Oct 6, 2021
“I grew up in a very diverse community and a humble background and I decided that I wanted to share optimism not all the obstacles, because we get to choose how to get around obstacles…Everybody deserves a chance to get on the path that they want, and so those of us that can assist, we should.” Sandy Pierce
In this episode Denise talks to Sandy Pierce a Detroit native who rose from poverty to become the Chair of Hungington Bank and a respected leader in her field. The youngest of ten children, Sandy grew up above her parents’ bar in Detroit not even realizing her family wasn’t wealthy and she’s learned the value of education in choosing a life path. Immerse yourself in her remarkable story and the vital role her family played in her going to college. Sandy’s enthusiasm for her community and her city, the Motor City, is forward-thinking and contagious!
Find out from Sandy:
- Why big business needs to seek community input first
- Why she’s most proud of her bank’s efforts to help customers in need
- Why giving back is personal
- The one thing everyone is able to give
- Where she gets her aura of optimism
- Her GOLDEN NUGGET of wisdom for navigating corporate America and its board rooms
- The hidden benefit to wearing a school uniform
- Her secret to self-confidence (hint: think self-reliance)
Sandy Pierce, began her career as a teller while attending Detroit’s Wayne State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration and Marketing and earned a Master of Business Administration and Finance. She is now the Chair of Huntington Bank Michigan Private Client Group and Regional Bank Director. Sandy serves on multiple boards of directors and is actively involved in Detroit civic and business life. She and her husband of 40 years reside in Northville; have three children, two sons-in-law, and six grandchildren.
Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years. As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world. Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents.
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