The Leading Ladies of Economic Development

Kaycee Bunch

This podcast is a safe place for female economic development professionals to share stories, insights, and challenges of the economic development industry. We hear from women leaders across the country about their careers in ED and how you can apply their experiences to your own economic development career goals.

  1. FEB 6

    How Planning, Structure, and Collaboration Shape Economic Development Outcomes │Amalia Cunningham, AICP

    In this episode of the Leading Ladies of Economic Development podcast, Kaycee interviews Amalia Cunningham, AICP, owner and principal of Amalia Cunningham Consulting. They discuss Amalia's extensive experience in economic development, spanning over 20 years in local government before starting her own consulting practice. The conversation covers key topics, including the integration of planning and economic development, effective resource allocation, and the challenges and solutions for developers and local government staff in fostering community growth. Key insights include the importance of understanding local regulations, the impact of organizational structure on economic development outcomes, and the need for collaboration among stakeholders. In this episode, we explore: The transition from public-sector leadership to private consulting. Amalia explains the key differences between working inside local government and advising from the outside, and how her background enables her to bridge gaps among policy, planning, and implementation. Practical guidance for developers and local stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of understanding municipal processes, zoning, and regulatory frameworks. Organizational structures (restructures) and their impact on effectiveness. Amalia explains when restructuring economic development departments makes sense, what local governments should consider during the process, and how structure can either enable or hinder results. Quotable: “ No matter what side of the table you're sitting on, if you're an economic developer, if you're the private sector trying to do a project, I always try to approach my work and my practice assuming the best intentions from everyone else involved.” Resources and Links Connect with Amalia Cunningham on LinkedIn Amalia Cunningham Consulting News and Views American Planning Association, "Where Should Economic Development Live?" Special Guest: Amalia Cunningham, AICP.

    27 min

  2. JAN 9

    Balancing Community Growth and Preservation │Janet Carlson

    In this Season 3 kick-off episode of the Leading Ladies of Economic Development podcast, Janet Carlson, CEO and Creative Director of the One Eleven Group. Janet discusses her career journey, the strategic move from New York to Cornwall, Connecticut, and her extensive community involvement in Cornwall. She sheds light on how the remote work revolution has impacted local economies and offers advice on maintaining a healthy work-life balance while leading a business. Janet also delves into the unique challenges and benefits of marketing a small town, and the importance of setting boundaries in public service roles. In this episode, we explore: Community marketing and branding insights, focusing on campaign strategies and the results they achieved. Why embracing flexibility in the workplace has become essential. Insights on leadership and public service. Quotable: “  You can't control what people think about you. All you can control is your reaction. There are people who will love you. There are people who do not. Their business, not yours.” Resources and Links Connect with Janet Carlson on LinkedIn One Eleven Group | It starts with a plan. Town of Cornwall, Connecticut Special Guest: Janet Carlson.

    37 min

  3. 12/05/2025

    Building Equity and Empowering Change in Workforce Development │Stephanie Bradley

    This episode of Leading Ladies of Economic Development features a heartfelt and empowering conversation with Stephanie Bradley, a respected workforce development expert and the visionary behind Platinum Bell Consulting. Stephanie shares her personal journey—one marked by resilience, reinvention, and a deep commitment to helping people access meaningful opportunity. She and host Kaycee Bunch explore the challenges faced by marginalized communities, the transformative role of DEI in workforce systems, and what it truly takes for organizations to support people at every level. Filled with personal stories, practical wisdom, and genuine inspiration, this conversation is a masterclass in people-first culture, courageous advocacy, and creating pathways for all to thrive. In this episode, we explore: How effective workforce development goes far beyond job placement—it reshapes communities. Stephanie discusses the power of providing people with the right tools, support, and opportunities, and shares real examples of how workforce programs can change the trajectory of individuals and families. Complex realities of leading within workforce systems. Stephanie outlines persistent barriers—including funding constraints, siloed partnerships, and evolving employer needs—while also highlighting emerging opportunities to modernize training, elevate collaboration, and build more responsive systems. A troubling contradiction: Black women attain higher levels of education at increasing rates, yet face disproportionately high unemployment and underemployment. Stephanie offers data-informed context and personal reflections on the structural and cultural factors contributing to this gap. Strategies for pushing past limiting beliefs, recognizing one’s own power, and navigating environments that may not initially feel welcoming or supportive. Quotable: “  Because when you get uncomfortable, it creates growth. It creates change, it creates a space for organizations and people to kind of hold a mirror up to themselves and say, what can I do differently?” Resources and Links Connect with Stephanie Bell-Bradley on LinkedIn Connect with Platinum Bell Consulting, LLC on LinkedIn The Paradox: Most Educated, Yet Facing Rising Unemployment Special Guest: Stephanie Bradley.

    1h 2m

  4. 11/07/2025

    Navigating Economic Growth: Insights from Kimberly Rossetti at BE NKY Growth Partnership

    In this episode of the Leading Ladies of Economic Development podcast, Kaycee interviews Kimberly Rosetti, who shares her 20-year journey in economic development, from working at the Chamber of Commerce in Lexington, Kentucky to her current role at Be NKY Growth Partnership. Kimberly emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community impact, and balancing professional growth with family decisions. She also discusses several initiatives at Be NKY, including data-informed community dashboards and workforce development programs, and offers advice for young professionals in the field. In this episode, we explore: The importance of mentoring, Kimberly’s commitment to community growth, and the strategic evolution of Be NKY. Northern Kentucky's unique economic landscape, BE NKY’s data-driven initiatives, and workforce development efforts. The significance of professional development, networking, and maintaining a clear organizational 'why' for long-term success. Quotable: “  Claim my seat at the table. It sounds somewhat cliche, but, not sitting in the back, not sitting on the sides, but sitting at the table with these decision makers.” Resources and Links Connect with Kimberly Rossetti on LinkedIn Be NKY Growth Partnership Northern Kentucky Atlas Deliver Customized Workforce Solutions – BE NKY Special Guest: Kimberly Rossetti.

    29 min

  5. 10/10/2025

    The Ripple Effect of Personal Growth: How Improving Individuals Benefits the Community│Rebecca Undem

    In this episode of the Leading Ladies of Economic Development Podcast, we welcome Rebecca Undem! This episode emphasizes the profound belief that personal improvement leads to broader positive changes. It delves into how individual growth translates to better outcomes for the entire community. In this episode, we explore: The belief that personal improvement leads to broader positive impacts in all areas of life. Investing in people and how that can impact your local development perspective. How to invite your community into placemaking, bit by bit. Quotable: “ I just genuinely believe that when people get better, everything gets better.” Resources and Links Connect with Rebecca Undem on LinkedIn Growing Small Towns Special Guest: Rebecca Undem.

    32 min

  6. 08/01/2025

    Venture Capital and Wellness with Bold Ventures│Lindsay Karas Stencel & Danielle Blount

    In this episode of the Leading Ladies of Economic Development Podcast, we welcome Lindsey Karas Stencel and Danielle Blount, of Bold Ventures, to discuss how traditional venture capital can align profit with wellness. Lindsey shares her journey through various high-stress roles that led to the creation of Bold Ventures, a $30 million venture capital fund focused on underserved founders in key sectors. Both guests highlight the significance of taking care of the mental, physical, and financial health of founders. They also address common misconceptions about venture capital, the importance of collaboration with economic development partners, and their unique approach through the nonprofit Boulder. Danielle emphasizes the need for real-world entrepreneurial experience over theoretical courses, and the episode closes with their insights on creating an environment that prioritizes human assets in business growth. In this episode, we explore: The counterintuitive idea that sometimes the best solution is to do less, challenging the norms of our capitalistic society. By reducing our commitments and focusing on what truly matters, we open ourselves to an abundance of time, creativity, and energy that can lead to more meaningful achievements. The importance of putting founders first and how VC’s can achieve that. Quotable: “ Sometimes, the answer is do less.” Resources and Links Connect with Lindsay Karas Stencel on LinkedIn Connect with Danielle Blount on LinkedIn BOLD Ventures | Be One, Live Determined BOLDER Inc BOLDER Book Club Launch Special Guests: Danielle Blount and Lindsay Karas Stencel.

    36 min

  7. 06/06/2025

    Empowering Small Towns: Success Stories and Practical Steps│Deb Brown

    In this episode of Leading Ladies of Economic Development, Deb Brown, co-founder of Save Your Town and author of From Possibilities to Reality, shares her journey from rural Iowa to her national work revitalizing small towns. She discusses the founding of Savior Town and introduces the “idea friendly” approach—a method centered on small, actionable steps and community collaboration. The conversation highlights success stories, the value of kindness and inclusivity, and advice for towns navigating change. Deb also shares insights from her book, emphasizing that rural communities can build a better future by listening to residents and taking practical, incremental actions. In this episode, we explore: Starting with small, actionable steps and focusing on community collaboration can lead to significant improvements. Advice for communities feeling stuck between the old and new ways of doing things. How rural communities can create a brighter future by listening to their residents and taking incremental actions. Quotable: “ You get a lot further taking small steps than trying to do it all at once.” Resources and Links Connect with Deb Brown on LinkedIn Save Your Town From Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town with these Uniquely Do-able Ideas, Projects, and Success Stories Special Guest: Deb Brown.

    42 min

  8. 05/02/2025

    Navigating Shared Experiences: A Collaborative Approach in Oregon │Krismin Inocentes Bell & Nicole Davison Leon

    Join host Kaycee Bunch as she engages in a compelling discussion with Krismin Inocentes Bell, Executive Director of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon, and Nicole Davison Leon, Executive Director of the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber. The conversation emphasizes supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs, the necessity of holistic approaches in economic development, and the significant partnership through the Community Economic Coalition (CEC). In this episode, we explore: We explore why having a mentor who shares your background, culture, or lived experiences can make all the difference in personal and professional growth. The Community Economic Coalition-aiming to create a small business campus as a centralized resource hub, reflecting a shift from reactive efforts to proactive strategies. The importance of collaboration, digital literacy, and storytelling in navigating challenges and achieving long-term success for minority-owned businesses. Quotable: "I think for us, we just realized the power of coming together and disrupting the system.” Resources and Links Connect with Krismin Inocentes Bell on LinkedIn Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon (PACCO) Connect with Nicole Davison Leon on LinkedIn Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber Special Guests: Krismin Inocentes Bell and Nicole Davison León.

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

This podcast is a safe place for female economic development professionals to share stories, insights, and challenges of the economic development industry. We hear from women leaders across the country about their careers in ED and how you can apply their experiences to your own economic development career goals.

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