Leading the Way: Women in Higher Education is a powerful and inspiring podcast that spotlights the voices, experiences, and leadership journeys of women shaping the future of academia. Each episode features candid conversations with trailblazing women across higher education—presidents, provosts, faculty, and staff—who share insights on leadership, equity, mentorship, and the challenges and triumphs of academic life. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or seasoned educator, Leading the Way offers practical wisdom, inspiration, and community—a platform for empowerment, connection, and change.
The Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership Award
This episode explores The Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership Award, which honors women in Michigan who lead with care and purpose. Guest Marlanna Landeros is in studio to share how the award started, why it matters, and how to nominate someone through the Michigan ACE Women's Network.
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Website: (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/2026-mi-ace-conference/index.html) LCC Women's Network (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/index.html)
Website: (https://miacenetwork.org/) MI-ACE Women's Network (https://miacenetwork.org/)
7 Apr 2026
MI-ACE Emerita Spotlight
This episode explores the lasting impact of women in higher education through the emerita role. Dr. Christine Hammond shares insights from her work with the Michigan ACE Network, highlighting the power of mentorship and community among women leaders. She reflects on the network’s growth and its commitment to supporting future leaders in an inclusive environment.
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Website: (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/2026-mi-ace-conference/index.html) LCC Women's Network (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/index.html)
Website: (https://miacenetwork.org/) MI-ACE Women's Network (https://miacenetwork.org/)
24 Mar 2026
Breaking Barriers: The Women of Color Collaborative in Higher Education
This episode explores the essential and dedicated program within the MI-ACE network, born from resilience, vision, and community—the Women of Color Collaborative (WOCC). Host Dr. Cynthia Rooker is joined by Dr. Shai James Boyd to share the Collaborative’s journey, its impact, and the work still ahead to ensure equity and advancement for women of color in academia.
Mentioned This Episode:
Website: (https://miacenetwork.org/resources/) MI-ACE Women of Color Collaborative (https://miacenetwork.org/resources/)
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Website: (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/2026-mi-ace-conference/index.html) LCC Women's Network (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/index.html)
Website: (https://miacenetwork.org/) MI-ACE Women's Network (https://miacenetwork.org/)
10 Mar 2026
MI-ACE Senior-Level Leadership Job Shadow Program
The tenth anniversary of the MI-ACE Senior-Level Leadership Job Shadow Program marks a milestone in advancing women’s leadership in higher education. Over the past decade, the program has provided mid-level women leaders across Michigan with mentorship and insight into institutional leadership. Guests Dr. Malia Roberts and Dr. Diane Anderson reflect on the program’s growth and its impact on participants’ career paths, highlighting the importance of authentic leadership and strong professional networks.
Website: (https://miacenetwork.org/services/) Senior-Level Leadership Program (https://miacenetwork.org/services/)
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Website: (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/2026-mi-ace-conference/index.html) LCC Women's Network (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/index.html)
Website: (https://miacenetwork.org/) MI-ACE Women's Network (https://miacenetwork.org/)
24 Feb 2026
Empowering Women Leaders: A Preview of the MI-ACE Annual Conference
On this episode, Dr. Cynthia Rooker talks with Dr. Seleana Samuel, Senior Vice President at Lansing Community College and Executive Board Member of the MI-ACE Women’s Network. Dr. Samuel gives insights into hosting the 2026 MI-ACE Women’s Network Annual Conference, a dynamic two day gathering that brings educators from across Michigan together for inspiration, connection, and community. Their conversation highlights what makes the conference stand out, how it empowers women leaders, and what attendees can look forward to in the plenaries and breakout sessions.
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Website: (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/2026-mi-ace-conference/index.html) LCC Women's Network (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/index.html)
Website: (https://miacenetwork.org/) MI-ACE Women's Network (https://miacenetwork.org/)
10 Feb 2026
Being an Institutional Representative for MI-ACE
This episode highlights the pivotal role of Institutional Representatives (IRs) within the Michigan ACE Women's Network. Dr. Dawn Hinton serves as Associate Provost of Saginaw Valley State University, as well as a co-chair of the IR committee for MI-ACE. She joins host Dr. Cynthia Rooker, to give her insight into the essential role IRs have as liaisons between campuses and the statewide network. Their discussion explores how IR's facilitate networking through educational opportunities and initiatives like Young Women Strong Leaders, and Women of Color Collaborative, all of which is coupled with organizational support and aimed to foster and develop leadership among women in higher education.
Website: (about:blank) Saginaw Valley State University (https://www.svsu.edu/)
Website: (https://miacenetwork.org/portfolio/) MI-ACE Institutional Representative (https://miacenetwork.org/portfolio/)
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Website: (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/2026-mi-ace-conference/index.html) LCC Women's Network (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/index.html)
Website: (https://miacenetwork.org/) MI-ACE Women's Network (https://miacenetwork.org/)
27 Jan 2026
The Future of MI-ACE
This episode explores the future of the Michigan ACE Women's Network, the organization's evolution and its commitment to empowering women in higher education. Host Dr. Cynthia Rooker is joined by Dr. Reva Curry, to discuss the strategies that Michigan ACE is employing to address the dynamic landscape of higher education, emphasizing the critical importance of adaptability and resilience in leadership roles, particularly as institutions confront unprecedented changes.
Dr. Curry currently serves as Chief Academic Officer at Delta College where she services 170 full-time and 200 adjunct faculty, in over 140 programs. She supervises five academic divisions and learning support services including eLearning, the library and tutoring. She represents Delta as its Institutional Representative to the League of Innovation in Community Colleges, and is the State Chair of the MI-ACE Women’s Network Executive Board. She brings a wealth of experience in academic leadership, community engagement, and mentoring women across Michigan’s campuses.
Website (https://www.delta.edu/about-us/leadership/index.html): Delta College (https://www.delta.edu/)
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Website: (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/2026-mi-ace-conference/index.html) LCC Women's Network (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/index.html)
Website: (https://miacenetwork.org/) MI-ACE Women's Network (https://miacenetwork.org/)
13 Jan 2026
The History of MI-ACE Women’s Network With Dr. Kimberly M. Hurns
This episode delves into the rich history and mission of the Michigan chapter of the American Council on Education's Women's Network, commonly referred to as MI-ACE. We are joined by the esteemed Dr. Kimberly M. Hurns, who provides invaluable insights into her extensive involvement with the organization and the transformative impact it has had on women in higher education throughout the state.
Dr. Kimberly M. Hurns is a higher education professional with over 20 years of experience in community colleges, serving as business faculty, academic dean, and executive. As a first-generation college student, she is deeply passionate about college access and measurable student success. Dr. Hurns currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of Student Services at Oakland Community College and is a former State Chair of MI-ACE, where she has been a strong advocate for empowering women leaders.
Website: (https://www.oaklandcc.edu/) Oakland Community College (https://www.oaklandcc.edu/)
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Website: (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/2026-mi-ace-conference/index.html) LCC Women's Network (https://www.lcc.edu/womens-network/index.html)
Website: (https://miacenetwork.org/) MI-ACE Women's Network (https://miacenetwork.org/)
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