Public Media from Michigan State University

Resilient, Brave and More Powerful Than Your Fears | Apr. 13, 2020

Secretary of State Madeleine Albright with WKAR's Susi Elkins backstage at Wharton Center Pasant Theater, Feb. 19, 2020
Gary Shewsbury

Notes from Susi

“Know that deep inside you are resilient, brave and so much stronger and more powerful than your fears.” – Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

Dear Friends,

This past February, I had the great privilege of meeting Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. She was the featured speaker for the Blanchard Public Service Forum at Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre.

Having been chosen to introduce the first speaker, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, I felt honored to be included and excited that WKAR was able to record the event to create a later WKAR TV special.

Secretary Albright was gracious, kind and appreciative of the work that we do through public media. She encouraged me to be strong, persistent and continue to thrive, even when life presents challenges.

Neither of us could foresee what was to unfold one short month later. But her wise words resonated with me at the time, and have become something of a salve for me since.

Perhaps they’ll bring you some comfort as well.

Be well and stay safe,

Susi Elkins
General Manager and Director of Broadcasting
WKAR Public Media
 

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Susi Elkins served as director of broadcasting and general manager of WKAR Public Media at Michigan State University from March 2017 to May 2022. WKAR is home to public radio and television for the Michigan capital region, bringing the best of PBS, PBS Kids, NPR and award-winning original content to more than 500,000 mid-Michigan residents each week.