benefits of supporting local retailers, merchants and restaurants. Tina currently holds the position of Project Manager for Brian Kelly Photography and Film. Her favorite designers include Alexander McQueen, Vera Wang, Coco Chanel, Thierry Mugler, Rodarte, Herve Leger, Marchesa and Stella McCartney.

Reagan Van Antwerp - Marketing and PR Diva

Reagan Van Antwerp has worked in the professional arena for 14 years and holds a BA in Psychology with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis and an MBA in Strategic Management. In addition, she does some freelance marketing and event planning. Hobbies include travelling (Europe in particular), cooking and entertaining, dancing and supporting the local electronic music scene, and getting involved in activities that further promote Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas.

Todd Ernst - Dot Connector

To suggest Todd is a ‘man of many hats’ barely touches the surface of this lifelong resident of the W. Michigan area.

As a 20+ year veteran of W. Michigan nightlife; most in the community know Todd Ernst as an electronic music DJ and promoter, and as a principle with the development driven arts collaborative called ACTIVESITE. Add Real Estate Broker, student, husband, and father of 2 to the fold; and the description becomes a little more complete.

During his two-year tenure as a nightlife promotions coordinator for the Amway Hotel Collection; Todd is known best as the ideation catalyst behind such notable JW Marriott events as the Dead-utante Ball, the Glitter Ball, Juice Ball, and Little Black Dress. Moving across the street to the Grand Plaza, he was also at the helm of the Cyg-nature events.

Furthermore, Todd’s name can also be found on the board or cabinet of other recent start-ups such as the Style Battle, Michigan Film Festival, LaughFest, and TEDx Grand Rapids.

His truest of talents lie in what is often referred to as the negative space, in short the areas that most often get overlooked and are not always the most evident. Todd’s ability to provide critical thinking, random dot connecting, and a quiet focus on results; are just a few of the traits that have allowed his vision to prosper in the manner that it has.

Nadia VanBragt - Technical and Staging Director | Lighting Magician

As a salon manager with a passion for product and fashion combined with a theatre degree and intense  love of lighting, no event could be more perfect than Style Battle 2011.  Nadia is thrilled to return for her second year, this time in the role of Technical / Staging/ Lighting Director.   She says her style aesthetic is a blend of Holly Golightly and the Cure’s Robert Smith, with a nod to the mod and minimal.  With admiration she names Hubert Givenchy, Mary Quart, Guillermo Jop, Todd Lynn and Chanel as just a few of her fashion faves.

Kristen Dunn - Creative Services Manager | Style Battle

Kristen is currently a junior at Hope College, and is studying design and art history. She has been capturing the mundane and the exciting inspirations in life for almost six years with her beloved Canon cameras. Design is a part of her everyday life, and is the essence as to what she lives. She loves finding inspiration for fashion in the glossy pages of Vogue and on the crisp lines of fashion blogs. She has too many shoes, and too many dresses than the average girl really should and yet finds room for more in her closet. She loves and admires the designers: BCBG Max Azria, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, Chloé, Erin Fetherston, and Zac Posen.

Kate Schick - Executive Director | Style Battle

Kate Schick is currently a junior at Grand Valley State University, where she is majoring in Hospitality with an emphasis in Meeting and Events. On campus, Kate is actively involved in Fashion Club and PCMA.  In her free time, she enjoys decorating, running, experiencing different types of cuisine, and spending time with her family. Kate is originally from the east side of the state but loves West Michigan and everything it has to offer. She is excited to have the opportunity to work with fashion, events and promote Grand Rapids with Spotlight616.