Marli Williams

Chief Experience Officer, HELL YES Speaking & Training Co.

EMCEE and MASTER OF CONNECTIONS

@marliwilliams

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Marli Williams is an international speaker, leadership trainer, courage cultivator, joy instigator, and play activist who first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor. She has a Master’s Degree in Education along with 20 years of facilitation and leadership experience. Marli now works with incredible people and organizations who are ready to elevate their energy, step into their purpose and show up for themselves in a bigger way so they can be the changemakers and leaders they’ve always wanted to be. When she’s not speaking, training leaders, or consulting with impact-driven organizations, you can find Marli hiking on the trails with her dogs Summit & Journey. She is the host of the Let’s Lead Together Podcast which hit the Top 5% of all Podcasts Globally within just a month of launching. She is also creator of The Connect Deck™, a card deck that provides prompts for shockingly easy and meaningful conversations and has been used by communities worldwide.

Britt Ide

CEO, Ide Energy

TOPIC: Regenerate

Britt Ide is passionate about increasing leadership diversity and coaches women executives and those who aspire to corporate board service through How Women Lead and the Athena Alliance. As CEO of Ide Energy & Strategy, she consults on energy, sustainability, climate change and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG).

Britt serves on the Boards of Directors of NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE), a natural gas and electric utility; Nxu (Nasdaq: NXU), an electric vehicle batter innovator; and TechnoSylva, a private-equity backed Spanish and US software company that provides wildfire prediction and risk modeling; and formerly on the Advisory Board of 3Degrees, a B Corp that helps companies meet their climate goals.  She was appointed by the US Secretary of Energy as a Women in Clean Energy (C3E) Advisory Board Member with Stanford and MIT.  Britt speaks internationally to board directors about climate, ESG, and board governance.  She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, an M.S. in Environmental Engineering, and a Juris Doctor. Britt lives in Bozeman, Montana and enjoys reading and spending time outdoors hiking, mountain biking, downhill and cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Sensi Graves

 Professional kiteboarder, founder, speaker

TOPIC: Regenerate 

@sensigraves @sensiswim

Sensi Graves is a professional kiteboarder, confidence expert and empowerment speaker. She’s also the founder of Sensi Graves Swim, a sustainable swimwear line for active women. She helps people feel like they’re enough now by sharing the story of becoming a pro kiteboarder and starting a business before she believed that she could. When not traveling for photoshoots or speaking gigs, Sensi runs women’s kiteboarding retreats and camps and mentors on confidence and business.

Alicia Towns Franken

Executive Director // Wine Unify

TOPIC: Invest

@aliciatownsfranken

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Alicia Towns Franken began her career as the Wine Director for Boston’s famed Grill 23 & Bar, where she worked for over a decade to build one of the city’s most respected wine programs. During her tenure as Wine Director, she earned numerous accolades from organizations and magazines including Boston Magazine, The Boston Globe, Les Dames d’Escoffier and Wine Spectator.

Trish Glose

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Journalist, Storyteller, Podcaster, & Multimedia Junkie // Hungry for More

TOPIC: Support through Storytelling (Moderator)

@trishglose

Obnoxiously curious, journalist Trish Glose has been asking questions and telling stories (professionally) for nearly 20 years.  She began her journey in 2002, working in TV News in Medford, Oregon as reporter, moving up to producer and anchor and eventually Executive Producer.  She’s covered everything from massive, destructive wildfires to murder trials to the meth epidemic and the homeless situation.  It was the blossoming wine and food scene in Southern Oregon though, that she gravitated towards and kept pitching story ideas that would get her in a vineyard or local tasting room.  Also dogs.  She "retired" from TV news in 2021.

Samantha Cole Johnson

Senior Editor, JancisRobinson.com

TOPIC: Support through Storytelling (Panelist)

@samanthacolejohnson

Sam, Senior Editor US, has been writing for JancisRobinson.com since her Diary of a Willamette cellar rat series in 2019. Since then, she has worked five harvests (bouncing hemispheres), collected her DipWSET, been shortlisted once for a Roederer International Wine Writers Award and twice for the IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication Trophy, and won the Commanderie de Bordeaux Andre Crispin Award for her top score on the Stage 1 MW exam. Based in Oregon, she teaches WSET Level 3 and Diploma classes at The Wine & Spirit Archive. Her interests are firmly rooted in regenerative farming and fair worker treatment; she believes that a winemaker is only as good as their vineyard crew and that ‘unskilled labour’ doesn’t exist in superlative viticulture. She’s also responsible for bringing you the weekly Wine News in 5 broadcast on Instagram and The JancisRobinson.com podcast.

Clive Pursehouse

North American Editor // Decanter Magazine

TOPIC: Support through Storytelling (Panelist)

@clivity

Clive Pursehouse is Decanter's North American Editor. Based in Seattle, Washington, Pursehouse has developed a deep appreciation for the wines of the Pacific Northwest over the course of 20 years. In addition to his editorial role he covers the wines and producers of Oregon and Washington State.

Nori de Vega

Founder & Digital Content Producer // Tikim & NomNom Nori

TOPIC: Support through Storytelling (Panelist)

@nomnom_nori

Norievelle De Vega (Nori) was born in Manila, Philippines, and spent her childhood navigating between two worlds: the US and Southeast Asia. The fire in her soul comes from her mother, and as her legacy, it’s her purpose to make others feel valued, empowered, and well fed. As a creative thought leader, her purpose is to claim space for diverse voices in food, wine, and travel.

Julia Coney

Wine Writer & Wine Consultant, American Airlines

TOPIC: Support through Storytelling (Panelist)

@juliaconey

Julia Coney is a Washington, D.C. and Houston, Texas-based award winning wine writer, speaker, and consultant. Julia is the Wine Consultant for American Airlines in partnership with the James Beard Foundation. Julia is the Founder of Black Wine Professionals, a resource for the wine industry whose goal is to lift up the multifaceted Black professionals in the world of wine.

Julia is the recipient of Wine Enthusiast's 2020 Social Visionary Award Winner for her work in writing and speaking on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the wine industry. Wine Industry Network has named her one of Wine’s Most Inspiring People for 2022.

Julia is the Wine Columnist for Sweet July Magazine and a former Contributing Editor at VinePair. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Wine Enthusiast, Thrillist, The Tasting Panel, Plate Magazine, Forbes.com, The Washington Post, the Financial Times, and numerous print and digital publications.

Heather Davis

CEO // Portland Timbers

TOPIC: Empower - a fireside chat with the female executives of the Portland Timbers

@Timbersfc

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Heather Davis is a fourth-generation Oregonian and the CEO of the Portland Timbers. She is one of the highest-ranking female sports executives in Oregon. Her 9-year tenure working at the NFL league office prepared her for her current role with the Timbers overseeing all the business and operations aspects for the Club and Providence Park. Before her career in sports, Heather worked as an attorney, as Special Assistant to the President, and as Deputy Director of Presidential Scheduling during the Clinton Administration. Later she worked in the Office of Senator Hilary Clinton as Director of Scheduling. Heather earned her law degree in 2005 and because she is a wine enthusiast earned a certificate in the Legal and Business Aspects of Wine from Gonzaga University.

Dr. Robin Beavers

VP of Community & Social Impact // Portland Timbers

TOPIC: Empower - a fireside chat with the female executives of the Portland Timbers

Dr. Robin Beaver's career has been devoted to community engagement and outreach programs that promote wellness, equity, and inclusion of all people in our society. Her work has spanned the nonprofit sector, higher education, mental health, and the sports industry. Her goal is to be a change agent to help transform society into a better place to live. She joined the Portland Timbers in 2022 as the new VP of Community and Social Impact. Passionate about philanthropy she hopes to inspire others to invest time and resources into creating thriving communities.

Ashley Highsmith

COO // Portland Timbers

TOPIC: Empower - a fireside chat with the female executives of the Portland Timbers

In her 20th year with the organization, Ashley Highsmith serves as Chief Operations Officer for the Portland Timbers. In her role, Highsmith oversees critical aspects of the club's operations, including events, fan experiences, stadium operations, and security. She was elevated to COO in 2023, following a series of promotions from positions in Guest Services, Fan Experience, and Events from 2012-2022. Recognized for her exceptional leadership and dedication, Highsmith was honored in the Portland Business Journal's '40 Under 40' list in 2022. In her 20 years with the organization, Highsmith was instrumental in the club's transition to Major League Soccer, the stadium's numerous renovations, and the revival of concerts at Providence Park.

Highsmith joined the organization in 2004 as a group ticket sales manager. A graduate of Oregon State University, Highsmith is from Tillamook, OR, and is married with four children.

Sarah Keane

Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Portland Timbers

TOPIC: Empower - a fireside chat with the female executives of the Portland Timbers

Sarah Keane is the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer for the Portland Timbers & Providence Park. She previously worked for other local organizations including the Oregon Zoo, New Avenues for Youth, and the Oregon Food Bank. Sarah’s leadership style reflects her years of coaching youth and high school lacrosse; providing tools and support to achieve shared team goals. She holds a degree in computer science from Rutgers University (in her home state of NJ), a post baccalaureate degree in accounting from Portland State University and is licensed as a certified public accountant. Sarah previously served as the vice chair on the Beaverton Vision Advisory Committee and currently acts as a board member and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Special Olympics Oregon. Sarah lives in Beaverton with her husband Patrick and two children Jack (10) and River (8).

Morgen Mclaughlin

Executive Director, Willamette Valley Wineries Association

TOPIC: Rising Above - Women Leading through Change panel

Morgen joined the Willamette Valley Wineries Association in 2017 as Executive Director after holding similar positions with the Santa Barbara County Vintners Association and the Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism Marketing Association. Prior to leading wine and tourism organizations, she was the general manager of her family's vineyard and winery where she managed all aspects of wine production, vineyard management and hospitality. Morgen has a keen interest in developing strategic partnerships within the wine and tourism industries to advance the positive recognition and demand for Willamette Valley wines. She enjoys traveling, gardening, hiking and exploring the Pacific Northwest with her family.

