Tami VandenBerg

Tami VandenBerg is an entrepreneur and community activist. She co-owns The Meanwhile and The Pyramid Scheme among other ventures. Tami has a long history of successful activism in Grand Rapids. She is the co-founder of the West Michigan Cannabis Guild, LadyfestGR, the Eastown Bizarre Bazaar and more. She co-led the successful initiative to decriminalize cannabis in Grand Rapids and went on to help legalize adult-use cannabis in the state in 2018. She also served as director of Well House from 2013-2018 - moving over 200 people living on the streets into permanent housing. She chaired the board of directors at the Red Project- significantly expanding harm reduction services and overdose prevention medication access. Tami has served on numerous other boards, task forces and commissions in the city, including Mayor Heartwell's Gun Policy Task Force. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her work. When she is not running her ventures or donating her time to the community, you will find her growing food in her yard, reading, or exploring new places.