2025 Southside Leadership Conference

Invest in the Future of Leadership!

Get ready for an unforgettable day of empowerment, learning, and next-level networking at the 2025 Southside Leadership Conference — where rising professionals become powerhouse leaders.

Hosted by the Seattle Southside Chamber and Success Foundation, this full-day experience is designed to equip emerging and established leaders with the skills, strategies, and connections they need to thrive in today’s fast-moving business world.

What’s in Store:

• 8 High-Impact Workshops led by local industry experts
• Interactive Resource Fair packed with tools, connections, and opportunities
• Keynotes that will motivate and inspire you
• A community of 200+ like-minded professionals and leaders
• FREE Headshots provided by Crain Photography!

The Lineup:

9:00 AM – Welcome Keynote & Opening Remarks
9:30 AM – 3:45 PM – 8 Power-Packed Workshops:

1. The Power Playbook – Mastering Influence & Negotiation with
   Kevin Schilling, Mayor, City of Burien 
   Marianne Bichsel, Vice President of External Affairs, Comcast
   Jerica Tucker, Owner, Herrsolutions, LLC
   Jesse Johnson, Director of Outreach & Community Engagement, WA Treasurers Office 

2. Money Moves – Building Financial Confidence with
   Micki Gamez, Gamez Financial
   Rocel Dumo, FinFit Life
   Brea and Che Davis, ALEGACY
   Moderator: Carmen Goers, Washington Trust Bank

3. Next-Level Leadership – Career Growth & Talent Retention with
   Katie Gerard, Senior Director of HR, Port of Seattle
   Jeff Gross, Gro-Nova Inc.
   Rosa Espinoza, CuliNEX
   Harris Anwar, BECU
   Scott Braaten, Second Love Coffee Roasters
   Moderator: Alison Scott, GSBA

4. Blueprint for Success – Strategic Leadership in Action with
   Torrence Dixon, Take Me There Foundation
   Allan Ekberg, Former Mayor, City of Tukwila
   Kenia Calderon, Seattle Credit Union
   Eryn Anitavi, Sapphire Dynamics

5. Leadership Compass – Making Ethical Decisions That Matter with
   Nancy Salguero McKay, Highline Heritage Museum
   Yohanna Tewolde, EDOT Productions
   Bettina M. Jones, Certified Life Coach
   Phillip Mendoza, Second Love Coffee Roasters
   Moderator: Essence Russ, Southwest Youth & Family Services

6. Claim Your Seat – How to Serve on Boards & Commissions with
   Natasha Rivers, PhD, BECU
   Armen Papayan, Tukwila City Council
   Lorraine Chachere, City of Burien
   Lindsy Ferrin, Edward Jones
   LeeAnne Schirato, Port of Seattle

7. The AI Advantage – Staying Ahead in a Tech-Driven World with
   Larry Jordan, Microsoft and Larouex Gourmet Foods LLC
   Tony Sollars, WatchTower IT Solutions
   Andrea Smith, Kulture & Hustle

8. Economic Forecast – What’s Next & How Leaders Can Adapt with
   Sam Kaplan, Highline College
   Anthony Anton, Washington Hospitality Association
   Rich Shockley, Washington SBDC
   Joe Sky-Tucker, Business Impact NW
   Ilona Lohrey, GSBA

12:30 PM – Lunch & Resource Fair
4:30 PM – Closing Keynote & Big Takeaways

Why Attend:

Whether you're building your personal brand, preparing for a promotion, or leading a team through change—this conference is your competitive edge. You’ll leave with new tools, bold insights, and fresh connections to fuel your leadership journey.

Seats are limited—register today and invest in the future of leadership.



Do you want to Sponsor this event? Sponsorship Details can be found HERE. 



Showcase Your Business!
For just $100, host a Resource Table at our Leadership Conference on June 20, 2025!
Connect with over 200 professionals, highlight your services, and grow your network.

• 2 complimentary event tickets included
• Promote your business to a dynamic, engaged audience

Space is limited — reserve your table! Click register and select the resource table option to showcase your resource table at checkout.