Executive Alliance Podcast

Rebecca Snyder
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Stories from and about women leaders in Maryland. Hosted by Rebecca Snyder and Christine Walsh of Executive Alliance.

  1. Oct 8

    E17: Leading through Legacy at the AFRO with Frances "Toni" Draper

    In this episode, Rebecca talks with Dr. Frances "Toni" Draper, fourth-generation publisher of the AFRO American Newspapers, celebrating its 134th anniversary this year as the oldest continuously operating Black-owned newspaper in the country. Draper traces the paper's origin story back to her great-grandfather John Henry Murphy Sr., a formerly enslaved Union Army veteran who purchased the AFRO's name and printing press with $200 from his wife Martha, and recounts how generations of Murphy women, from a board member to a Coppin professor, helped build and sustain the family business through wars, segregation, and changing technology. They also discuss Draper's own path into journalism, from being handed the family checkbook as a teenager to being named publisher in 2018, and how she balances honoring the paper's traditions with evolving for a new media landscape. The conversation closes with Draper's reflections on ministry as a calling beyond the pulpit, her leadership philosophy of being "firm but fair," and the legacy she hopes to leave at the AFRO and beyond.

    E17: Leading through Legacy at the AFRO with Frances "Toni" Draper

  2. Oct 1

    E16: Distinguished Women of Girl Scouts of Central Maryland

    In this episode, Rebecca sits down with four Distinguished Women honorees from Girl Scouts of Central Maryland's signature fundraiser: Shelly Elliott of Holmatro, Karen Bond of the Judge Alexander Williams Center, Jill Reamer of Peak Partners USA, and Ellen Shiery of Merrill Lynch. The group discusses what the honor means to them, from Karen's reflection on what it means to be seen and affirmed as a woman in 2026, to Ellen's data on how little philanthropic giving reaches women- and girl-focused organizations. They share personal stories of being seen and mentored, including Karen's memory of a boss who made her feel valued through the smallest gestures, and Shelly's story of failing her first college exam and being pulled back up by a mentor who refused to let her get lost in the shuffle. They also dig into how community and belonging get built, from Karen's philosophy of "talking to every stranger" to Ellen's take on loneliness among girls and adults alike, and how putting down phones can rebuild connection. The conversation turns to the mentorship pairing each honoree will do with a high school Girl Scout, and closes with Ellen's note on the generational wealth transfer headed toward women in the decades ahead. The Distinguished Women Awards event takes place November 12th at Preston Hall in Baltimore.

    E16: Distinguished Women of Girl Scouts of Central Maryland

  3. Sep 24

    E15: Adapting through Change with Shelly Elliott of Holmatro

    In this episode, Rebecca talks with Shelly Elliott, CEO of Holmatro, about leading a manufacturer of life-saving rescue equipment through decades of change. Elliott, a chemical engineer by training, traces her unconventional path from Exxon Mobil's refining world to Alcoa Arconic's window manufacturing and finally to Holmatro, where she leads a company that builds the cutter, spreader, and ram tools first responders use to extricate people from car crashes, and increasingly, forcible-entry tools for law enforcement and schools. She discusses Holmatro's decades-long partnership with IndyCar's safety team, what happens on scene in the critical minutes after a crash, and how she's helped broaden the company's mission beyond firefighters to military, federal, and law enforcement markets. They also dig into Elliott's leadership philosophy, from the six core values that guide hiring and strategy at Holmatro, to a defining moment early in her tenure when she halted production over a quality concern rather than hit a revenue target. Elliott shares how team sports shaped her approach to leadership, how motherhood and a supportive partner have reshaped her relationship with work, and the advice she'd give to other women and to her own younger self about taking risks, changing course, and staying grounded through it all.

    E15: Adapting through Change with Shelly Elliott of Holmatro

  4. Sep 17

    E14: Disrupting Excuses with Pam Love

    Rebecca Snyder sits down with Dr. Pam Love, Board Chair of Executive Alliance and President and Chief Learning Officer of DP Love Enterprises, for a conversation about “disrupting excuses” and what it takes to move past the stories and limiting beliefs that can keep us from reaching our goals. Pam shares how self-awareness, emotional regulation, mentorship, and recognizing the patterns that hold us back can help us make meaningful progress in both our personal and professional lives. The conversation explores Pam’s approach to leadership development, coaching, and helping others finish what they start. She discusses the importance of asking for support, learning to advocate for yourself, mentoring those coming behind you, and approaching leadership with both compassion and accountability. From overcoming her own doubts to helping others navigate trauma, career challenges, and major life transitions, Pam offers a powerful reminder to “make progress, not excuses.”

    E14: Disrupting Excuses with Pam Love

  5. Sep 10

    E13: You Don't Have to Achieve to be Loved with Becca Pearce

    Rebecca Snyder is joined by Becca Pearce, executive coach, leadership expert, and author of You Don't Have to Achieve to Be Loved, for a candid conversation about the relationship between achievement, self-worth, and leadership. Becca shares how spending decades pursuing the next title, salary, or accomplishment shaped her understanding of success—and how a major life wake-up call prompted her to reconsider what she truly valued. The conversation explores why achievement can become tied to our sense of belonging and worth, particularly for high-achieving women, and why separating ambition from self-worth can be so transformative. Becca discusses reinvention, leadership, coaching, and finding a life that feels meaningful beyond professional accomplishments, offering an encouraging perspective for anyone questioning what success really means.

    E13: You Don't Have to Achieve to be Loved with Becca Pearce

  6. Sep 3

    E12: MD Business Prosperity Summit with Christine Lee

    Rebecca Snyder is joined by Christine Lee, an executive leader, scientist, pharmacist, entrepreneur, and public servant, to discuss her journey from federal leadership to entrepreneurship and her commitment to expanding access and opportunity. Christine shares how her mission-driven career has centered on amplifying voices that are often left out of the conversation and turning those voices into meaningful action. Christine also discusses the challenges of starting a business, the importance of mentorship and access to resources, and the inspiration behind the Maryland Business Prosperity Summit. The event brings together resources for entrepreneurs, including access to capital, mentorship, accounting and HR support, office space, and other tools to help small businesses succeed. Christine explains why creating connections and making these resources easier to access can help entrepreneurs stay on the journey and turn their visions into reality. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prosperity-small-business-event-tickets-1994881499265

    E12: MD Business Prosperity Summit with Christine Lee

  7. Aug 23

    E11: Getting your First Board Seat with Suzanne Miglucci

    Rebecca Snyder is joined by Suzanne Miglucci, former public company CEO and CMO, corporate director, governance leader, and board readiness coach, to discuss what it really takes to earn your first corporate board seat. Suzanne shares lessons from her own journey into the boardroom and explains why successful executives need to shift their mindset from operating a business to providing governance and oversight. The conversation covers how to build a board-ready network, understand the skills a board is seeking, package your experience effectively, and tell your career story in a way that demonstrates your value as a director. Suzanne also emphasizes the importance of mentorship, asking for opportunities, and getting firsthand exposure to boardrooms before making the transition.

    E11: Getting your First Board Seat with Suzanne Miglucci

  8. Aug 20

    E10: 2026 Legislative Wrap with Ariana Kelly of the Maryland Commission for Women

    Rebecca Snyder is joined by Ariana Kelly, Executive Director of the Maryland Commission for Women and former Maryland state legislator, for a look at the major issues affecting women across Maryland and the work coming out of the 2026 legislative session. Ariana discusses the Commission's three policy priorities—women's health and safety, women in the workforce and society, and the care economy—and highlights progress on menopause care, paid family and medical leave, childcare, and women's economic security. The conversation also explores where Maryland still has work to do, including women's representation in elected office, pay equity, retirement security, and support for caregivers. Ariana reflects on her years in the legislature, the importance of building political capital and working collaboratively, and her vision for the Commission's long-term efforts to advance policies that allow all women to thrive. https://dhs.maryland.gov/documents/Initiatives/Maryland%20Womens%20Commission/News%20and%20Publicati...

    E10: 2026 Legislative Wrap with Ariana Kelly of the Maryland Commission for Women
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About

Stories from and about women leaders in Maryland. Hosted by Rebecca Snyder and Christine Walsh of Executive Alliance.

Information

  • Creator
    Rebecca Snyder
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rebecca Snyder
  • Show Website
    Executive Alliance Podcast