As founder of Kennari Consulting, Sandi Frost Steensma believes in raising expectations and building connections to create more successful fundraising in a changing landscape. She has served her community as a Board Chair for the Kent County Commissioners and in her downtime she enjoys the hiking trails of northern Michigan and travelling abroad. We welcome Sandi Frost Steensma to Powerful Women: Let’s Talk Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR

Starla McDermott’s journey to where she is today has not been easy nor direct. After nearly two decades of years excelling in corporate sales and marketing, she was unfulfilled – and ready for a career change. She persevered through multiple job rejections, a difficult divorce and a bout of homelessness to pave a new career path in nonprofits and philanthropy. Her determination ultimately landed her the leadership position she holds today as development director of Guiding Light. She’s today’s

She’s celebrating 20 years at the podium of the West Michigan New Horizons Music Ensembles as Music Director. Her career journey includes directing, teaching, and playing the oboe. She also can be found performing aqua yoga or making bread in her spare time. We introduce you to Dr. Nancy Summers on 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

L. Song Richardson is the Dean and Chancellor's Professor of Law at the University of California, Irvine School of Law. When appointed Dean in 2018, she was the only woman of color to lead a top 30 law school in the country. A leading expert on criminal law as well as implicit racial and gender bias, Richardson frequently speaks to public and private industries across the nation about the science of implicit bias. Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR

It’s a household name that many will recognize, you may have even used them for your home repairs, it’s “Angie’s List” the popular home services company that took the honey-do list to another level. We’re talking with Angie Hicks. The co-founder of Angie’s List 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,

A small business owner, a former Director of Planned Giving, and now the CEO of Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women, meet Bonnie Nawara. She is the recipient of many awards, gives back to her community, and loves to sing even though she says she can't carry a tune. Be inspired with words from Bonnie on 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

This week’s Powerful Woman Is Lisa Oliver-King. She’s the founder and Executive Director of Our Kitchen Table or OKT for short. She, leading the way for OKT, seeks to promote social justice while empowering neighbors to improve their health and environment through information, community organizing and advocacy. Our Kitchen Table is a grass roots, non-profit organization serving Grand Rapids. Lisa Oliver-King also seeks to mobilize women with income and health challenges. She’s this week’s

Business Owner, Actress, Entrepreneur and Mother of nine, Lisa Butler, joins us this edition of Powerful Woman: Let's Talk. Where does Lisa Butler get her drive, energy and love for the community? Hear this story of beating the odds. 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.

With more than 25 years of experience in non-profit and for-profit boards of directors, Gloria Lara uses her voice to ensure that un-heard voices are in fact, heard. Currently the Executive Director at LEDA (Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance), she is skilled in forging strategic partnerships and unlocking hidden opportunities. Meet Gloria Lara on our next Powerful Women: Let’s Talk! Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors.

Kasie Smith is the President of Serendipity Media, publisher of West Michigan Woman Magazine. In addition to spotlighting women in her community through print, she gives back personally as well, while working on her golf game and raising twins. Kasie shares details about her personal journey with us today 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