Type of Event

Beyond Awesome Event

Presented by

This is a  panel event with the following inspiring speakers who are fearless women entrepreneurs with valuable insights to share:

• Kirsten Curry,  CEO & Founder of Leading Retirement Solutions, J.D. & AIF
• Jennifer Brown, CEO & Founder of 3 Busy Dogs
• Melanie G. Ramey, President & Communications Coach, Melanie Ramey, LLC

Location/ Date & Time

Online via Zoom only:

*****Zoom link and meeting password will be sent out to registered participants*******

Date: July 16, 2020

Time: 12:00p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time

Description

According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, more than 11.6 million firms are owned by women, employing nearly 9 million people, and generating $1.7 trillion in sales as of 2017, and women-owned firms (51% or more) account for 39% of all privately held firms and contribute 8% of employment and 4.2% of revenues.

While those numbers sound encouraging in reality, women-owned companies are still in the minority.  In addition to the hurdles faced by anyone who starts their own business, women entrepreneurs also encounter obstacles that can be very different than those experienced by their male counterparts.

To help get some insights for the women in our community who are just starting their own business or  who are thinking about leaving their current jobs to start their own business, we have assembled a panel of women entrepreneurs to talk about the key challenges they face and how to overcome them in their business pursuits.

Fee

• Free for Beyond Awesome Members of The Koa Club
• $25 for Awesome Members of The Koa Club
• Members only exclusive event

To learn about membership at The Koa Club, go to https://thekoaclub.com/membership/

– Awesome Membership – free to join (https://thekoaclub.com/product/awesome-tkc-membership/)

– Beyond Awesome Membership – monthly or annual fee to join (https://thekoaclub.com/product/koa-membership-purchase/)

Speakers

Kirsten L. Curry:  CEO & Founder, J.D. & AIF.  An entrepreneur and attorney, Kirsten Curry built Leading Retirement Solutions (LRS), into a full-service retirement plan provider serving businesses in all 50 states. In 2018, LRS was named one of the top entrepreneurial companies in America, by Entrepreneur Magazine. In her early years, Curry plied the seas for over a decade working as a commercial fisherman in Alaska.  As an independent commercial fisherman, she developed an entrepreneurial spirit at a very young age. A graduate of Gonzaga University and Seattle University School of Law, Curry is authorized to practice law in the state of Washington. She is a 2016 Emerging Leader Graduate of the Small Business Association (SBA) and a Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses Graduate. Active in her own community as well as the employee benefits community, Curry serves on ASPPA’s Leadership Council, is Past President of ASPPA’s Benefits Council of the Great Northwest, Past-President of Seattle University Women Alumni Association and previously co-chaired the Staff Benefits Committee of the Seattle Yacht Club. Awards and accomplishments include the 2017 Stevie Award for Women In Business, the 2018 Enterprising Women of the Year, Puget Sound Business Journal Small Business Hero and she is a member in good standing of Vistage and Women Presidents’ Organization. Additional information about Ms. Curry, her accomplishments and involvement in the community can be found at:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstencurry

Jennifer Brown, CEO & Founder of 3 Busy Dogs/Bowser Beer & Treats or Dogs. Starting out with a career in ICU nursing, Jenny pivoted to the tech world when she got her Masters in Biomedical Engineering.  After many years of software development and project management, she once again pivoted to her lifelong love of dogs.  It was part serendipity and part challenge to create a niche market that both delights and educates pet owners.  “Is your dog drinking responsibly?” became the tagline of 3 Busy Dogs, Inc., later trade named to Bowser Beer.  Unfortunately, the economic crash of 2008 coincided with the startup of her company, but it was to be just the start of many challenges and “No’s” she faced in creating a solid brand and sales.   With challenges at every level of company growth, Jenny, now together with her daughter and support team continue to find ways to meet them while keeping product quality and customer satisfaction as the highest priorities.  Additional information about Ms. Brown and her company can found at: https://bowserbeer.com/our-story/

Melanie G. Ramey, JD, MSW, has a private executive coaching practice in Madison, WI.  Her highly successful management experience includes both profit and non profit organizations.  She has been a principal of four successful start up companies. She is a community activist and leader.  Recently she finished 10 years as President of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin leading an unprecedented growth of the organization.  She is President of the Madison Committee on Foreign Relations, an active Rotarian and a EEOC Commissioner. She is frequently invited to present at conferences and meetings and is known for her humorous style and substantive presentations.