In Episode 8 they interview

Paula Cunningham:
Background: Cunningham spent 25 years at Lansing Community College, where she served as President from 2000-2006. Under her leadership, the college implemented a strategic planning process that resulted in five new buildings. The main building on the LCC campus was officially named the Paula D. Cunningham Administration Building in 2006. From 2006-2015 she served as president and CEO of Capitol National Bank in Lansing, where she successfully led the bank through Michigan’s worst recession in 70 years.

She was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 2013 for her business and community service. Cunningham is known as a pioneer. She was the first female president of LCC and the first female president and CEO of Capitol National Bank, in addition to being the only African American female in the country to be president and CEO of a majority owned bank. Cunningham was also the first African American female to chair the board of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout her career, Cunningham has been actively involved with numerous community and governmental organizations, some of which include: Chair of the board of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce; Board of Trustees of Davenport University; Executive Committee of the McLaren Health Systems; Chair of the Michigan Association of United Ways; Executive Committee of the Michigan Nonprofit Association; founding member of MiQuest Board, and Co-chair of the Children’s Leadership Council of Michigan. Now, State Director of AARP Michigan, a phenomenal organization that works tirelessly on behalf of people age 50 and older to help them to live their best lives. 

Questions: ● What’s one piece of advice you wish you could give your younger self at the start of your leadership journey? 

● You’ve had a remarkable career in education and business before becoming State Director of AARP Michigan. What inspired you to take on this role, and how has your background shaped your leadership at AARP? 

● AARP Michigan serves 1.4 million members across the state. What do you see as the most pressing issues facing older adults in Michigan today, and how is AARP addressing them? 

● AARP’s mission is to help people age with dignity and purpose. What does “aging with dignity” mean to you personally? 

● You’ve spoken about the importance of community and collaboration. How do you see women leaders shaping the future of aging policy and advocacy in Michigan? 

● What advice would you give to younger women who are thinking ahead about their health, finances, and aging journey? 

● You’ve been involved in the groundbreaking menopause initiative alongside Halle Berry and Governor Whitmer. Why is it so important to bring menopause into the public conversation? 

● Many women feel menopause is stigmatized or overlooked in healthcare. How does this initiative aim to change that narrative?

● What role do you see AARP playing in advancing awareness, education, and policy around menopause and women’s health more broadly? 

● How can communities, employers, and policymakers better support women during this stage of life? 

● What impact do you hope this initiative will have on Michigan women in the next five years? 

● If you could leave the audience with one key takeaway about aging, women’s health, and collaboration, what would it be? 

Becky and Lorri sat down with Paula Cunningham, State Director of AARP Michigan, for a powerful conversation on women’s issues, the pay gap, and menopause. Drawing on her extensive career experience, Paula shared valuable insights for younger generations while reflecting on the challenges she has faced as a woman navigating the workplace. 

She highlighted the importance of addressing the pay gap, a new and timely topic for the podcast, and emphasized why women must continue to advocate for themselves in today’s environment. Lorri also asked Paula about the menopause initiative she is leading in Michigan alongside partners such as Halle Berry and Governor Whitmer, underscoring how this effort impacts older women and why workplaces must do more to support them. We are deeply grateful to Paula for sharing her time, wisdom, and perspective.”

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