Southside Leadership Conference returns to Highline College on Friday, June 20

EDITOR’S NOTE: South King Media Founder/Publisher Scott Schaefer serves on the Board of Directors for the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce.

The Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce and the Success Foundation will present the 2025 Southside Leadership Conference on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Highline College’s Student Union Building.

This high-impact, full-day event is designed to empower both emerging and established leaders with tools, insights, and connections to navigate today’s evolving professional landscape.

The conference features eight dynamic workshops, keynote addresses, and an interactive resource fair designed to elevate ethical, strategic, and inclusive leadership.

Registration and Scholarships

General admission is $50.

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, scholarship tickets are available at no cost for non-members using promo code 2025SuccessForAll at registration – simply click “Register” on the event page, select the non-member ticket, and enter the code at checkout when you register online:

https://www.seattlesouthsidechamber.com/events/details/2025-southside-leadership-conference-7119

Event Highlights

• Eight expert-led workshops
• Over 30 featured speakers
• Free professional headshots by Crain Photography
• Interactive resource fair
• Complimentary lunch provided

Featured Sessions and Speakers

Opening Keynote Fireside Chat

• Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed, Port of Seattle
• Moderated by Dr. Jamilyn Penn, Vice President, Highline College

The Power Playbook – Mastering Influence & Negotiation

• Kevin Schilling, Mayor, City of Burien
• Marianne Bichsel, Vice President of External Affairs, Comcast
• Jerica Tucker, Owner, Herrsolutions, LLC
• Jesse Johnson, Director of Outreach & Community Engagement, WA State Treasurer’s Office

Money Moves – Building Financial Confidence

• Micki Gamez, Gamez Financial
• Rocel Dumo, FinFit Life
• Brea and Che Davis, ALEGACY X
• Moderator: Carmen Goers, Washington Trust Bank

Next-Level Leadership – Career Growth & Talent Retention

• Katie Gerard, Port of Seattle
• Jeff Gross, Gro-Nova Inc.
• Rosa Espinoza, CuliNEX
• Harris Anwar, BECU
• Scott Braaten, Second Love Coffee Roasters
• Moderator: Alison Scott, GSBA

Blueprint for Success – Strategic Leadership in Action

• Torrence Dixon, Take Me There Foundation
• Allan Ekberg, Former Mayor, City of Tukwila
• Kenia Calderon, Seattle Credit Union
• Eryn Anitavi, Sapphire Dynamics

Leadership Compass – Making Ethical Decisions That Matter

• Nancy Salguero McKay, Highline Heritage Museum
• Yohanna Tewolde, EDOT Productions
• Bettina M. Jones, Certified Life Coach
• Phillip Mendoza, Second Love Coffee Roasters
• Moderator: Essence Russ, Southwest Youth & Family Services

Claim Your Seat – How to Serve on Boards & Commissions

• Natasha Rivers, PhD, BECU
• Armen Papayan, Tukwila City Council
• Lorraine Chachere, City of Burien
• Lindsy Ferrin, Edward Jones
• LeeAnne Schirato, Port of Seattle

The AI Advantage – Staying Ahead in a Tech-Driven World

• Larry Jordan, Microsoft and Larouex Gourmet Foods LLC
• Tony Sollars, WatchTower IT Solutions
• Andrea Smith, Kulture & Hustle

Economic Forecast – What’s Next & How Leaders Can Adapt

• Sam Kaplan, Highline College
• Anthony Anton, Washington Hospitality Association
• Rich Shockley, Washington SBDC
• Joe Sky-Tucker, Business Impact NW
• Ilona Lohrey, GSBA

Closing Fireside Chat

• Navdeep Singh, Westfield Southcenter Mall
• Moderated by Robert Livingston, HomeStreet Bank