Governor Gretchen Whitmer brings humor, hope, and heart to Miami

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer brought her trademark mix of grit, humor, and empathy to Coral Gables Congregational Church on Sunday afternoon, joining Maribel Pérez Wadsworth for a lively discussion about leadership, resilience, and her new young adult memoir True Gretch.

The event, co-hosted by Books & Books and the Knight Foundation, drew a full house of Miami Democrats and community members eager to hear from the woman once nicknamed "That Woman from Michigan," and now proudly known as "Big Gretch."

"I knew it was going to be important to put some light out into the world," Whitmer said. "As I've governed Michigan and traveled outside the state, people ask, 'How do you stay positive when things are so heavy?' This book is ten short chapters of things that helped me get through my hardest days."

Finding Light When the World Feels Heavy

Whitmer spoke about her mother's influence and how humor has been her "superpower" during difficult times. "If we could laugh together, you could get through the next part of the day," she said, recalling moments caring for her mother, who battled brain cancer.

She added that keeping a sense of humor as a public servant doesn't trivialize hardship - it helps her stay human. "It doesn't make everything better," she said, "but being able to laugh at yourself and find something light in the moment can alleviate a little pressure. That's what this book is meant to do."

Her warmth and candor made the church feel more like a living room than a lecture hall. "We've shared a whole life together today," Whitmer smiled, "and it feels good."

"Big Gretch" and the Power of Reclaiming a Name

Whitmer recounted the story behind her now-famous nickname, born during the height of the pandemic when she became a target of attacks - including a violent kidnapping plot. "It was really hot and hard," she recalled. "And one day, someone on my team said, 'Do you know what people in Detroit are calling you?' I thought, 'Oh God, no, what?' And she said, 'Big Gretch.'"

"They bestowed it on me with love," Whitmer explained, laughing. "Because I was standing up to the guy in Washington, fighting for them, keeping people safe - and I've got sweaters. So I embraced it."

That sense of humor - resilient and self-aware - has become part of Whitmer's political signature.

On Leadership and Connection

Whitmer emphasized that politics should be about connection and service, not spectacle. "Trying to connect what government does to people's everyday lives has been a mission for me," she explained. "It's distressing when people feel unseen and don't take an active role. There's a lot of work for all of us to do on that front."

She also reflected on what it means to lead in polarized times, saying she believes in working with any administration in Washington when it helps Michiganders - while never compromising her principles. "I'm always going to put the people of Michigan first," Whitmer said. "Even if I get ridiculed by national pundits or get threats from right-wing militias - that's my job."

She acknowledged that cooperation with Washington isn't always comfortable, recalling one visit where she found herself unexpectedly pulled into a national press event. "I was there to advocate for resources after an ice storm and support for our National Guard," she said. "That's what leadership means: showing up for your people, even when it's uncomfortable."

A Call to Young People

Whitmer's True Gretch has been adapted for young adults, with new stories from her own youth and resources for those facing challenges. "I want young people to see that they can make a big difference," she said. "A young person can bring a lot more votes than they can cast."

She shared a story about a teenage volunteer who started helping on her campaign before he could vote: "He brought his whole family with him to the polls. Now he's on my team, and I suspect he might run for office himself one day."

"Who are the most persuasive voices in your household?" Whitmer asked. "Your kids. We learn so much from them."

That message resonated deeply with Miami's audience, many of whom brought their own children and grandchildren to the event.

A Story of Family, Equality, and Change

One of the afternoon's most heartfelt moments came as Whitmer described her daughter coming out as a gay woman. "For the first time in 40 years, Michigan had a Democratic trifecta," she said to applause. "That allowed us to amend Michigan law to ensure that every person has full civil rights protections. My daughter stood with me when I signed that bill."

Whitmer laughed as she recalled texting with her daughter before the signing: "I asked, 'How do you want me to refer to you?' and she said, 'I'm a gay woman - and you're ridiculous.'"

"It's a reminder that we're all learning from each other," Whitmer said. "And that young people are helping us do better."

On Resilience and Purpose

Whitmer shared how she first told her story as a sexual assault survivor on the Michigan Senate floor years before she became governor. "It didn't change the vote - we lost - but I heard from hundreds of people who said my words helped them feel seen," she said. "Ten years later, as governor, I got to sign the repeal of that bill. The good fights - the important fights - are always worth having, even if they take longer than they should."

Grounded in Gratitude

Asked how she stays grounded, Whitmer smiled. "Teenagers who are not impressed with you will do the trick," she joked. More seriously, she shared a daily ritual: "Every night I write down three things I'm grateful for. During the pandemic, sometimes that list was just my dogs and a glass of wine - but there's always something good in the day."

Looking Ahead: Building the Future

With just over a year left in her term, Whitmer said her focus is on the future of the Democratic Party. "We're training people who want to run for office or run campaigns," she said. "And I'm taking a leadership role with the Democratic Governors Association. What happens in the next few elections will shape the country's direction in 2028."

Asked what advice she'd give her 14-year-old self, Whitmer offered a message of optimism and endurance:

"Every one of us is like a ball of clay. Tough things happen - but that clay can become a vessel. Even painful experiences can give us purpose. If your mindset is that something good might come from the hard things, you'll be strong enough to keep going."

As the event closed, Whitmer left the Miami audience inspired - a reminder that humor, empathy, and determination can coexist even in the heaviest of times.