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Powerful Women: Let's Talk
POWERFUL WOMEN: LET’S TALK

Grand Rapids Women's Historian, Jo Ellyn Clarey, shares the story of Emily Burton Ketcham

By Shelley Irwin
Published March 2, 2026 at 9:07 AM EST
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American Suffragist Emily Burton Ketcham was instrumental in getting women the vote.

Shelley Irwin is joined by Jo Ellyn Clarey, Grand Rapids Women's Historian, to learn the story of American Suffragist Emily Burton Ketcham, who was instrumental in getting women the vote.

Jo talks about Emily's life and family ties, the goals of first and second wave feminism, how what is in the papers doesn't always make it into the history books, and more.

Transcripts are provided upon request.

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Powerful Women: Let's Talk Season 4 Powerful WomenhistoryVoting RightsfeministWomen
Shelley Irwin
Shelley Irwin is the host and producer for The Shelley Irwin Show, a news magazine talk-show format on the local NPR affiliate Monday through Friday. The show, broadcast at 9 a.m., features a wide variety of local and national news makers, plus special features.
See stories by Shelley Irwin
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