Women Who Lead

Hosted by Cumulus Media Detroit, WJR

Business Arts

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May 2026

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About the show

760 WJR’s “Women Who Lead” spotlights female leaders from throughout the Great Lakes region who are influencing our communities in positive ways. Join your hosts Ann Thomas and Luanne Thomas Ewald for inspiring stories of women from all backgrounds and fields … business leaders, small business owners, community organizers, civil servants, volunteers, and more. Learn how these women are leaning in and pushing the world forward with their positive contributions!

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52 recent

May 16, 202638 min

Women Who Lead ~ May 16, 2026

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://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 18, 202639 min

Women Who Lead ~ April 18, 2026

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, Thomas interviews Mary Buchzeiger, CEO of Lucerne International, who recounts her career in the automotive industry and the creation of Lucerne Global Solutions, a foreign trade zone service. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 21, 202638 min

Women Who Lead ~ March 21, 2026

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 Siegel shares her passion for education, the value of practical degrees, and her perspective on integrating AI ethically and responsibly into business and education. Plus, the hosts explore Michigan Rosie Day and its role in bringing women into the manufacturing industry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

February 21, 202637 min

Women Who Lead ~ Feb. 21, 2026

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 communication styles and leadership. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

December 27, 202537 min

Women Who Lead ~ Dec. 27, 2025

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 their leadership roles at the University of Michigan Credit Union and ITC Holdings Corp, emphasizing community involvement and industry challenges, while Carrie Doehman and Megan Spanitz from Little Guide Detroit and the Detroit Regional Chamber discuss their organizations’ impact on community engagement and regional development. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

November 22, 202537 min

Women Who Lead ~ Nov. 22, 2025

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 industry and tariffs. Carol Zuniga, CEO of Higira Health, talks about mental health care and the impact of social media. Kelly Walgamott highlights the importance of Michigan’s tourism industry and the Pure Michigan campaign. Dr. Ora Pescovitz, President of Oakland University, emphasizes the value of higher education, adaptability, and resilience in one’s career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 27, 202538 min

Women Who Lead ~ Sept. 27, 2025

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.

August 23, 202538 min

Women Who Lead ~ Aug. 23, 2025

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, 202538 min

Women Who Lead ~ July 26, 2025

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, 202541 min

Women Who Lead ~ June 28, 2025

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 Michigan Medicine CEO Dr. David Miller. It’s a dynamic mix of leadership, innovation, and inspiration you won’t want to miss. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.