March 1, 2023
Kau’ilani Robinson
(206) 251-8920 | [email protected]
Visit Seattle celebrates women-led businesses throughout city
SEATTLE – Seattle’s past, present, and future is defined by the remarkable women who call our city home. It’s defined by trailblazers, award winners, and trendsetters who shape policy, promote equality, and put a global spotlight on our city. The influence of people who identify as women at the helm of hundreds of businesses, attractions, and sports teams around the city has made Seattle a top destination to live in and visit.
“Seattle is an amazing place due largely in part to the indomitable spirit and contributions of women,” said Tammy Blount-Canavan, President and CEO of Visit Seattle. “Their resilience, creativity, and leadership have not only shaped our past, but continue to define our present and illuminate the path forward—including here at Visit Seattle.”
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Visit Seattle invites you to learn more about Seattle’s rich history and prominent women—voices who have played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s culture.
Honoring some of Seattle’s influential women figures:
Colleen Echohawk is a small business owner and dynamic community organizer who has helped make positive shifts in Seattle’s housing, racial justice, sustainability, and public safety. In addition to community organizing, she is also the CEO at Eighth Generation, a Native lifestyle brand that sells authentic, artist-centric products worldwide, championing ethically made cultural goods with a fresh perspective.
“I was born and raised in Alaska, but Seattle has been my home for the past 28 years,” said Echohawk. “The people, culture, and coffee have shaped me, given me incredible opportunities, and helped me understand new and different ways and perspectives. As our city grows, we have more and more opportunity to be a city that understands how to be great, and that greatness does not equate to dollars but is rooted in innovation and humanity, recognizing the wealth of goodness in every individual who walks on our streets.”
Reese Tanimura, a fourth-generation Japanese American born in O’ahu, first found her musical passion through the ukulele. Now based in Seattle, she serves as the Managing Director of Northwest Folklife, blending her personal musical journey with the city’s vibrant arts scene. Additionally, Reese curates shows like the series ‘Hear Me Talkin’ To You: Womxn & Blues’ which starts in March at the Royal Room.
“Seattle has imbued in me a deep reverence for living amidst incredible natural surroundings and awe for working alongside fantastic femme, non-binary, gender expansive, queer, and trans cultural organizers,” said Tanimura. “I am continually inspired and feel a profound responsibility to practice leadership that honors our ancestors, celebrates the strength of community, and stewards our collective potential. I look around at my peers and have great hope for the future!”
Explore Events and Exhibitions throughout Women’s History Month:
Enjoy a Meal at One of Seattle’s Women-led Restaurants
Women-owned businesses and restaurants in Seattle have received impressive accolades, including five amazing Seattle chefs named 2024 James Beard semi-finalists:
Janet Becerra, Pancita
Janet Becerra is an acclaimed chef and founder of Pancita in Seattle. Filled with handcrafted and homemade dishes, Janet strives for Pancita to represent a wide array of Mexican cuisine. She was named among the 2024 James Beard Award Semifinalists for Emerging Chef.
Kristi Brown, Communion
Kristi Brown is a seasoned culinary professional. After getting her start at a small downtown cafe in Seattle, Kristi has built a legacy in creating Communion, a restaurant with elevated comfort food designed to embody the soul of home. She is a 2024 James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific.
Melissa Miranda, Musang
Melissa Miranda is an Filipina-American chef and restaurant owner of Musang and Kilig. Before being named a 2023 and 2024 James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific, she was named among the 2022 Best New Chefs in Food & Wine.
Quynh-Vy and Yenvy Pham, Phở Bắc Súp Shop
The Pham sisters bring the authentic Vietnamese dining experience to Seattle through their family-oriented, elevated cuisine. Now with several locations open, they are a staple for lovers of Pho throughout the entire city! They are James Beard Award Semifinalists for Outstanding Restaurateur.
Renee Erickson, Lioness
Renee Erickson is an awarded chef most recently known for her newest restaurant, Lioness, which opened in late January 2024. As a James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of multiple restaurants in Seattle, she is known for food that keeps the PNW flair at the forefront of inspiration.
See below for a list of more women-owned businesses and restaurants worth checking out this Women’s History Month and beyond. To explore more of the 250+ women-owned businesses in Seattle, visit The Intentionalist.
Learn more about how you can show support to women in Seattle here, a get-to-know guide on strong women in Seattle. Including chefs, artists, athletes, there are endless ways to show up for the incredible women of the Emerald City! You can also check out some inspiring stories of prominent Seattle women on VISITSEATTLE.tv below:
Visit Seattle gladly welcomes additional ideas for consideration. Please send submissions to [email protected].
About Visit Seattle:
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.
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