ABOUT STILL I RISE

Women face unique challenges in navigating career advancement, work-life balance, and leadership development. We may experience pockets of support, but rarely is there the type of sustained support and guidance we all need to navigate our career journey.

Still I Rise educates, empowers and equips women in their career journey. We are on a mission to create supportive networks where women in leadership can thrive, grow, and inspire others. Our vision is to cultivate a local community of strong, influential women leaders driving positive change across all industries.

Empowering women to embrace who they are, define their future, and change the world.

CEO + Founder

Paula D. Cunningham

Paula has spent her distinguished career breaking barriers and building bridges—from becoming the first woman to serve as President of Lansing Community College (LCC), to being the first African American woman in the country to be President/CEO of a majority-owned bank.

A visionary leader, Paula has consistently turned bold ideas into lasting institutions, including the creation of innovative educational models, business networks, and financial initiatives that serve underrepresented communities.

Her work has earned her numerous recognitions— Paula has been inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, is an ATHENA Award recipient, the administration building on LCC’s campus is named in her honor, and she received the Michigan Black Caucus Members of Congress Trailblazer Award, just to name a few.

Her values—rooted in servant leadership, lifelong learning, and purposeful living—guide her work empowering others, especially women and young leaders, to discover their potential and rise with confidence.

Whether speaking on national stages, mentoring future trailblazers, or planting seeds of change in her hometown of Lansing, Paula leads with vision, heart, and hope.

Executive Consultant

Dr. Sonya Gunnings-Moton

Sonya made history as the first Black Associate Dean in the College of Education at Michigan State University, where she also served as Senior Advisor to the Provost. A trailblazer in urban education, Dr. Gunnings-Moton developed the College’s foundational urban education program—work that continues to shape educators and communities nationwide. In recognition of her transformative contributions, a distinguished lecture series now bears her name.

Her impact extends far beyond the university. As co-owner of Meridian Professional Psychological Consultants, Sonya has long championed mental health and cultural competence in counseling. She has held leadership roles with the Association of Black Psychologists and the American Counseling Association, and served as Associate Editor of the Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development.

A published author and nationally recognized thought leader, Dr. Gunnings-Moton co-authored Leadership through Professional Learning Communities (McGraw-Hill) and is a proud recipient of the MSU College of Education Distinguished Alumni Award.

Her legacy continues to inspire generations of changemakers committed to equity, inclusion, and transformative leadership.

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