Season 5 Episode 7: Chéree Thomas

Today’s guest is Michelle “Mace” Curran. Michelle is driven, independent, determined, introspective, the keynote speaker at 2027’s HERd here in Detroit on February 19, and someone who is known for being a bit competitive. Michelle built an impressive career as a fighter pilot over 13 years in the United States Air Force. From 2019-2021, she flew as the only female pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds and performed for millions across the country and internationally. The University of St. Thomas also named Michelle the Distinguished Alumna of the Year in 2021. This is Michelle’s story.

Today’s guest is Chéree Thomas. Chéree is known for being generous, considerate of everyone’s time, a believer in possibilities, and is committed to making the world safer for survivors. Chéree is also the Co-Executive Director of the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. She believes the responsibility to protect victims should not be placed exclusively on the justice system; it should also be placed on the shoulders of the broader community. This is Chéree’s story.

Today’s guest is Mike Jbara. Mike is someone who is likely to engage with people, is curious, and is invested in inspiring others and supporting people’s care for one another. Mike is also the EVP and COO at The Lenbrook Media Group, where he is a dedicated, transformation-driven operations executive and is particularly comfortable building systems within creative, tech, and consumer brands, helping companies scale without compromising innovation or audience connection. This is Mike’s story.

Eliminating Financial Fear: Removing the Jump Scares for WomenTo access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s guest is Erik Meerschaert. Erik is known for his positivity, his dedication to creating belonging among young students, his passion for unified sports, his love of music (including Dave Matthews Band & Eminem), and he's often described as a ball of energy. Erik, or Mr. M, is also a special education teacher at Lake Orion High School and the 2026-27 Michigan Teacher of the Year! This is Erik’s story.

Today’s guest is Melissa Weisse. Melissa loves the arts and the ballet, is a person who sees both how large and small the world is, and is passionate about the impact Leader Dogs for the Blind has in people’s life. Melissa is also the President and Chief Executive Officer of Leader Dogs for the Blind, a globally recognized nonprofit empowering people who are blind or have low vision with lifelong skills for safe, independent travel through guide dog services, orientation and mobility training, and programs that remove barriers to independence. This is Melissa’s story. 

Today’s guest is Rashmi Airan. Rashmi is known to be courageous, kind, loyal, vulnerable, and loving. She is also a celebrated motivational speaker, cultural consultant, and former attorney whose journey from corporate law to overcoming a federal conviction has made her a powerful advocate for conscious and courageous leadership. This is Rashmi’s story.

Today’s guest is Daniel Schaffa. Daniel is funny, easy to talk to, studious, and someone who is known for being observant of others. Daniel is also a professor of law at the University of Richmond School of Law, where he studies tax and law & economics. He is one of a handful of humans with 5 degrees from the University of Michigan. Go blue! His tax research focuses on how the tax system can be designed to achieve socially desirable goals. This is Daniel’s story.

Today’s guest is Dr. Nicole (Nikki) Hamp. People who know Nikki best would describe her as an advocate, a dancer, and someone fiercely committed to supporting Michigan families' well-being. Nikki is also the Chief Health and Program Officer for the Autism Alliance of Michigan, a board-certified developmental behavioral pediatrician, and an adjunct clinical assistant professor within the division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at Michigan Medicine. This is Nikki’s story.

IRL: From Estes Park with LoveTo access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.