Following a highly successful inaugural year, the INSPIRE Women’s Business Conference is returning to Great Wolf Lodge on Thursday, May 22. Presented by the Washington Center for Women in Business and Thurston Economic Development Council, the daylong event will feature speakers, breakout sessions, awards, and a 50-booth vendor hall filled with many women-owned businesses from the area.
According to Ashley Whitley, Program Manager for Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB), “This year’s event is about creating space and a platform for people to share. It is really about the people and these individual’s stories.”
Headlining the 18-speaker lineup is keynote speaker Stacey Crnich, CEO GoodRoots Northwest. As a supply chain and marketing strategist, Crnich has created a way to feed people 24/7 with fresh locally produced items. “Stacey was a perfect pick this year because her organization has shown innovation, community impact, leadership, and major growth since its inception. She is currently in the scaling process and creating lasting impact for our state,” said Whitley.
One of the major highlights of the INSPIRE Conference is the Small Business Awards Luncheon. With nominations and selections coming directly from the community and separate from the WCWB and the Thurston County Economic Development Council, the awards include innovation, leadership and community impact. Nominations for the awards can be submitted through the end of April. Winners receive a custom-created award from Lacey MakerSpace.
During the day, more than 500 attendees can select from six breakout sessions as well as joint presentations from various women on topics ranging from visionaries to women’s healthcare and career development to building for growth. They can then visit the vendor hall and network with each other. One of the biggest advantages of this event is the opportunity for mentoring situations to develop among those in attendance.
The Washington Center for Women in Business was an active part in launching more than 40 women-owned businesses in 2024. “We are here to support and provide a platform to anyone looking to be an owner or who already is an owner of a business in Thurston County and beyond,” Whitley said.
To register for INSPIRE 2025 visit wcwb.org/inspire-2025.
BY LYNN CASTLE