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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.