Powerful Women

POWERFUL WOMEN: LET’S TALK is a series of POWERFUL PODCASTS by WOMEN, about WOMEN.

Women’s strength has shaped the world in which we live in all possible aspects. We’re talking about government, education, health, science, business, spirituality, arts, culture and so much MORE.

These podcast are hosted and produced by NPR-WGVU Public Media’s own team of powerful women, Shelley Irwin and Jennifer Moss.

Interviews with diverse women who are trailblazers shaping our communities and transforming who we are and how we live. Hear them tell their stories in their own words.

POWERFUL WOMEN: LET’S TALK

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State of Michigan

Women on the Ballot: Gretchen Whitmer

Dee Morrison

Gretchen Whitmer is the Governor of Michigan.
Women on the Ballot: Courtney Winell

Dee Morrison

Courtney Winell is the League of Women Voters Greater Grand Rapids Area President.

Powerful Women

Women on the Ballot: Lisa Posthumus Lyons

Shelley Irwin

Lisa Posthumus Lyons is serving her third term as Kent County Clerk/Register of Deeds, she was elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020 & 2024.
Powerful Women

The Amazing Innovator Taking ArtPrize to New Heights shares her story

Jennifer Moss

Theresa Anderson is Production and Operations Director ArtPrize.
Powerful Women

The First African American Woman to Head the Grand Rapids Community Foundation shares her story

Jennifer Moss

LaSandra Gaddy is the President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation.
Powerful Women

Local BIPOC Michigan Beekeeper and Family-Owned Honey Producer and Educator of All Things Honey, Tonja Gofoe-Moyer shares her story

Jennifer Moss

Tonja Gofoe-Moyer is the only Black beekeeper in West Michigan.
Powerful Women

Three Local African American Real Estate Agents Make History When Awarded Huge Contract

Jennifer Moss

Latasha C. Black, Broker/Owner LCB & Associates Realty, Tanya Powell-May, Legacy Homes GR Agent, and Jamecia Adams, Associate Broker Keller Williams Grand Rapids talk about their collaboration.
Powerful Women

3rd Generation business owner, Mari Sierra shares her story

Shelley Irwin

Mari Sierra is the Owner of Navarro's Mexican Takeout.
Powerful Women

2025 Athena Young Professional Award winner Samantha Scott shares her story

Shelley Irwin

Samantha Scott is the co-owner and President of Preferred Employment & Living Supports.
Powerful Women

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

Shelley Irwin

American Suffragist Emily Burton Ketcham was instrumental in getting women the vote.
Powerful Women

Head of the Grand Rapids History Center, Julie Tabberer, shares the story of Helen J. Claytor

Shelley Irwin

Helen J. Claytor was the first African American woman to head the national board of directors for the YWCA.
Powerful Women

Army Veteran, Black Hawk Pilot, and Mental Health Therapist, Danielle Engle

Shelley Irwin

Shelley Irwin talks to veteran Danielle Engle about doing intelligence work for the army, flying helicopters, serving the mental health needs of her fellow veterans, and more.