About me
Meg Derrer Wheeler is Chief Executive Officer at Refugee Education Center, a nonprofit based in Grand Rapids, Michigan that supports refugees in their journey to become fully participating members of the West Michigan community. She is a community collaborator, convener and cheerleader. Her 28 years in Grand Rapids have been spent leading highly effective teams at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Aquinas College, Hope Network Foundation, and now Refugee Education Center. Her transformational and intuitive leadership approach has resulted in critical impact and change at each of these institutions. Meg is also the Founder and President of Greater Good Partners.
She believes in our collective responsibility to invest in community, so Meg has volunteered on many boards as well as served for seven years as a Governor appointed member of the Michigan Women’s Commission. She’s been recognized as one of West Michigan’s 50 Most Influential Women, honored by the GR Chamber with the Distinguished Leadership Advantage Alumni award, and is one of Crain’s 2025 Notable Leaders in Philanthropy. Meg is a member of the Steelcase Foundation’s 2025 Brilliant Leaders Fellowship.
Meg brings an entrepreneurial approach to her work. She is a strategist and creative, collaborative problem solver. Her top two values are wonder and connection. She is committed to a life centered around experiencing daily joy, cultivating curiosity and growth, and investing in deep connection with herself and others.
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