EMILY RITCHIE

Executive Director, Northwest Cider Association

TOPIC: Rising Above - Women Leading through Change panel

Emily Ritchie is the Executive Director of Northwest Cider Association, nurturing the community, economy, and ecosystem of a thriving cider culture. Emily is the visionary that steers the ship via strategy and hard work. Through Emily's efforts, NWCA envisions the Pacific Northwest is at the heart of the craft cider movement with a vibrant, collaborative industry where anyone can share in the success and joy of cider. Before this, she worked for the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Marketing Department managing the FoodCorps program. In her free time she loves to swing dance and loves the feeling of soil beneath her fingernails while tending her vegetable garden. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Sofia Torres

Co-Founder and Vice President, AHIVOY / Co-Proprietor, Cramoisi Vineyard

TOPIC: Rising Above - Women Leading through Change panel

Sofía Torres-McKay, Co-Owner of Cramoisi Vineyard / Winery, Co-Founder and VP of AHIVOY (Asociación Hispana de la Industria del Vino en Oregon Y Comunidad), a Mom of two boys, business woman, wine maker, passionate wine grower and a prominent activist for Vineyard Stewards. Born in Mexico City, Sofía worked 19 years in the tech industry before taking the lead of her small family business in 2017. She moved to the United States in 2002 to pursue her career in corporate business. In 2011, Sofía and her husband Ryan McKay both invested their money and took a chance on 10 acres of land in the Dundee Hills of Oregon. They start planting their vines in 2012 and started living their dream making small lots of boutique Pinot Noir, Rosé of Pinot noir, Blanc de noirs, Chardonnay and White Pinot noir.

Sofía continues to be a passionate steward for diversity in the wine industry, teaches her vineyard stewards the importance of Organic and Biodynamic farming. In 2020, she got recognized as a Wine Industry leader honoring the change makers and influencers by Wine Business Monthly. Sofia was awarded by the Oregon Wine Board with the Outstanding Industry Leadership Award in 2022. Appointed by Governor Kate Brown to the Regional Solutions Advisory Committee–Mid Willamette Valley in 2018-2020. In 2020 Sofia was awarded with the Latino buisness award by the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber. A board member of the Dundee Hills Winegrowers Association in 2018 and 2019, a board member of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association from from 2022 and 2023, and recently nominated by the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce for the Wine Country Award which celebrates a wine destination that is dedicated to its craft, pioneering work, and humanitarian efforts. She spends time with her husband Ryan McKay, two boys Mateo and Jonathan and of course her lovely dogs “Lava” and "Lulu". She grows dahlias and lavender as a hobby, loves cooking, kick boxing and her new thing is golfing.

Jana McKamey

Executive Director, Oregon Wine Grower's Association

TOPIC: Rising Above - Women Leading through Change panel

Jana was promoted to Executive Director in 2020 after serving in various capacities within the organization since 2012. The breadth and complexity of the policy, legal and business issues facing the wine industry keeps her engaged and focused on delivering positive results on behalf of wineries and growers around the state. Jana has 20 years of international, national and state policy experience in addition to more than a decade of non-profit management experience. Prior to joining OWA, Jana served as Senior Advisor to the European Union Delegation in Washington, DC and in the lobbying practice of a DC law firm. She also brings an agricultural perspective to her role from growing up in a farming family. Jana received her M.A. from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in History and German from the University of Northern Colorado. She is a recipient of a Fulbright grant to Germany. In her free time, you will find her biking around Portland, practicing her yoga skills, cooking and gardening, volunteering, reading, and spending time with her young daughter.

GINA BIANCO

Executive Director, Oregon Wine Board

TOPIC: Rising Above- Women Leading through Change panel

Gina brings her collaborative, enterprising spirit and ability to grow highly functional, inclusive, innovative, resourceful, and inspired teams to the Oregon Wine Board. Starting at the helm of Rogue Valley Vintners (RVV) in 2020, her tenure began during the global pandemic and devastating wildfires which she helped Southern Oregon wineries navigate through. Also, during her 3 ½ years at RVV, Bianco worked closely with the OWB Board and members of the wine industry to listen to their needs and challenges and build consensus and unity. Bianco came to Oregon armed with two decades of healthcare management, and her own consultancy where she successfully applied creative problem-solving and strong relationship-building. Gina earned a master’s degree in wine management from the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone Campus; and holds a master’s degree in public administration with focus in health care administration and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing.

Haley Johnsen

Singer/Songwriter

@haleyjohnsenmus

Haley Johnsen is a Portland, Oregon-born musician with a knack for genre-bending and a hard-earned career path that is uniquely her own.

Raised listening to powerhouse singers such as Brandi Carlile, Grace Potter, and Annie Lennox, her greatest inspirations become apparent in her stunning vocals, introspective lyricism, and cross-pollinated style of indie-pop, and Americana music.

Haley has the type of showmanship that is electric, earnest, and whole heartedly endearing. With or without a band, you can be sure to leave her shows with a smile on your face while whiping tears from your eyes.