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.
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 Brummett, 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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