Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference

Unlock your potential and soar to new heights at the Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference, Eastern Washington’s largest career and professional development event for women. This remarkable conference features a lineup of keynote and breakout presentations, carefully curated to showcase the expertise of the most exceptional minds in their respective fields, creating an environment where knowledge is shared, ideas are exchanged, and careers are empowered. The event also includes the presentation of the prestigious ATHENA Awards, celebrating remarkable women who have helped shape our community through their extraordinary leadership. The Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference is a must-attend event, offering unrivaled value and impact.

Save the Date!
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Three Rivers Convention Center
7016 W. Grandridge Blvd.
Kennewick, WA 99336

Premier Sponsor

2025 CONFERENCE AGENDA

Click the session titles for descriptions and speaker bios

8–9 a.m.
Welcome Reception

9–10 a.m.
Welcome Message &
Morning Keynote Presentation
Stop Living Someone Else's Life: How to Turn Every Setback into Your Strategic Advantage
Reanette Etzler, PHR, CLRM; The Strategic HR Coach

10:30–11:30 a.m.
Morning Breakout Sessions
From Imposter to Impact: Conquering Self-Doubt and Stepping into Your Power
Laura Flores; Ignite Consulting

Own the Room: Mastering the Art of Executive Presence
Paul Casey; Growing Forward Services

Plans are Useless, But Planning is Everything – The First Step to Organizational Success is a Plan
Renee Smock; Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho

Goal Setting for Success
April Reddout; Reddout Wine Consulting
Shae Frichette; Frichette Winery

Networking Survival Guide
Tiffany Lundstrom; Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business
Dee Boyle; Defind
Angela Dryden; Elijah Family Homes

12–1:30 p.m.
ATHENA Awards Luncheon &
Luncheon Keynote Presentation
Give Yourself Credit: 5 Strategic Approaches to Self-Advocacy
Jen Mueller; Communication Expert and Veteran Broadcaster

2–3 p.m.
Early Afternoon Breakout Sessions
What’s Your Leadership Style?
Brian Moreno; Steward Leaders

Content That Builds Community
Megan Ringo; Entrepreneur/Content Creator
Deanna Tasci; Entrepreneur/Content Creator

Speak to Connect: Confident Communication for Any Room, Any Crowd, Any Moment
Leanne Luehrs-Purcell; The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia

Hormones, Hustle, and Health: Reclaiming Power & Productivity in Midlife
Dr. Nicole Smith, SNP, FNP-C, ONP-C, CPT; Antigravity Wellness

Think Like a CEO: Gain Clarity, Take Control, and Grow Profit
Teri Wagner, CPA; Wagner Business Consulting

3:15–4:15 p.m.
Late Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Managing Workplace Anxiety
Jan McDonald; Jan McDonald LLC

Leading Like ATHENA: Honoring Legacy, Inspiring the Next
Avonte Jackson; Grace Clinic; 2022 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient
Hollie Alexander; City of Richland; 2014 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Recipient
Amanda Lorraine; Grace Collective; 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient
Mistee Verhulp; Cozen O'Connor; 2012 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Recipient

Graceful Interactions: Civility as a Cornerstone of Professional Excellence
Josie Villa; H3 Leadership and OD Consulting LLC

Two Voices, One Vision: Bridging Generations to Build a Legacy
Zdenka Barisic; The Women’s Leadership and Entrepreneurship Center
J. Kanani Patricio-Young; The Women’s Leadership and Entrepreneurship Center

Beyond Support: Building Thriving, Strategic Teams
Kylee Sullivan; Goose & Rev
April Culwell; Administrative Professionals Network

4:15–5 p.m.
Best Business Friends (BBF) Wine Social

ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARDS

The ATHENA Program honors females in leadership roles that make them effective, admirable, and successful leaders and they have also contributed to the development and empowerment of women. The ATHENA Awards are presented to recipients during the annual ATHENA Awards Luncheon, held on the same day as the Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference.