Heather Brewer, an intrepid international entrepreneur, juggles her debut technology startup with her adventurous global exploits aboard her boat. With over 25 years in international management consulting, Heather's bold spirit propels her to navigate uncharted waters, both literally and figuratively. She mentors students and alumni at the University of Washington, fostering a culture of fearlessness and innovation. Her tenacity led her to establish the Certificate of International Studies in Business, reshaping the educational landscape for future leaders. Inspired by Chaitra Vedullapalli's Women in Cloud initiative, Heather champions empowerment and inclusivity, ensuring women and allies have the tools to thrive. As a dedicated community leader, Heather creates safe spaces for dialogue and support, nurturing the aspirations of younger generations and survivors of sex trafficking through her involvement with REST. Heather Brewer epitomizes resilience and empowerment, leaving a lasting legacy of courage and impact.
Community HERoes Among Us: Erica Conway
Erica Conway, Supervisor at King County Superior Court's Criminal Department in Downtown Seattle, radiates dedication and service, epitomizing her role as a "pillar" of support within her community. With her unwavering commitment to "Show up for others," Erica's leadership is a beacon of hope and empowerment in Seattle's criminal justice system. Reflecting on her mother Caroline Mitchell's resilience in overcoming adversity, Erica draws inspiration for her mentoring approach, fostering a space of acceptance and growth for younger women. Through her work and community initiatives, Erica cultivates a legacy of leadership and empowerment, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
Community HERoes Among Us: Rekina Perry
Rekina Perry, Executive Director of The Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS), embodies resilience and compassion in her advocacy for survivors of sexual exploitation and gender-based violence. Operating from a trauma-informed perspective, Rekina's leadership focuses on organizational development, public relations, financial management, and policy advocacy to support OPS's mission and the survivor community. Described as "honest" and "tenacious," Rekina's dedication is fueled by her belief in embracing life's journey, guided by her mother Cynthia's unwavering support and inspiration. As a mentor to younger women, Rekina fosters an inclusive environment where voices are heard and growth is nurtured, ensuring a legacy of empowerment and sustainable leadership for generations to come.
Community HERoes Among Us: Katie McMurray
Katie McMurray, CEO and founder of Sensor Tool House, LLC, embodies openness and inclusivity in her leadership role overseeing a diverse team of 14 employees. With a majority of her team being neurodivergent, Katie prioritizes open communication and support, ensuring everyone's strengths are celebrated and utilized to their fullest potential. She recently demonstrated this by realigning a struggling team member's strengths elsewhere within the organization, turning a potential challenge into a positive outcome. Katie's dedication to fostering inclusivity and open communication at Sensory Tool House, LLC reflects her commitment to embracing neurodiversity and creating a supportive workplace environment for all.
Community HERoes Among Us: Dr. Shaquita Bell
Shaquita Bell, who wears many hats as the Senior Medical Director at the Odessa Brown Children's Clinic, epitomizes compassion and dedication in her role as a pediatrician providing primary care services to children and adolescents. Inspired by Maya Angelou's words, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better," Shaquita continually strives for improvement and growth. Beyond her clinic duties, she organizes outreach mobile clinics, offering free vaccines and fostering community support. Inspired by Wilma Mankiller, Shaquita champions fairness and justice, empowering others to lead in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Her story is a testament to the profound impact of passion, compassion, and commitment to positive change.