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

Marge Palmerlee leads with love. Truly dedicated to serve those who come in the doors of Degage Ministries, Marge has served as the Executive Director for more than 20 years. She’s grown the organization which now serves 400-500 people daily. They’ve had to change things a bit during the Pandemic but they are still offering help and hope to those in need. She’s this week’s Powerful Woman. Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU NPR sustaining monthly donors.

Jeanne Englehart is recognized as an accomplished, dynamic individual with a proven track record of successful business leadership and lots of firsts on her list. She also considers herself a new world chef. Jeanne Englehart is today’s Power 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.

Shannon Cohen, author of Tough Skin, Soft Heart, she empowers community members to embrace who they are. She connects difference makers in a powerful, purpose driven way. Shannon’s work has taken her to serve the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy as well and systems and organizations across the Midwest. She’s also developed a greeting card line. And she has a passion for seeing leaders thrive in every aspect of their lives. Shannon Cohen is this week’s Powerful Woman. Powerful

Clinical Psychologist Dr. Mira Jourdan's talents focus on supporting autistic individuals with traumatic brain injury. Outside of the clinic, she tirelessly gives back to the profession locally, regionally and nationally. 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 hails from Nigeria, but she has become a powerful woman in West Michigan in her own right. Let’s talk to Nkechy Ezeh, an internationally recognized scholar and tenured Associate Professor of Education and Director of Early Childhood Education Program at Aquinas College. She’s traveled the world providing Professional Development and Parent Education workshops in Australia, Hong Kong, Dubai, Japan and Singapore to name just a few locations. At the core is her commitment to help vulnerable

Throughout her life, Christina Arnold has been one who has a servant’s heart. She learned from her grandparents and mother how to make an impact, a positive impact on her community and those around her. She works hard in areas of diversity and inclusion. And she has been highlighted as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Grand Rapids, not once but twice. Meet this week’s Powerful Woman, Christina Arnold. Let’s Talk! Powerful Women: Let’s Talk is created by WGVU NPR and made possible by WGVU

Tasha Blackmon, President/CEO of Cherry Health, is a dynamic leader bringing her experience to ensure patients in her own community receive the highest quality of care. She has knack for remodeling and still holds a high school track record. We share this inspiring conversation with Tasha on WGVU's 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

Hear the story of Stacie Behler, Meijer Group Vice President of Public Affairs and Communication and the Executive Director of the Meijer Foundation. She directs Meijer's community partnerships and philanthropic work, but you'll also see Stacie out and about in the community. And she's good at keeping her promises. Stacie Behler is this week’s Powerful Woman.