The Michigan Women’s Commission (MWC) will hold a virtual public meeting on Monday, August 10, 2020 at 1:00 pm. The Commission will hear reports from Committees on Visible Authentic Leadership, Unlocking Opportunities, Financial Freedom and Implicit Bias. The Commission will also welcome seven new gubernatorial appointees. The meeting will be led by incoming Commission Chair, Muna Jondy.
“Our new class of Commissioners bring a broad spectrum of diverse life experiences and professional expertise to the Commission,” said MWC Executive Director Cheryl Bergman. “Their talents are vital to the Commission’s efforts to promote policies that move Michigan closer to achieving true gender equity.”
“I am truly honored to be named Chair of the Michigan Women’s Commission,” said Commission Chair Muna Jondy. “This is an important time to focus on the unique challenges Michigan women face in work, family, safety and health situations, and I’m proud to help launch the Commission’s new policy priorities and learning opportunities to improve women’s lives.”
To participate in the meeting via Zoom, go to: https://remotecounsel.zoom.us/j/98977916973.
To participate via iPhone one-tap, use one of these numbers: +13017158592,,98977916973# or +13126266799,,98977916973#.
To participant via telephone, call one of these numbers: +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833. Webinar ID: 989 7791 6973.
To view the meeting via Facebook, go to: https://www.facebook.com/miwomenscommission.
To view the meeting via YouTube, go to: https://youtu.be/F_29m8b9IhU.
The Commission meeting will include a public comment period. For detailed information on submitting comments during the meeting or in advance in writing, go to: https://bit.ly/3i8JwCd.
The seven newly appointed members of the Commission are:
- Danielle K. Atkinson, of Royal Oak, is the founding director of Mothering Justice. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Political Science from Pfeiffer University. Ms. Atkinson is appointed for a term commencing July 16, 2020 and expiring July 15, 2023. She succeeds Margaret Wheeler Derrer whose previous term expired July 15, 2020.
- Catherine Hendrian, of Plymouth, is the senior vice president of people and culture for CMS Energy and its principal subsidiary, Consumers Energy. Ms. Hendrian was first appointed to the Commission in 2017. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in human resources and organizational development from Eastern Michigan University. Ms. Hendrian is appointed for a new term commencing July 16, 2020 and expiring July 15, 2021. She succeeds Renee Haley who has resigned.
- Sabala R. Mandava, M.D., of Bloomfield Hills, is a senior staff radiologist and director of the Division of Breast Imaging at Henry Ford Hospital. She earned her medical degree from the Guntar Medical College in India, had her internship with Hurley Medical Center, residency in diagnostic radiology at Michigan State University, and fellowship in women’s imaging at Henry Ford Hospital. Dr. Mandava is appointed for a term commencing July 16, 2020 and expiring July 15, 2023. She succeeds Christine Etienne whose term expired July 15, 2020.
- Faye Nelson, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is the director of Michigan programs for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Mercy College of Detroit and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit School of Law. Ms. Nelson is appointed for a term commencing July 16, 2020 and expiring July 15, 2023. She succeeds Barbara Land whose term expired July 15, 2020.
- Vivian Rogers Pickard, of Bloomfield Hills, is the president and CEO of the Pickard Group, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Administration from Ferris State University, a Master of Business Administration in Personnel Management from Central Michigan University, and an honorary doctorate from Ferris State University. Ms. Pickard is appointed for a term commencing July 16, 2020 and expiring July 15, 2023. She succeeds Catherine Hendrian whose previous term expired July 15, 2020.
- Misti M. Rice, of Rochester Hills, is the executive director of government affairs for Magna International, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Northeastern State University, Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Tulsa. Ms. Rice is appointed for a term commencing July 16, 2020 and expiring July 15, 2023. She succeeds Krista Haroutunian whose term expired July 15, 2020.
- Margaret Wheeler Derrer, of Grand Rapids, is the founder and principal of Greater Good Partners, LLC. Ms. Wheeler Derrer was first appointed to the Commission in 2014. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from Cedarville College. Ms. Wheeler Derrer is appointed for a new term commencing July 16, 2020 and expiring July 15, 2021. She succeeds Cathleen Knauf who has resigned.
- Muna Jondy, of Flushing, has been named the new Chair of the Commission. Jondy is an attorney and owner of her private practice, The Law Office of Muna Jondy, and a cooperating attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, as a member of the MI ACLU Lawyers Committee for Flint. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Manitoba Law School and Master of Laws in Public Law from the Michigan State University College of Law. Ms. Jondy was appointed to the Commission in 2019. The Governor has designated Ms. Jondy to serve as Chairperson of the Commission.
If you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, please contact the MWC at 517-241-9649. Please use the Michigan Relay System 711 or email the Michigan Women’s Commission at mdcr-womenscomm@michigan.gov.
The Michigan Women's Commission was created by statute in 1968. The Commission’s duties include reviewing the status of women in Michigan, directing attention to critical problems confronting women, recommending ways of overcoming discrimination, enabling women to develop skills, conducting surveys, and recognizing women's accomplishments and contributions to Michigan.
