BADGES OF HONOR

Visit Seattle is the founding partner of the PCMA Ascent program which promotes diversity and inclusion across the business events industry. At various conferences, Visit Seattle has been highlighting the SEAforSHE initiative as a way to tell Seattle’s story of inclusion.

We created custom Badge of Honor GIFs that celebrate our community. These are meant to be shared proudly on social media, or passed along to someone who inspires you. Click the images below to post or send a badge, or browse the entire SEAforSHE collection on GIPHY.

What’s Your Badge of Honor?

THE MORE YOU KNOW

Dig into just a few of the ways Seattle demonstrates its support for women.

• Seattle listed as one of The Best Places for Women to Travel Solo
  Travel + Leisure, 2022
• Seattle companies listed as Best Employers for Women
  Forbes, 2022
• Seattle ranked among Top 5 Cities Where Women are Most Successful
  SmartAssets, 2022
• Seattle ranked as #1 Best Cities for Women Entrepreneurs 
  Fundera by NerdWallet, 2023
• Seattle ranked among Top 10 Best US Cities for Working Women
  MagnifyMoney, 2022

• Seattle spent just over $227 million in 2022 with women- and minority-owned businesses, averaging 23% of the overall spending across purchasing, consulting, and construction.
  City of Seattle, 2022
• Seattle is ranked among the top 10 cities with the highest percentage of women-owned businesses
  MagnifyMoney, 2022
• Seattle is one of the top cities for women in legislation, with over 40% of state legislative positions being held by women
  NCSL, 2021
• There are 70,000 privately held firms in Seattle owned by women.
  Women Business Owners, 2017

LEADING LADIES OF SEATTLE

Here are just a few of the strong women who are shaping the community and leading Seattle.

MARIN BRIGHT: Legend

A Legend is someone who emanates greatness. They are originators who have earned the respect of their peers and left their mark on the world. Recently, we lost a legendary leader and the ultimate champion of women in our industry, Marin Bright. Marin exemplified resiliency, grit, and a commitment to delivering value to the communities she served. Her influence and impact will live on in Seattle and beyond.

JESSICA CAMPBELL: Fierce

Fierce women make bold choices and are driven by a heartfelt intensity. They are strong, proud, and fight for what they believe in. In September 2023, Jessica Campbell became the second woman ever to coach a National Hockey League (NHL) game, leading the Seattle Kraken against the Calgary Flames in a preseason matchup. She was also the first full-time woman coach in the American Hockey League (AHL), following her own professional playing career. Fierce women like Jessica are woven into Seattle’s sports scene, creating a unique environment that lays the groundwork for drawing major sporting events to our city.

LENDY HENSLEY: Warrior

A Warrior is ready to take on whatever challenges come their way. They are brave, honorable, and willing to do the right thing–even if it’s hard. City Catering, founded by Lendy Hensley, was one of the busiest food businesses in Seattle for 21 years. When the pandemic hit, they lost 98% of their business and had to lay off over 100 employees. Less than a month later, Lendy already had a plan to adapt to their challenging circumstances. Enter: Bite Society, offering gift baskets, cookies, and snacks for delivery—all in packaging created by tattoo artists. Now, Bite Society continues to “unite good company with good food, no matter the distance” through their online shop and stand in Pike Place Market.

KAMALA SAXTON & ROZ EDISON: Hustle & Heart

Those with Hustle & Heart are as equally passionate as they are hardworking. They are dedicated, enthusiastic, and willing to put in the work to reach their goals. In 2009, Kamala Saxton and Roz Edison took to the streets with Big Blue, a mobile food truck serving Hawaiian-Korean fusion cuisine. The Marination family of restaurants has since expanded to three locations, staying true to their motto of “Everyday Aloha.” The duo also gives back, with an emphasis on women’s rights, civil rights, and kids. “We try to support the organizations that are supporting the communities where we exist,” says Roz.

MORE LEADING LADIES OF SEATTLE

LINDSAY DROZ & KRISTI LORD: Magic Makers

Magic Makers make the seemingly impossible possible. They move mountains while making it look easy and sprinkle a little stardust around them in the process. These two earth-conscious, business-savvy moms dreamed up L’AVANT Collective out of the near constant demand for cleaning up after their kids and pets but wanting the products they used to be non-toxic, highly effective, and conveniently located. They are on a mission to merge their modern home interiors and styles with products they use on a daily basis in a sustainable and plant-based way.

