Join Ann Thomas and Luanne Thomas Ewald for a spotlight show on women who are leading the way in business, civics, and humanity. Monthly shows offer insight on guest accomplishments, with background that is sure to inspire the rise of our next generation. Find empowering stories here!
MEET THE 2026 “WOMEN WHO LEAD” HONOREES:
“Women Who Lead” honors female leaders from throughout the Great Lakes region who are influencing our communities in positive ways. Each year, we honor 12 of these amazing ladies at our Women Who Lead Honoree Ceremony. These women come from all backgrounds and fields … business leaders, small business owners, community organizers, civil servants, volunteers, and more. Each of these ladies offers an inspiring story of a woman who is leaning in and pushing the world to new heights.
July 18, 2026 ~ Dawn Magretta, executive director of Advancement at Schoolcraft College, shares her journey from advertising to a rewarding career in fundraising. Schoolcraft College Foundation has benefited from over eight years of her dedicated leadership and unique skillset. With her expertise in community outreach and partnership-building, the foundation has been able to build strong relationships with donors and stakeholders. She is also a firm believer that evolving technology and AI tools change modern communication and operations within the philanthropic sector. She advises young professionals to prioritize lifelong learning, maintain a strong network, and commit to mentorship and volunteerism to impact their organizations and communities. Her path shows how transferable skills, a dedication to lifelong learning, and a clear personal brand can shape a professional life. Magretta is a 2026 Woman Who Leads.
July 18, 2026 ~ Family values and a deep commitment to country often shape the most remarkable lives. Carol Ann Fausone, a retired Brigadier General in the United States Air Force, stands as a prime example of this reality. Her journey from a young woman with a dream to a distinguished military leader offers a look into the dedication to military service. Growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, she found early inspiration through the stories of her grandfather, who served in both World War I and World War II. Seeing the physical marks of his service left an impression that sparked her desire to serve others. Her father, a veteran of the Merchant Marines and the Army, further reinforced this passion. Eventually, she pursued nursing, a field that allowed her to combine technical skill with direct care for those in need. Her life took a turn toward military service in 1977 when she took her oath as a medical officer, beginning a 36-year commitment to the military, spanning both active duty and guard service. Recognizing a gap in the system where many veterans failed to receive the disability benefits they had earned, she and her husband now focus on educating the veteran community about their rights. She is a 2026 Woman Who Leads honoree.
June 20, 2026 ~ Julie Ishak, Michigan Medicine chief nurse and operations executive, oversees nearly 8,000 nurses in her leadership role. She shows extraordinary commitment to her team, noting that nursing is more than just a job: it is a calling. This perspective shapes her entire approach to nursing care, working to fill nursing vacancies, and staff development within Michigan Medicine. The presence of strong leaders like Julie Ishak plays a pivotal role in creating a positive work environment and fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. Her exceptional contributions and leadership have earned her a nomination as a 2026 Woman Who Leads.
June 20, 2026 ~ Denise Brooks Williams, Henry Ford Health COO, holds an important role overseeing the hospital’s current significant transformation, and at its heart lies Henry Ford Health’s ambitious “Future of Health” project. It’s a large-scale project transforming the West Grand Boulevard corridor in Detroit that includes a new research building opening in 2027, a new hospital in 2029, and affordable housing. As COO, she works with the integrated “Future of Health” team and community connection aspects of the project. She is thrilled to see the project become a template for other Henry Ford campuses, as this Detroit site will serve as a destination care site, anchoring and connecting to the rest of the system. Williams’s daughter is following in her footsteps, being part of a Future Leaders Program. She is honored as the 2026 Woman Who Leads.
April 18, 2026 ~ Many leaders find their path through planned steps. However, for some, the journey unfolds through unexpected turns, driven by an innate curiosity and a readiness to embrace new challenges. Mary Buchzeiger, CEO of Lucerne International, offers a compelling example of this organic growth. She shares her journey from growing up in the automotive industry to establishing Lucerne Global Solutions, a new division focused on tariff mitigation and supply chain solutions. Her advice to young professionals: believe in yourself, ignore external opinions, and keep moving forward despite challenges. Host Ann Thomas congratulates Buchzeiger on being nominated as a 2026 Woman Who Leads.
