Cynthia’s Mission

Cynthia's professional background is rooted in feminism, not TV. With a career in public relations and communications, she honed her skills in storytelling and outreach, working in small teams that allowed her to gain a deep understanding of generational dynamics and communication styles. Her civic service on her hometown’s school board and city council gave her a different view of power, ethics and leadership.

Armed with a mid-career master’s degree in organizational leadership, Cynthia applies Change Theory and leadership principles to podcast discussions. She offers listeners a nuanced perspective on cultural shifts and television's role in them. Her academic experience includes teaching a leadership seminar to undergraduate honors students, where she shared insights into the lessons embedded within television narratives.

Cynthia's podcast, Advanced TV Herstory, is now in its 12th year and serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of television history, feminism, gender studies and justice. She draws from her extensive research and understanding of pop culture to connect the dots between TV narratives and broader social and political movements. Her work highlights how television, as a cultural artifact, serves as a "home movie" for America, chronicling both strides in equity and ongoing dialogues about representation and agency.

Through her podcast, newsletter, and social media outreach, Cynthia engages with a diverse audience, fostering a community of listeners who share her passion for uncovering the stories behind the screen. By examining television archives and questioning the narratives presented, she encourages a deeper understanding of the cultural forces at play throughout the 20th century and beyond.

Cynthia's dedication to exploring these themes is not just academic; it is a personal mission to ensure that the stories of women and marginalized groups are recognized and celebrated for their contributions to the cultural landscape. She is a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the Chicago Writers' Association and The Loft Literary Center.