How have you helped improve organizations you’ve been a part of? 

I love solving problems and developing strategies for success. In all of my roles, I have come in thinking like an “intrapreneur,” looking for ways inside the structure of the organization to develop projects and plans that increase impact and effectiveness. At IPR, we have built a strong digital program, serving our listeners with podcasts, newsletters, streaming and an app, and have encouraged innovation in the entire team through the creation of an innovation fund, designed to test new ideas and develop new projects.

I have also focused on providing a healthy place to work, with stability and support for the work of all employees. When I arrived at IPR, the staff had been through some tough years, and so my emphasis was on providing a warm and safe environment, so the staff could focus on making great radio for our audience, rather than on distractions from the outside.

What motivates you? 

I am driven to create a kinder, gentler, more love-filled life for all. As a child of an educator and a librarian, I also believe knowledge is power. I have had some significant loss in my life, and it has led me to dig deep and find peace and meaning in both new and familiar places. My work has been about ensuring there are spaces for finding peace and joy, and satisfying curious minds.

Is there a memory or experience from your formative years that continues to influence your approach to life? 

So many, but here’s one: My summer months as a child were very free. We would head out the door in the morning and come back for lunch and dinner when the noon and 5 o’clock whistle blew. One friend and I would regularly plan a bike ride around the lake that was a few miles out of town, packing a lunch and 25 cents for an ice-cream treat on the way back. That sense of freedom and exploration, with some planning, has shaped my approach to work. You have your guardrails (need to be home by 5), you need to plan (take a lunch and a water bottle, make sure there’s air in your tires, wear your bathing suit under your shorts) and have a little fun while you’re at it (ice cream!).

What piece of advice would you give to others who hope to make a difference in their communities?

Lead with your heart, and act. We all need to participate in creating a better place to live our lives.

What is a favorite book, show, movie, podcast, etc., that you’d encourage others to consume? 

I’m enjoying the “Hidden Brain” podcast (and radio show!) right now.

How do you try to find balance and joy in the many activities you take part in? 

Daily yoga and nature walks are essential to my mental health. They help me slow down and enjoy the current moment, and center me for the work in front of me.

What is one of your guilty pleasures? 

Here’s two: chocolate chip ice cream and mystery novels.

What’s something many people don’t know about you? 

I spent much of my 30s and 40s pursuing outdoor adventures: trekking in Nepal, learning to ski moguls, backcountry hut skiing, long-distance running and mountain biking.

What do you consider the greatest barrier to gender equity? 

The imbalance in how much of home life and child care women need to manage compared to men.

Who is an empowering woman that you look up to? 

Liz Cheney inspires me right now. She is standing up for her beliefs amidst incredible criticism by her peers. I wish to be as strong as she is.

What will it take for women to achieve gender parity in leadership positions? 

We need to spend more energy in developing and supporting the self-esteem of girls and young women so they can better advocate for themselves in relationships, at work and in life in general. They are awesome and deserve the best!

What support would be most helpful for business leaders to provide for their women and nonbinary employees? 

Mentors or coaches who can help them navigate their career.

Fill in the blank: If gender equity were achieved, the world would look like ________.

The number of men and women taking on the primary role of caring for their children would be equal, and so would the number of male and female CEOs.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College, master’s degree in public administration from Harvard Kennedy School

Hometown: Ruthven, Iowa

Family: Rob Sunderman (partner) and Ozzie the cat

Hobbies: Hiking, yoga, gardening, reading fiction

Words to live by: Breathe! You can do this.

Three notable accomplishments

• Built the government relations program at the Outdoor Industry Association from the ground up.
• As a volunteer, helped raise $2 million in one month to save KUNC-FM in Greeley, Colo., and then led a strategic planning effort to put the newly independent station on a path for success.
• Led Iowa Public Radio through a period of significant transformation, including acquiring IPR’s 26-station network from the Iowa Board of Regents, reformulating IPR’s governance structure and leading IPR through a successful first-ever comprehensive campaign.

Watch Myrna’s remarks

See all of the past Women of Influence honorees