April 18, 2026 ~ The journey from victim to survivor is often long and difficult, yet it is a path that countless individuals bravely walk every day. For those in Oakland County, a beacon of hope and support exists: Haven of Oakland County. Its president and CEO, Christine Kinal, shares her professional journey of domestic violence, military service, and law enforcement, which shaped her passion for helping people in crisis. She describes Haven’s comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing a safe harbor, a place where individuals can find not only immediate protection but also the resources and guidance needed to rebuild their lives. Their approach is holistic, addressing the immediate crisis while also focusing on long-term recovery and prevention. Host Ann Thomas congratulates Kinal as a 2026 Woman Who Leads.
March 21, 2026 ~ Suzy Siegle proudly serves as Walsh College’s ninth President and CEO, guiding her school through ever-evolving technologies and shifting student needs. Having worked in higher education for over twenty years, she’s brought her extensive knowledge of business, leadership, law, and entrepreneurship to her higher education teaching career, while also serving in academic administrative roles, showcasing her lifelong dedication to learning. Since she was appointed President and CEO in 2022, Siegle has pushed for strategic integration of AI in higher education and for helping prepare students for the dramatic shift AI will bring to the business world. She also teaches a Forbes number-one-ranked doctoral program while researching controlled psychology as it pertains to helping high-performing leaders and entrepreneurs. For this work, WJR has honored her as a 2026 Woman Who Leads.
March 21, 2026 ~ The world of retail leadership often brings stories of ambition and strategic vision. However, some narratives stand out for their deep roots, personal passion, and unwavering commitment to quality. Andrea Nicolella, co-owner of beloved Metro Detroit grocery store brand Nino Salvaggio, discusses the store’s founding in the early 1970’s, when her father opened Metropolitan Marketplace in St. Clair Shores. From a young age, she was immersed in the business, spending years selling watermelon and strawberries at the front of the store. This hands-on experience, though informal, instilled a deep understanding of the retail environment. As a leader of the brand, Nicolella strives to make employees at the stores as happy as they can be, believing a better work environment makes a better business. Her skills as a leader extend beyond business metrics, touching the lives of her employees and customers alike. Her journey is a testament to the power of family values, hands-on experience, and a genuine love for what you do. This is why Nicolella is nominated as a 2026 Woman Who Leads.
Feb. 21, 2026 ~ Jen Brummitt, CEO of Gazelle Sports, reflects on the unexpected path that led her from checking in products in her family’s store to guiding it as one of Michigan’s signature active movement brands. Listen as she shares how Gazelle Sports has evolved to help people of every fitness level find comfort, confidence, and the right gear to move pain-free. Through steady leadership, experience across every corner of the business, and a commitment to improving people’s daily lives, Jen’s accomplishments have positioned her as one of Michigan’s most notable “Women Who Lead.“
Feb. 21, 2026 ~ Renee Fluker, founder and CEO of College Career Beyond / Midnight Golf, shares how a simple belief in the power of golf grew into a program that has changed the trajectory of thousands of Detroit high‑school seniors. She describes how the discipline of the game, paired with mentorship, life‑skills training, and consistent support, gives students the confidence to imagine a future they didn’t always think was possible. Now in its 25th year, Renee’s steady commitment to Detroit’s young people has made her a defining voice in youth empowerment and a natural fit among our community’s “Women Who Lead.”
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ANN THOMAS
Ann Thomas is the program director of 760 WJR. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1982, Ann began her career at 760 WJR as an intern and has remained a part of the team ever since.
During her tenure at 760 WJR, Ann has received numerous awards. Honors from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, United Press International, the Associated Press, and the Detroit Press Club all celebrate her work both on and off the air. She was inducted into the Michigan Business Women Hall of Fame, and is the 2014 recipient of the Michigan Business and Professional Association’s Women & Leadership in the Workplace Award. She has also been given the prestigious “Diamond” award from the Association for Women in Communications.
LUANNE THOMAS EWALD
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