In this episode of Bold LeadHERS, Lorri headed to Mackinaw City and then over to the island for the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference. Lorri was able to interview State Representative Angela Witwer and Government Affairs Lead Manager at Lake Trust Credit Union Becky O’Connell.

Co-host Becky Burtka was unable to attend the conference so in the beginning, Becky and Lorri sit down to discuss what Lorri hoped to achieve at the conference and then they meet up once again post conference to discuss Lorri’s conversations with the guests. The main topic of this episode is the journey these women have been on in not only their career but their personal lives as well.

Becky O’Connell was the first MPC25 guest. She has two decades of public policy experience. She is a strategic and effective leader in government affairs and advocacy. As the Government Affairs Lead Manager at a credit union that is also a community development financial institution (CDFI), she develops and implements public policy strategies that support the financial well-being of members and communities across local, state, and federal levels.

Becky is also the past chair of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Health and Human Resources Policy Committee, where she shapes the chamber’s policy agenda and influences the legislative process. She has a proven track record of achieving policy outcomes that benefit both the business and public sectors, such as securing a $10 million state appropriation for affordable housing, establishing a state fund for CDFIs, and creating a cottage kitchen law that removed barriers for food entrepreneurs.

● Where did your professional journey begin?
● How has your career path changed along the way?
● What personal changes did you go through over the years when it comes to your professional life?
● What plans do you have for the future?
● Who was your biggest inspiration when you first started your career? Who is it now?
● What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
● What advice would you give your younger self?
● What project are you most proud of?
● Biggest factors that have led to success in your career path?
● What is the most important idea to share as a mentor?
● How do you participate in work-life balance?
● As a woman leader in a traditionally male-dominated space, what challenges have you faced — and how have you overcome them?
● Is there a specific word that resonates with you when it comes to your leadership style?

The conversation with St. Representative Angela Witwer included these questions:
● Where did your professional journey begin?
● How has your career path changed along the way?
● What personal changes did you go through over the years when it comes to your professional life?
● What plans do you have for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
● Biggest factors that have led to success in your career path?
● How do you participate in work-life balance?
● As a woman leader in a traditionally male-dominated space, what challenges have you faced — and how have you overcome them?
● Is there a specific word that resonates with you when it comes to your leadership style?