Real Conversations. Big Sparks.
Meet Liz & Michele
Two friends. One mission:
To spark inspiring conversations that move us forward, together.
Spark Me was born out of countless honest talks with girlfriends about how life keeps shifting — and how incredible it is when women support each other through it.
Co-hosts Michele Dempsey and Liz Graham bring humor, heart, and just the right amount of “did-we-really-just-say-that?” honesty to real conversations about careers, family, identity, health, relationships — and all the curveballs life throws in between.
We’re not here to tell you how to live your life (we're still figuring it out ourselves). We’re here to swap stories, share hard-earned wisdom, laugh at the chaos, and create a community where women lift each other up and spark what’s next.
Elizabeth “Liz” Graham
Liz Graham is more than a financial advisor and seasoned leader; she’s a guiding light for women navigating life’s pivotal moments. As the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of Riggs Asset Management Company (www.riggsadvisors.com), Liz brings her strategic vision and empathetic counsel to women and families facing life’s biggest transitions. Whether it’s starting or selling a business, preparing for retirement, or moving forward after a personal loss, Liz is on a mission to empower her clients by helping them to simplify their financial lives and build a future filled with confidence.
A trailblazing leader, Liz has a long history of breaking barriers and inspiring change. She was the first woman to Chair the Board of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry in its 135-year history and has served as Chair of the Boards of several organizations. Beyond leadership positions, Liz has poured her heart into community-focused initiatives, mentoring countless women and assisting nonprofits like Fork Over Love, which tackles food insecurity while supporting local restaurants. Her devotion to making an impact is a testament to her belief in the power of resilience, connection, and action. Liz was recognized with the ATHENA Leadership Award in 2009. In 2002, she co-founded Circle 200, a prominent network for senior women executives, which now counts more than 120 women leaders among its members. Through all her endeavors, she remains steadfast in her mission to uplift and inspire women to excel in every facet of their lives.
Today, Liz takes her passion for connection and empowerment one step further as the Co-Host of The Spark Me Podcast. Designed to bring joy, humor, and deep reflection to women navigating life’s next chapter, the podcast is a heartfelt space for sharing authentic stories, offering advice, and inspiring listeners. Whether you’re redefining your purpose after retirement, embarking on a career pivot, or finding new meaning after personal loss, Liz is here to remind you of your potential to shine stronger than before.
Michele Dempsey
Michele Dempsey is an architect, entrepreneur, community builder, and storyteller who believes that design — and life — are about sparking possibility. As founder and CEO of DxDempsey Architecture, she has led award-winning projects across the country, blending innovation, strategy, and heart to create spaces that inspire and connect. Michele knows how to turn bold ideas into real-world impact.
Beyond architecture, Michele has spent her life creating connections and sparking change in her community. She played a key role in transforming Scranton’s image through national events celebrating the The Office — helping shift the story of a city from coal to cool — and she has championed environmental causes through her work with Friends of Lackawanna, an organization dedicated to protecting community health and natural resources.
Having navigated raising a family as a single mom, building a business, leading through uncertainty, learning to ask for help, and daring to ask, "What’s next?" at every new chapter, Michele knows that real growth happens through real conversation, resilience, sharing resources and community. Through Spark Me, she’s creating a space where women lift each other up, share their stories, and spark new beginnings — always with a good dose of laughter and heart. Because building a life you love isn't a solo project — and the best chapters are still ahead.
Get to know us.
Contact the hosts.