PORT HURON, Mich. – In recognition of March’s Women’s History Month, SC4’s DEI office will host a panel discussion on March 20, 2024, at 6 p.m. in SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre. Women Who Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is the theme as the discussion will explore and celebrate the experiences, inspiring perspectives, and achievements of successful leaders in the community.
A diverse representation of panelists will discuss a variety of topics to create a space for networking opportunities while attendees can gain insight on amplifying their personal and professional goals.
2024 SC4 Women’s History Month Panelists:
Brenda Tenniswood has served as St. Clair County RESA’s first female superintendent since July 1, 2022. She started at RESA in 2015 as Director of Education Services to support local districts in instruction, curriculum, and assessment best practices.
Brenda has served on many state-level committees and assisted with the development of the Essential Practices in Early and Elementary Literacy. Before joining RESA, Brenda served as an assistant
superintendent with the East China School District where she was responsible for K-12 curriculum and instruction. She is a passionate advocate for public education.
Kanchan Wankhede serves as the Director of Entrepreneurial Services and currently works for the St. Clair County EDA. She has 25 years of experience working with businesses and organizations in the United States, India, Europe, and Asia. Kanchan has led turnkey projects and HR teams in various businesses such as engineering, auto components, food and retail, and non-profits.
Kanchan has led several diversity initiatives in the organizations for which she has worked. She holds a Master of Human Resources and Organization Development degree. She is a Certified Success Coach and a Certified DEI Trainer who is also certified in DiSC profiling.
Dr. Randa Jundi-Samman, D.M.D was born and raised in Damascus, Syria, and came to the United States at age 22. She received a DDS degree from Damascus University Dental School in 1990 and her DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1993.
Dr. Jundi-Samman has been a General Dentist at Huron Dental in Port Huron since 1994.
She has many years of community leadership, awards, and accomplishments. Some of her community involvement includes serving on Port Huron Area School District’s Endowment Fund advisory board with time as board chair, Blue Water YMCA Y Foundation Board member, Community Foundation of St. Clair County Board of Directors Chair and Executive committee member and the Women’s Initiative steering committee member with time as committee chair.
Anita Ashford has a long history of community leadership and mentorship. She is currently serving the people of Port Huron in her 19th term on the Port Huron City Council. She also represents the council as the representative on the Blue Water Area Transit as Vice-Chair of the Board. Anita made history as the first Black woman to be elected Vice President of the Michigan Municipal League’s Board of Trustees and is currently serving as the First Vice President on the board of the Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (MBC-LEO) and on the Elected Officials Academy Board of Directors.
Ashford is a product of the Port Huron Area Schools, graduating from Port Huron Catholic High School and graduating from SC4 with an Associate in Criminal Justice. She graduated from Concordia University in Ann Arbor with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Administration and a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. She is a member of the Local Chapter of the NAACP and a Life Member through the State of Michigan.
This event is planned to encourage women in leadership and those who aspire to lead in their field. The goal is to leave community members feeling motivated and equipped to navigate their own journey toward success.
# # #
For media inquiries, please contact one of the following:
- Sarah Rutallie, Chief of Staff, at srutallie@sc4.edu or 810-989-5545
- Pete Lacey, Senior Vice President, at placey@sc4.edu or 810-989-5561
