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. 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
  3. 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

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.