EmpowerHer Speaker Series: Michele Tuck-Ponder on Resilience, Authenticity, and Community

At the Center for Modern Aging Princeton, our EmpowerHer speaker series was created to highlight the transformative power of women’s voices. Every month, we welcome a woman who has made a significant impact in her field and who embodies the spirit of resilience, authenticity, and leadership. In June 2024, we were privileged to hear from Michele Tuck-Ponder, a woman whose journey is as inspiring as it is instructive.

Michele Tuck-Ponder is a woman of many talents and titles: lawyer, journalist, former mayor, author, CEO, and, perhaps most intriguingly, a passionate quilter. Her talk at the Center was a beautiful reflection of how these diverse roles have woven together into the rich tapestry of her life. Michele’s story is one of adaptability, resilience, and the constant pursuit of authenticity.

The Art of Adaptation: Lessons from Quilting

Michele began her talk by sharing her love for quilting, an art form that has become a metaphor for her life. In quilting, as in life, things don’t always go as planned — colors may clash, patterns might not align, and sometimes, the whole project needs to be set aside and revisited later. Michele emphasized that this process of adaptation is not just necessary but beautiful. It’s about finding new ways forward, whether in quilting or in facing the challenges of being a Black woman in America. For Michele, and for so many others, success has required innovation and improvisation.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

One of the most powerful themes of Michele’s talk was resilience. She shared personal stories of facing adversity — whether it was the loss of her hair due to an autoimmune condition, the challenges of navigating a career in a society steeped in racism, or the emotional toll of caring for loved ones with chronic illnesses. Michele’s message was clear: resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about rising every time we fall, even when the path forward is uncertain.

Embracing Authenticity

Michele also spoke passionately about the importance of authenticity, especially for women of color. She recounted her own experiences of being judged and underestimated, and how she has learned that true success comes from embracing one’s identity fully and unapologetically. In a world that often tries to silence or diminish the voices of Black women, Michele’s journey is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself.

Community as a Source of Strength

Service to the community has been a cornerstone of Michele’s life and career. From leading nonprofits like the Girl Scouts and women’s advocacy organizations to serving in public office, Michele has dedicated herself to making a difference. She reminded us that true leadership is not about power, but about lifting others up and working together to overcome challenges.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Conversation

Michele Tuck-Ponder’s visit to the Center for Modern Aging Princeton in June was not just a lecture; it was an invitation to reflect, to grow, and to continue building a community that values resilience, authenticity, and service. As we look forward to our next EmpowerHer event, we carry with us the lessons Michele shared, knowing that each of us has the power to create beauty and strength from the challenges we face.

We are excited to announce that our next guest in the EmpowerHer series will be Leticia Fraga, who will join us on Monday, September 23, from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Leticia’s journey as a leader and advocate promises to be just as inspiring, and we look forward to welcoming you all to continue this important conversation.