Know Before You Go: Women's Leadership Conference

The Bellevue Chamber's 2026 Women's Leadership Conference is NEXT WEEK, and we cannot wait to host you. At this year’s WLC, we are focusing on professional development and self-betterment throughout one’s career, and frankly, life.

In past years we have discussed the importance of investing in your health and finances, intersectionality in the workplace, and traversing the ranks in male-dominated fields, and this year, we are re-framing these lessons for folks at all stages. 

We will also be hosting another WLC Resource Fair, where well-connected experts will be setting up shop to put these good ideas into action, day-of. Check out the list of exhibitors here.

Get a refresher on who will be speaking below, and be sure to check out the housekeeping items and FAQs near the end of this blog.

Get to Know the Speakers:

Session 1: Guest Speaker - Lisa Chin

Lisa Chin, Juma

Dr. Lisa Chin brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience in youth-serving organizations.

Before joining Juma, she served as CEO of Treehouse, where she advanced educational outcomes for foster youth.

Other previous roles include president & CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of King County and founding executive director of Year Up Seattle.

Session 2: From Girlhood to Legacy - Leading at Every Life Stage

Empowerment starts young – Our panelists will discuss how investing in girls strengthens future leadership, how women can support one another through pivotal life changes, and how organizations and communities can create environments where women thrive long term.

Andrea Anderson, Girl Scouts of Western Washington

Malia Razzaia, Dress for Success Seattle

Michelle Schoonover, Junior League of Seattle

Sharon Yoo, KING 5

Session 3: It's a Woman's World - Moving Through the Ranks

As women leaders, it can be easy to get lost in the hubbub and competition, but the truth is: We get a whole lot further by working together! Our panelists will reflect on their career journey thus far and discuss how partnership and confidence-sharing have assisted them professionally and personally.

Terri Fujinaga, Seattle Storm

Madeline Haydon, nutpods

Denise Raper, Maven Collective Holdings

Leah Pezzetti, KING 5

Session 4: From the Corner Office - Empowering the Next Generation

Being a leader is one thing, but being a GOOD leader — that empowers those around them to also be better — is an entirely different story. And when you’re the first woman to do your job, too? That’s a whole lot of pressure, but more importantly, a whole lot of responsibility and opportunities for growth.

Heather Snavely, AAA Washington

Ana Mari Cauce, University of Washington

Moderated by: Bellevue City Councilmember Naren Briar

Our Keynote:

From the cornfields of Iowa to the corner office of corporate America, Jane forged a career, pioneered businesses and became a leader others sought to emulate.

Jane shares her journey and learning in her memoir, WORTHY, donating all proceeds to Boys & Girls Clubs.

Our Emcees:

Tanji Johnson Bridgeman, Bridgeman Health Solutions

Linda Hoffner, Wright Runstad & Co

The Resource Fair:

We're baaaaack! The Resource Fair will be open before the program during registration, networking, and lunch, as well as after the program during the Happy Hour segment. See the list of folks who will be there here.

The Housekeeping Items:

• Donation Collection: For this year's conference, we will be hosting two different donation collections: One for business professional clothing that will go to a local women's shelter, and the other for I Support the Girls. Specifically, we will be gathering gently used or new bras, new underwear, unused nursing pads, and individually sealed menstrual hygiene products for I Support the Girls, with the highest need item being overnight maxi pads with wings. Learn more about the org here.
  
  
• Interact with Us: There will be a bunch of opportunities throughout the conference to interact on various topics via Slido, which will be accessed by scanning a QR code on your phone, so keep an eye out for the day-of, on-screen polls so you can scan the QR code and participate.
  
  
• Reflection Time: We also are encouraging folks to converse with their tablemates during the conference, and we will even have some guided questions for reflection following each panel for folks to run through, so look forward to that. (And perhaps some note-taking in WLC-themed notebooks?)
  
  
• Sold Out: We are just about SOLD OUT, so if you can't come to the conference, please do let us know so we can accommodate for another person or two.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What's the parking situation? If you are unable to walk or take public transit, those driving can park underneath the Meydenbauer Center in the garage, where parking will be validated at the exit.
  
  
• Will there be WiFi? Or somewhere to charge my device? Yes, there will be WiFi — the information for that will be included on the bookmark inside your printed program — and a row of charging stations at the back of the conference hall for anyone in need of an emergency juice-up.
  
  
• What if I need to take a phone call or answer a few emails? There are a couple short, built-in breaks during the conference's programming, particularly between 1:55 to 2:10, and 3:40 to 3:55. (Please note: These times are approximate!)
  
  
• What are you trying to sell us? As part of the deal with our Resource Fair, nobody can sell you anything! Once you're here, no one is going to be trying to make a quick buck, and honestly, the only thing you may need to pay for is a cocktail, and that is only if you prefer it over the passed drinks and mocktails during the Happy Hour.
  
  
• What do I wear? We are all for comfort — this is almost a full-day conference, after all — so expect most folks to show up in business casual. If you really want to get funky with it, the conference's main theme color is purple, so feel free to dress accordingly. (Just think of the step-and-repeat photos.)
  
  
• What if I need to nurse? Or need a break from the crowd? We will have use of an adjacent room near the conference space, so if you are in need of a spot, let a Chamber staff member know and they can direct you.
  
  
• What is the food and beverage situation? Expect a buffet lunch during that 10:30 to noon bit, snacks throughout the rest of the program, and appetizers during the Happy Hour. Typical beverages will be available during the day — think soda, water, coffee — and come Happy Hour, we will have alcoholic and non-alcoholic options for all to choose from.
  
  
• What about dinner plans? While we will have apps during the Happy Hour, you're on your own for dinner. So if you want to snag a bite to eat, either with other conference attendees or solo, check out this list of women-owned restaurants here in Bellevue that are open in the evening. S/O to Intentionalist for their database listing.