POWERFUL WOMEN: LET’S TALK

Julie Bulson is the Director of Business Assurance at Spectrum Butterworth, which we generally know as, “Emergency Preparedness”.  There’s a lot to the job of keeping the largest hospital in Grand Rapids ready for any and all emergencies.  Julie is a GVSU grad and part of KCON-the Kirkoff College of Nursing and received just last year, the Grand Rapids Magazine’s Nursing Excellence award.

Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors. Become a sustaining monthly donor now at wgvu.org/donate to support WGVU NPR’s local programs, including Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.

Cindi Poll began working at the University Club of Grand Rapids in 1988, the first woman General Manager of a large private club in West Michigan and beyond. Her leadership has kept the Club alive during a pandemic plus she has a wonderful backstory, including a fun fact of being named after Cinderella. Cindi shares her highlights.

Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors. Become a sustaining monthly donor now at wgvu.org/donate to support WGVU NPR’s local programs, including Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.

Dr. Leadriane Roby is the Superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools. The state of Michigan's 8th largest district.  She hails from Minnesota.  Dr. Roby is an experienced and reflective educator with more than 26 years in public education.  She was appointed as the Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent in of 2020, just prior to the pandemic taking a grip on the state and the nation.  Listen as Dr. Roby talks about education, how she leads, what she's learned about herself and managing a top school district, during a pandemic.

Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors. Become a sustaining monthly donor now at wgvu.org/donate to support WGVU NPR’s local programs, including Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.

As a young girl, Lupe Ramos-Montigny traveled from Texas to Michigan to help her family harvest cherries in Old Mission Peninsula.  Her love for the state brought her back to Michigan to earn numerous degrees, have a 36-year career in education, along with a stellar political career.  She also chaired a committee to honor Cesar Chavez and continues to push that cause today.  Today’s Powerful Woman is Lupe Ramos-Montigny.

Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors. Become a sustaining monthly donor now at wgvu.org/donate to support WGVU NPR’s local programs, including Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.

Jenna Arcidiacono’s first job at 14 was slinging chili dogs and root beer floats at Cook's Drive-In in Kentwood, Michigan. Now, she is an award-winning chef giving back to the community.  We talk about her journey, her television appearances, her restaurant, and why the color pink so important to her. Listen to our conversation with Powerful Woman Jenna Arcidiacono.  

Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors. Become a sustaining monthly donor now at wgvu.org/donate to support WGVU NPR’s local programs, including Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.

Angela Nelson is the Vice President of Multicultural Business Development at Experience Grand Rapids (EXGR), a Destination Marketing Organization.  Angela leads the organization's multicultural initiatives related to community relations, diversity and inclusion and workforce development.  Angela says her passion is the West Michigan community.  She's been honored as one of West Michigan's 50 Most Influential Women for her leadership role and she serves on numerous boards and committees.  Angela Nelson is this week's Powerful Woman.

8Thirtyfour Integrated Communications' Kim Bode loves small businesses and she's proved it with her success so far. Supporting women is one of Bode's passions as is advocating for animals. Welcome Kim Bode to this edition of Powerful Women: Let's Talk!

Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors. Become a sustaining monthly donor now at wgvu.org/donate to support WGVU NPR’s local programs, including Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.

Full Transcript:

With more than 25 years of experience, Krista Flynn is the Regional President of TCF’s West Region, a position she has held since joining its predecessor, Chemical Bank, in July 2018.  TCF happens to be the largest financial institution headquartered in Michigan. Krista will soon become the West Michigan regional president of Huntington Bank, once the merger goes into effect on June first.

Krista is also very involved in West Michigan, sitting on numerous boards.  One of her passions is helping others succeed.  She especially likes to give back to the next generation.  Krista also loves a particular quote from Madeleine Albright-listen to find out what it is!  Krista Flynn is today’s guest on Powerful Women: Let’s Talk!

Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors. Become a sustaining monthly donor now at wgvu.org/donate to support WGVU NPR’s local programs, including Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.

Cindy Larsen is President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, a chamber that has won numerous state and national awards for overall programing and communications. She has been involved in the reinvention of a waterfront community, has served on many boards, and is a strong advocate of Michigan’s Blue Economy. Cindy works hard but also plays hard as an avid hiker, biker and beach-goer.  We welcome Cindy to Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.

Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors. Become a sustaining monthly donor now at wgvu.org/donate to support WGVU NPR’s local programs, including Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.

We welcome Mary Rademacher, one of West Michigan's most versatile entertainers, to our microphone.  Mary traveled with a showband as a singer and dancer for the USO to the Far East in the 1980s and continues to perform professionally today. A past West Michigan Jazz Society Musician of the Year, Mary Rademacher is our next guest on Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.  

Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors. Become a sustaining monthly donor now at wgvu.org/donate to support WGVU NPR’s local programs, including Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.

Melissa Werkman is the Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County, where she is part of a team committed to seeking justice for and reducing the traumatic impact of sexual abuse for child victims. She is also a partner in Green Square Consulting. She also is a mountain biking coach and especially loves helping people new to the sport feel more comfortable and safe on the trail so they can have even more fun.

Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors. Become a sustaining monthly donor now at wgvu.org/donate to support WGVU NPR’s local programs, including Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.

Community activist, entrepreneur, Business woman, Introducing Tami VandenBerg. Tami co-owns and co-founded The Meanwhile and The Pyramid Scheme - two businesses that have made substantial impacts in the community. She also co-founded the Eastown Bizarre Bazaar, LadyfestGR and the West Michigan Cannabis Guild. She has spent substantial time and energy working to end homelessness in our community and ran Well House for several years. In addition, she has helped lead the marijuana policy movement in West Michigan through decriminalization, medical marijuana access and legalization in 2018. And one day maybe she'll run for President! We'll ask why.

Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors. Become a sustaining monthly donor now at wgvu.org/donate to support WGVU NPR’s local programs, including Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.

Deborah Clanton is the retired District Court Magistrate and Court Administrator from the 62B District Court in Kentwood, MI.  Although retired, Deborah continues to be very busy, working for change in the community.  A very active member of Delta Sigma Theta Public Service Sorority, she tirelessly works for students and education.  One of her passions is getting people out to vote.... even during the pandemic.  Deborah Clanton is this week's Powerful Woman.

Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors. Become a sustaining monthly donor now at wgvu.org/donate to support WGVU NPR’s local programs, including Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.

Michelle LaJoye-Young has served Kent County for over 30 years. Today, she is the Sheriff. She serves on many boards at the local, state, and federal level and has been appointed to boards by 3 different Governors. What is her role as Sheriff and what does she do in her free time? We find out on this episode of Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.

Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors. Become a sustaining monthly donor now at wgvu.org/donate to support WGVU NPR’s local programs, including Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.

She founded La Fuente Consulting with a focused mission of bridging cultures, simplifying workplace communication, and more. Ana L. Ramirez-Saenz is a thought leader, with hands-on practical experience in the field of organizational development, in particular diversity, inclusion and cultural intelligence. She is involved in her community and has won awards for her work. She’s also recently started bird watching.  Meet Powerful Woman Ana L. Ramirez-Saenz.

Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors. Become a sustaining monthly donor now at wgvu.org/donate to support WGVU NPR’s local programs, including Powerful Women: Let’s Talk.