TEDxBelltown Women

✨ Telling Authentic Stories, Together ✨ This past weekend, I stood alongside six extraordinary women as part of the inaugural TEDxBelltown Women. Together, we became the “Original Seven,” sharing stories that were raw, vulnerable, and authentic—and in doing so, we created something truly powerful. What struck me most was how each speaker’s courage gave others permission to speak up, to embrace their truth, and to step boldly into their power. That’s the beauty of storytelling: it connects us, inspires us, and reminds us that none of us are alone on this journey. To my fellow speakers and the entire TEDxBelltown Women team, thank you for making this possible. Your bravery, brilliance, and belief in the power of ideas have left a lasting impact, not just on the stage but far beyond it. Let’s continue lifting each other up, amplifying women’s voices, and paving the way for even more stories to be told! 📸 Special thanks to Sabina Bissaliyeva of Meraki Creatives for capturing these unforgettable moments. Meagan O'Nan Michelle Terry, MD Larkin Bohn Kanika Saraiya Havelia Monica Hart Sierra C Liz Galloway Emily Miller #TEDxBelltownWomen #Authenticity #Vulnerability #Storytelling #WomenInLeadership

Who gets to define your potential? Spoiler alert: Only you. 🎯   At TEDx Women: "Reinventing Realities," powerful voices reminded us that leadership is a continuous, courageous dance of growth, grit, and grace.   Corrie Wilder, Ed.D. Wilder, Education Leader, offered a profound insight: "Practice breeds progress, and progress doesn't have a finish line…We forget to nourish the habits that nourish us, help us grow - can't just be focused on pulling the weeds."🌱   Larkin Bohn, Sailor and Science Communicator, challenged our inner talk: "I can be badass. It's how we think of ourselves that matters." ✨   Michelle Terry, MD, Assistant Dean for URMS Career Development, UW School of Medicine, spoke to the heart of our shared experience: "We women have such big hearts, that sometimes we neglect our own health when we are busy doing everything for everyone else." 💖   Meagan O'Nan, author and human connection expert, provided a thought-provoking perspective: "When we avoid our fears -- we give them power." 💡 🤔Here's some food for reflection for trailblazers-in-the making… - How are you intentionally building your skills? - Where are you holding yourself back? - What potential are you ready to unlock?   Career growth and personal growth aren't just about climbing—they're about creating. Creating opportunities. Creating impact. Reinventing yourself. Reinventing your reality.🚀   💪🏽 Practical power moves for aspiring leaders... - Build authentic, powerful networks - Negotiate with confidence and clarity - Amplify other women's voices - Own your unique leadership narrative - Invest in continuous learning   What mindsets and micro-behaviors will you cultivate to be the leader you're meant to be? A leader who won't just break the glass ceiling, but redesign the building for the aspiring women leaders behind them. 🙋🏻♀️ #tedxwomenbelltown #Womeninbusiness #leadership #personaldevelopment #personalbranding #professionalwomen #genderequality #motivation

I’m not called to be comfortable. The brilliant and inspiring Lauren Parris Watts said this on a panel at a recent TEDxBelltown Women event, and it was one of several things that stuck with me that day. There were many incredible women at this event, and a theme around getting uncomfortable. These women didn't achieve greatness or become the leaders they are by staying safe or avoiding their fears. Their 'calling' wasn't to live a life of comfort. They met (and continue to meet) the unknown head on, with a resolve around their own personal values that guides them. A quote I often reference with my own clients states that “a comfort zone is a beautiful place to be, but nothing ever grows there.” If you want to stop playing small and start thinking bigger: 💡We must embrace the right kind of discomfort, and lean into what’s possible on the other side. 💡We must trust ourselves, our abilities, and our killer instincts. 💡We must believe we can earn, build, and create what we envision… Even if it requires some discomfort. Because we're not called to be comfortable.

Still reeling from Saturday’s TEDxBelltown Women event where I had the pleasure of working with Liz Galloway and Sierra C to put this fabulous event on with tremendous help from amazing speakers, volunteers & sponsors. Huge thanks to you all for making the day so fun and empowering. Let’s do it all again soon 🚀 💪 Sherry Thomas Lyndsay Morris, M.Ed. Corrie Wilder, Ed.D. Mark Wilder Alison Scott Catherine Grace O'Connell Mike Mackley Chris Franklin Meagan O'Nan Jody Ramsammy Holly Menino Kanika Saraiya Havelia Old Stove Brewing Mad Hippie Seattle magazine FOX 13 Seattle KOMO News Impact 100 Seattle

I had the wonderful honor to speak at TEDx in Seattle and am so grateful to have been surrounded by so many amazing and inspiring people. A big shoutout to the incredible organizer, Liz Galloway, and her entire team. TEDxBelltown Women The presentations left me with actionable items to use now! And I can’t wait to go back and watch them again online. Dr. Michelle Terry, gave key perspectives how the medical system’s bias and algorithms can impact women! A bonus panel on women in “FEM” Tech, Investing and Financial Literacy Just WOW! Insightful, honest and encouraging. Karin Kidder, Julie Sandler, Akhila Tadinada, Martha Chamberlin and Bina Shukla and moderated by Monica Hart - with practical advice and perspective that all need to hear. Thanks to friends who listened to me rehearse over and over again. And to my great friend Wendy Fisher who - bravely - in real life got lost with me and served as the opener of this talk - “You Are Never As Lost As You Think You Are.” Time for another adventure!