About Michigan Women
Making civic life understandable so Michiganders can participate with clarity rather than confusion.
Who We Are
Michigan Women is a nonprofit that delivers accessible civic news and education with clear, nonpartisan explanations of candidates, ballot proposals, and legislation. We publish explainers, articles, interviews, newsletters, and podcasts, and host community discussions that help people engage with local and statewide issues.
Our content helps residents understand who represents them, what policies are being decided, and how those decisions affect daily life. All materials are free to the public, fact-checked, and designed to encourage open, respectful conversation and informed participation. As capacity grows, the organization will expand to include more contributors and regional coverage across Michigan.
We lead with a women-first lens because women have long been the community builders of Michigan—when women are informed and connected, communities thrive. Our vision is a Michigan where people engage confidently in civic life, conversations lead to solutions, and communities are strengthened through informed decisions that reflect the will of the people.
Our Structure
- We are actively working to obtain our official 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter and expect to finalize that process in the near future. Until then, donations are received as general contributions.
Small monthly gifts keep everything free and open—no paywalls, no nags.
Why Women?
Women in Michigan are eager to positively impact their communities but often feel powerless to do so. Barriers such as a lack of clear guidance, declining local news, and reluctance to speak out can leave many feeling disconnected from the decisions shaping their lives. They crave a trusted community where they can share knowledge, amplify their voices, and take collective action to drive change.
We focus on women because they play a vital role in shaping strong, connected communities. Historically, women have been catalysts for progress, fostering collaboration, understanding, and resilience in the face of challenges.
By creating a space specifically designed for women, we provide an environment where they can freely share ideas, ask questions, and support one another without fear of judgment or being overshadowed. This focus allows women to connect over shared experiences, build confidence, and develop solutions that reflect their unique perspectives and priorities.
While we prioritize uplifting women, we believe community progress thrives on inclusivity. We welcome anyone—regardless of gender—who shares our vision for a stronger, more connected Michigan.
By focusing on women’s voices, we strengthen the collective power of all community members to drive meaningful change together.
Core Values
Integrity
We operate with honesty, transparency, and respect for truth.
Collaboration
We foster open dialogue, democratic deliberation, and civil discussion.
Education
We believe informed citizens are the foundation of a stronger democracy.
Empowerment
We uplift communities by inspiring action and building supportive networks.
Democracy is Rooted in Community
Watch this short compilation of public voices discussing civic life in America that reflect themes we care about.
*These clips are for discussion only and should not be taken as endorsements of Michigan Women.
Our Foundation
I started working on the concept of Michigan Women in 2023 after running into the same frustration many of us share: scattered, jargon-heavy information about who represents us, what they’re doing, and what’s on the ballot.
My career in sales and marketing—including founding and leading Ascend Business Growth—has given me years of experience in asking questions, listening to uncover needs, and presenting ideas that solve problems.
Through that work I’ve also written, researched, and published countless articles, guides, and resources for clients, turning complex topics into clear, usable information. Those same skills now drive Michigan Women, where the goal is to bring clarity, foster real conversations, and help communities engage with the issues that matter most.
With Michigan Women, I’m bringing those skills home to create a trusted space where civic life is easier to understand, talk about, and act on together.
The Board of Directors
Our board reflects diverse professional backgrounds. Members serve as individuals committed to civic education and do not speak on behalf of their employers or institutions.
Tracey Slowdowski
Board Member
Tracey Slodowski serves as a Saginaw County Commissioner, where she participates on key committees including Budget/Audit, Human Services, the Saginaw County Zoo Authority, the Animal Care & Control Advisory Council, and the Executive Committee. She brings experience in local government, public budgeting, and community services oversight. Tracey is pursuing her Bachelor of Applied Science in Political Science and Public Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University and holds an Associate of Science degree in Paralegal Studies from Delta College. She has a strong interest in public service, civic responsibility, and community engagement in Saginaw County.
Tracey serves on the Michigan Women board in an individual capacity.
Paula Love
Board Member
Paula Love is the Senior Director of Engagement for Major Gifts and Planned Giving at Samaritas Foundation, one of Michigan’s largest human services nonprofits. She has 15+ years of experience in fundraising, nonprofit leadership, strategic communications, and donor engagement. Paula has led regional and national fundraising efforts for organizations including MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and Pink Purse, helping build donor programs, partnerships, and growth strategies. She specializes in strategic messaging and relationship development and brings deep experience in nonprofit leadership and community impact.
Paula serves on the Michigan Women board in an individual capacity.
Megan VanKuiken
Board Member
Megan VanKuiken is the Director of Development at RAICES, a national nonprofit providing legal and social services to immigrants and refugees. She has over a decade of experience in nonprofit fundraising and donor strategy, specializing in major gifts, campaign development, and sustainable revenue growth. Megan has held leadership roles at RAICES, Lambda Legal, and Equality Pennsylvania and brings a mission-driven approach to building strong donor communities. She is originally from Michigan and is passionate about advocacy, equity, and strengthening civic participation.
Megan serves on the Michigan Women board in an individual capacity.
Angela Conway
Board Member
Angela Conway is the Director of Finance at Production Management One, where she leads financial strategy and business operations for a national event production company. She has more than a decade of experience in financial leadership roles, including budgeting, strategic planning, and process improvement. Angela brings a strong background in organizational accountability and financial stewardship.
Angela serves on the Michigan Women board in an individual capacity.
Content Disclaimer: The information published on www.michwomen.com is compiled from publicly available sources and is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the material, Michigan Women makes no representations or warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or timeliness. Michigan Women is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and does not engage in political campaigning or express support for or opposition to any candidate, party, or legislation. The views expressed in our educational materials do not represent those of any individual, organization, or government entity.