LANESHA DEBARDELABEN: Giver of Good

A Giver of Good spreads joy and kindness wherever they go. They are philanthropists, community leaders, and people with big hearts who want to leave the world better than they found it. Possessing 20 years of experience in leading, empowering, and transforming Black museums, LaNesha is poised to lead Seattle’s Northwest African American Museum—as well as the wider Seattle community—to a very bright future. She is a teacher. She is a deacon. She is a minister. She is a leader. Seattle is better for her contributions to our community.

BETH KNOX: Boss Lady

Boss Ladies are confident and unapologetic. They work hard, take charge, and they empower others along the way. Beth Knox is a force of nature who has put 30 years of energy into making this region home to an incredible array of events. From the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon to the Special Olympics USA Games, Bumbershoot to Seafair to the Seahawks Super Bowl Victory Parade and countless others, Beth has consistently advocated for Seattle and uplifted others along the way. In her current role as President of the Seattle Sports Commission, she was part of the team that secured Seattle as host city for the MLB All-Star game in 2023, and is actively working to secure tournaments for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

SUE BIRD: Fierce

Fierce women make bold choices and are driven by a heartfelt intensity. They are strong, proud, and fight for what they believe in. Last week, the Seattle Storm ended their playoff run in an overtime upset. And while the game didn’t end as we had all hoped, their leader, Sue Bird, fought until the final seconds of overtime. Fierce is one of the many ways to describe the four-time WNBA champion with five Olympic gold medals. An outspoken advocate for gender and racial equity in sports and beyond, Bird’s unrelenting passion is evident on and off the court. Her accolades would fill up an entire arena, and we are honored that she chooses to call Seattle home.

MARY BACARELLA: Legend

A Legend is someone who emanates greatness. They are originators who have earned the respect of their peers and left their mark on the world. As a beloved member of the Seattle community, Mary Bacarella is a legend unlike any other. Her passion and love for this city is contagious and she creates a wake of Emerald City excitement wherever she goes. Since 2018, she’s served as the Executive Director of the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA) where she keeps the 114 year-old public market thriving. Previously, she was a leader at the iconic Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass, and at SIFF, the Seattle International Film Festival and year round cinema.

STEPHANIE JONES STEBBINS: Mastermind

Masterminds are always a few steps ahead. they are confident, analytical, and have a clear vision for the future. As the Managing Director of Maritime at the Port of Seattle, Stephanie Jones Stebbins is responsible for directing the strategic and daily operations of Cruise Operations and has played a major role in welcoming the cruise season back to Seattle. In her 22 years with the Port, Jones Stebbins has developed an expertise across both policy and operational issues in the Maritime Industry and is responsible for crafting innovative business approaches to create financial success along with community and environmental sustainability.

KIRSTEN HARRIS-TALLEY: Hustle & Heart

Someone with Hustle & Heart is as equally passionate as they are hardworking. They are dedicated and enthusiastic, and willing to put in the work to reach their goals. Washington State Representative Kirsten Harris-Talley has been driven by a desire to serve her community in south Seattle for the last 20 years. As a mother, educator, and grassroots activist, she has worked for nonprofits, served a term on the Seattle City Council, and was recently elected to the legislature as the first Black, queer, femme State Representative. Rep. Harris-Talley is dedicated to bringing meaningful representation and progressive change to south Seattle at the state level.

KRISTA DANIEL: Fierce

Fierce women make bold choices driven by a heartfelt intensity. They are strong, proud, and fight for what they believe in. With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, seamlessly executing events is second nature to Krista Daniel, Director of Event Services at Seattle Convention Center. Krista does not shy away from hard work, no matter how unique the challenge, and is driven by her desire for excellence as she continues to lead an event team that exceeds customer expectations.

