Women Who Lead

June 20, 2026 ~ Hosts Ann Thomas and Luanne Thomas Ewald welcome three prominent women leaders. First, Julie Ishak, nursing executive at University of Michigan Health, talks about nursing and her role. Next, Denise Brooks-Williams, COO of Henry Ford Health, discusses a major development project in Detroit. Finally, Athina Papas, president of the Greektown Neighborhood Partnership, shares details o...

May 16, 2026 ~ Ann Thomas introduces Dr. Nancy O’Reilly, an international philanthropist, author, and advocate for women’s empowerment, who discusses her work with Women Connect for Good and her dedication to gender equity. She shares her personal journey and her passion for helping women understand their power and build supportive relationships. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https...

April 18, 2026 ~ Host Ann Thomas introduces Kristin Falconer, founder of Trailer Events, who shares her journey in event planning and property restoration, including her unique kitchen and restroom trailers. Later, Thomas speaks with Christine Kinal, CEO of Haven of Oakland County, who discusses her personal journey and Haven’s services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Finally,...

March 21, 2026 ~ Hosts Ann Thomas and Luanne Thomas-Ewald highlight two 2026 Women Who Lead honorees: Andrea Nicolella, co-owner of Nino Salvagio’s, and Dr. Suzy Siegle, president and CEO of Walsh College. Andrea Nicolella discusses the family business, its growth, and a new collaboration with Schoolcraft College, emphasizing the importance of employee happiness and hands-on learning. Dr. Susie Si...

Feb. 21, 2026 ~ Hosts Ann Thomas and Luanne Thomas Ewald highlight three women leaders in Michigan. Renee Fluker discusses the Midnight Golf program, which helps high school seniors with college preparation and life skills. Jen Brummitt shares her journey as CEO of Gazelle Sports, emphasizing customer experience and community involvement, while Vanessa Denha-Garmo introduces her new book on commun...

Dec. 27, 2025 ~ Hosts Ann Thomas and Luanne Thomas Ewald introduce six honorees from this year’s “Women Who Lead” class, highlighting their work in various sectors. Sharman Davenport and Laura Hewatt discuss their roles at Turning Point and The Guidance Center, respectively, focusing on support for survivors of abuse and mental health services. Megan Spanitz and Krista Tanner share insights into t...

Nov. 22, 2025 ~ Hosts Ann Thomas and Luann Thomas Ewald welcome six Women Who Lead honorees to the show to discuss their careers. Dr. Sonya Hassan Duggan works to solve Michigan’s maternal and infant health crisis. Karen Arndt-Doski shares how her company, IF Metalworks, gives back to the community and mentors young women. Miki Maynard discusses the current state and future of the automotive indus...

Sept. 27, 2025 ~ Hosts Ann Thomas and Luanne Thomas Ewald talk to Women Who Lead nominees Kerry Doman and Krista Tanner, along with exploring the Women Rock Science event on Oct. 8. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 23, 2025 ~ Hosts Ann Thomas and Luanne Thomas Ewald talk about the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, the Detroit Jazz Festival, and President & CEO of the University of Michigan Credit Union Tiffany Ford, one of the 2025 Women Who Lead honorees. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 26, 2025 ~ Hosts Ann Thomas and Luanne Thomas Ewald talk to two Women Who Lead honorees: Laura Huot, president and CEO of The Guidance Center, and Sharman Davenport, president and CEO of Turning Point. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 28, 2025 ~ From the future of higher education to the return of the WNBA in Detroit, this episode of "Women Who Lead" is packed with powerhouse voices shaping Michigan’s future. Join hosts Ann Thomas and Luann Thomas Ewald as they sit down with Oakland University President Dr. Ora Pescovitz, WNBA advocate Sandy Pierce, retiring Detroit Regional Chamber COO Tammy Carnrike, and incoming Michiga...

May 25, 2025 ~ Host Ann Thomas and Luanne Thomas Ewald talk about the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan launching a new mobile lab on wheels, Walstrom Marine offering boating lessons for women, a young local woman who loves ballet starting a non-profit to share her love of dance with others and gardening advice from English Gardens. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adsw...

April 26, 2025 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks to Kelly Wolgamott, vice president of Pure Michigan and a 2025 Women Who Lead honoree. Plus, she discusses the Home Depot Foundation making major updates to the All Things Women Inc. facility in Detroit and financial literacy education. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of person...

March 29, 2025 ~ Hosts Ann Thomas and Luanne Thomas Ewald chat with two Women Who Lead Honorees: journalist Micheline Maynard and Hegira Health CEO Carol Zuniga. Plus, State Sen. Mallory McMorrow talks about her new book called “Hate Won’t Win.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 1, 2025 ~ Hosts Ann Thomas and Luanne Thomas Ewald talk to I.F. Metalworks President WJR’s 2025 Women Who Lead honoree Karen Arondoski, attorney Todd Flood about a sexual harassment verdict against Science Beauty Tech, and Senior Vice-President of Business Advocacy Wendy Block about her thoughts on new Michigan minimum wage laws. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adsw...

Jan. 27, 2025 ~ Hosts Ann Thomas and Luanne Thomas Ewald talk to author and writing coach Lynne Golodner about her new book "Forest Walk on a Friday," Pope Francis Center Executive Director Fr. Tim McCabe about their winter services, and author Steve Plato about his book "Motor City Famous: Celebrity Homes, Gravesites & Little Known Locales." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://p...

Dec. 21, 2024 ~ Hosts Ann Thomas and Luanne Thomas Ewald talk to President of Ford Philanthropy Mary Culler and Associate Chief Operating Officer of Von Voightlander Women’s Hospital Brittany Bogan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov. 23, 2024 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks to two Women Who Lead honorees: Sam Bernstein Law Firm President Rebecca Sposita and Detroit Dog Rescue Executive Director Kristina Millman-Rinaldi. She also spoke to Sonya Hassan Duggan about her new maternity network with the state of Michigan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use...

Oct. 27, 2024 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks guests Michigan Central COO Carolina Placinski, make a wish Michigan Cheif Diversity Officer Sherri Collins, and Seel President E’Lois Thomas. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sept. 22, 2024 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks to Women Who Lead nominee Dr. Rosalyn Maben-Feaster, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with the University of Michigan Health. She also spoke to Clara Bingham, the author of a new book called "The Movement: How Women's Liberation Transformed America 1963-1973." Luanne Thomas Ewald, chief operating officer of C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and the Von...

Aug. 24, 2024 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks to women leaders in the energy sector and the berry industry. Guests include Detroit Berry Company owner Gabrielle Reed, Northville Deputy Chief Matthew MacKenzie, and Senior Vice President of DTE’s Project Management Office Renee Tomina. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of perso...

July 27, 2024 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks to Miss Michigan USA Alma Cooper and author Lori Tucker Sullivan, who wrote a book to help young widows deal with grief. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 23, 2024 ~ Host Ann Thomas interviews Katy Trudeau, incoming CEO of Eastern Market Partnership, Lauren Davis, regional president of Huntington Bank West Michigan, and Dannis Mitchell, Barton Malow, director of community engagement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 26, 2024 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks to the women behind Michigan Medicine's Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital, a podcast making a difference in the lives of women, an author, and she's written a fascinating new book about dreams. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 27, 2024 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks to Angie Kelly, the first woman to become the managing partner for Ernst & Young in Detroit, and Tina Kozak, the new owner of Franco in Detroit. She also spoke with Barbara McQuade, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, about her new book called: “Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsW...