GRAND RAPIDS, MI, September 29, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Cynthia Kay has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Kay is the founder of Cynthia Kay and Company, a prominent communications and media production firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Over the course of 38 years, she has established herself as an expert in media production and communications consulting, working extensively with clients to develop effective communication strategies. Her approach involves identifying client needs in video production, infographics and curriculum development, serving primarily as a content producer. She collaborates closely with a team of videographers, graphic designers, motion graphic artists and editors, focusing on refining client content and messaging to enhance communication skills. In the early years of her business, she managed all aspects of production.

In addition to her work at Cynthia Kay and Company, Ms. Kay is also the founder of CK Biz LLC, a company dedicated exclusively to communications consulting. She established this venture in 2024 to address the growing demand for customized communication services that had previously been offered under her media production company. Through CK Biz, she partners with global companies, forward-thinking businesses, and associations to provide strategic communication services and guidance. She also speaks extensively across the country and advocates for small businesses.

Ms. Kay's career began in broadcasting. From 1980 to 1986, she served as an investigative reporter in public affairs at WZZM-TV. During this period, she earned more than 30 broadcast awards from United Press International and the Detroit Press Club for her work in live talk shows, feature reporting and investigative journalism. Her experience in broadcasting instilled in her a deep curiosity and a commitment to uncovering compelling stories—skills that have proven invaluable throughout her entrepreneurial journey.

Prior to her role at WZZM-TV, Ms. Kay was a talk show host at WKZO-TV from 1975 to 1980. This early experience provided her with foundational expertise in live television production and audience engagement. Throughout her career, Ms. Kay has been recognized for her achievements and contributions to the field of communications. She has been featured in Time Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine's "Ask the Expert," The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Daily News, The Denver Post and The Boston Herald. Her insights have also been shared through appearances on National Public Radio, NBC and CBS News.

Among her most notable accomplishments is the growth of a highly professional team at Cynthia Kay and Company that excels in video production and communications. Under her leadership, the team produced a movie for Siemens Industry that was showcased in cities across the United States and received Telly Awards along with other industry accolades. Ms. Kay takes particular pride in witnessing her team members achieve personal milestones such as marriage, parenthood and homeownership—a legacy of growth that she considers her greatest achievement.

Ms. Kay's academic background includes a master's degree in communications from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, earned in 1977, and a Bachelor of Arts in radio and television with a focus on music from Michigan State University in East Lansing completed in 1975. She credits her educational foundation—shaped by attending Catholic school at the encouragement of her parents—with instilling strong values and discipline that have contributed significantly to her success. As a certified woman business enterprise (WBE), she leveraged both her formal education and family heritage of entrepreneurship to build thriving businesses.

Her decision to enter entrepreneurship was influenced by her time working in broadcasting during an era marked by frequent changes in station ownership. After being fired from her last position following multiple ownership transitions—and reaching an amicable agreement—Ms. Kay chose to pursue business ownership rather than accept other offers within the industry. Drawing inspiration from her father's example as a small business owner, she embraced the opportunity to control her own destiny.

Ms. Kay is deeply involved in civic organizations and business advocacy groups. She currently serves as chair for the National Small Business Association's 90th anniversary celebration scheduled for 2027 and has been a board member of the Small Business Association of Michigan Foundation since 2024. She has held several leadership roles within the National Small Business Association, including vice chair of communications, vice chair of advocacy, past chair of the board of directors from 2019 to 2020, board chair from 2018 to 2019 and executive committee first vice chair in 2017. Additionally, she was board chair for the Small Business Association of Michigan in 2011 and served on the board for Michigan Celebrates Small Business from 2018 to 2023.

Her community involvement extends beyond business organizations; Ms. Kay has been choir director at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church since 2015 and supports initiatives such as Junior Achievement and the Edward Lowe Foundation. Her professional excellence has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Founders Award from the Small Business Association of Michigan in 2024, Woman-Owned Small Business Supplier of the Year from Siemens in 2018, multiple Telly Awards for outstanding video production work, Employer of Choice recognition from Corp! Magazine and five-time selection as one of West Michigan's Most Influential leaders.

As an author and thought leader, Ms. Kay has contributed significantly to literature on small business leadership and communication strategies. Her publications include "Small Business BIG Success: Proven Strategies to Beat the Odds and Grow a Great Business," published by Career Press in 2024; "Small Business for Big Thinkers: Unconventional Strategies to Connect with and Win Big Business," published by Career Press in 2013; "Stop Wishing. Stop Whining. Start Leading: A No-Nonsense, Straight-Talk Guide for Women Who Aspire to Lead," co-authored with Doreen Bolhuis in 2016; regular contributions to Entrepreneur Leadership Network through Entrepreneur Magazine since 2023; and commentaries for The Washington Post's small business section beginning in 2012.

Born in Grand Rapids into a family of business owners—including her sister and brother-in-law, as well as her brother and sister-in-law—Ms. Kay values family connections deeply. She enjoys music, traveling, walking, golfing and spending time with loved ones, including two godchildren and several great-nieces and nephews. Looking ahead, she is committed to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs as they embark on their journeys, offering guidance informed by decades of experience so others may achieve success just as she has done throughout her distinguished career.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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