LAURA CLISE: Ally

An Ally is someone who helps lift up voices of those who are oppressed and advocates for marginalized groups. Allies are engaged listeners committed to staying informed, every day, and making the world a better place. Laura Clise is the founder and CEO of Intentionalist, an online guide to intentional spending that supports small businesses and diverse local communities. Based in Seattle, her company is committed to keeping communities vibrant and diverse by making it easy for people to find local businesses owned by women, people of color, veterans, LGBTQ, families, and differently abled people. Learn more about some of Laura’s Intentional favorites here.

MARI WOMACK: Legend

A Legend is someone who emanates greatness. They are originators who have earned the respect of their peers and left their mark on the world. Winemaker and owner of Damsel Cellars in Woodinville, Mari Womack, is no damsel in distress. After a successful restaurant career, Mari founded her own wine label in 2012 that specializes in Rhone varietals sourced from the center of Columbia Valley. Damsel is amassing a loyal following, winning praise from critics, and quickly becoming a winery to watch.

DONNA MOODIE: Giver of Good

A Giver of Good spreads joy and kindness wherever they go. They are philanthropists, community leaders, and people with big hearts who want to leave the world better than they found it. Donna Moodie is a passionate advocate for her community. She is the owner of Marjorie, a Capitol Hill restaurant inspired by her mother and her Jamaican roots, and also serves as the Executive Director of Capitol Hill EcoDistrict, which works to improve sustainability and environmental health in the neighborhood. Learn more about Donna’s story here.

KIRSTEN OLEAN: Dreamer

Dreamers are optimistic, inspired, and full of ideas. It may seem like they have their head in the clouds, but they are busy making big plans up there. For the majority of 2020, Kirsten Olean, PCMA’s 2021 Chair of the Board of Directors, facilitated weekly PCMA Community Conventions — a safe space to share and learn from one another’s stories. As Director of Meetings, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Olean will continue to innovatively navigate the “next normal” of digital and hybrid events.

LESLIE WOMACK: Encourager

Encouragers are our trusted advisors, mentors, and friends who push us forward. They are our biggest fans and help guide us on our path to success. As a trailblazer in the Seattle hospitality industry, Leslie Womack has continually shown passionate leadership while mentoring colleagues. A Seattle native, Womack has worked in the hospitality industry for 25+ years and has always found a way to support those around her. She loves representing the historic Mayflower Park Hotel as the Director of Sales and has many stories to tell about the city where she has flourished.

ROSE ANN FINKEL: Legend

A Legend is someone who emanates greatness. They are originators who have earned the respect of their peers and left their marks on the world. Leader, role model, and trailblazer in the beer industry, Rose Ann Finkel was a one-of-a-kind legend, leaving behind an incredible legacy. She co-founded Pike Brewing Co. with her husband, Charles Finkel, in Pike Place Market in 1989 and will be remembered as a food pioneer, leader in the local Slow Food movement, active Les Dames d’Escoffier member, philanthropist, and so much more.

AMANDA MUELLER: Hustle & Heart

Someone with Hustle & Heart is as equally passionate as they are hardworking. They are dedicated, enthusiastic, and willing to put in the work to reach their goals. When COVID-19 hit and performing arts organizations couldn’t continue with their scheduled programming, Amanda Mueller, costume shop manager at ACT Theatre in Seattle, assembled a group of costume shop artisans from multiple arts organizations (including Seattle Rep, Seattle Opera, and Seattle Children’s Theatre, along with ACT), to sew PPE (personal protective equipment) for hospital workers. Amanda and her team partnered with Providence Health System and produced 17,500 masks to be used in hospitals and clinics in the Seattle area.

MICHELLE BUFANO: Magic Maker

Magic Makers make the seemingly impossible possible. They move mountains while making it look easy, and sprinkle a little stardust around them in the process. Michelle Bufano makes all kind of magic as the Executive Director of Chihuly Garden and Glass, which is a pretty enchanting place. She is a passionate leader in the arts community and a visionary thinker who has left her mark on major cultural institutions throughout the Puget Sound region.

KELLY SALING: Mastermind

Masterminds are always a few steps ahead. They are confident, analytical, and have a clear vision for the future. Kelly Saling represents that, and then some. As the SVP & Chief Sales Officer at Visit Seattle, Kelly is constantly planning for the future, strategizing for ways to make an impact in the business events industry, and leading her team into the future.