Women in Business Reception

Join us for our 7th Annual Women in Business event, an inspiring happy-hour gathering that celebrates leadership, mentorship, and women's history. This event features dynamic women speakers, a woman-themed business expo, beverages, and elevated hors d'oeuvres.

Highlights:

• Dynamic Women Speakers (Speakers TBA)

• Women-Themed Business Expo

• Bubbly & Elevated Hors d'oeuvres

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Contact Lisa Owens at lisa@puyallupsumnerchamber.com or (253) 845-6755.

Women in Business Reception
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 | 4:30pm - 6:30pm (Doors open at 4pm)
Location: Knutson Farms Inc | 16406 78th St E Sumner WA 98390 (NEW!)

Chamber members: $75 | Non-members: $85
Table sponsor: $700
Vendor/expo tables: Chamber members: $175 | Non-members: $275

Age Restriction: Must be 21+ to attend. No exceptions.

Shellie Willis is a U.S. Army Retired Master Sergeant. She is the CEO and Founder of Redefining You Foundation where she assists transitioning servicewomen, women veterans, and military spouses to identify and embrace the personal challenges that come with military transition into their NEXT. She is the Chief Collective Impact Officer for Workforce Central, Region 6 Workforce Development Board and leads military transition and workforce initiatives in Pierce County. She holds a master’s degree in Management Studies Nonprofit from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She is a Certified Defense Financial Manager, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and certified Human Centered Design Facilitator. Shellie believes that being redefined means SHIFTING your thinking, giving yourself grace, living life through accountability, and embracing the next phase in life.

Pageant Title Holder: Shellie is a previous title holder as the first National Reigning Renowned America’s Select Veteran 2022/2023 and Outstanding America's Select Veteran Queen 2023/2024 for Royal Productions Pageants whose national platform is in support of the advocating against domestic violence

Boards: Harborstone Credit Union, Puyallup/Sumner Chamber, Goodwill Board of Directors, Chair for the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veterans Advisory Committee and Vice Chair for the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee 

Other achievements:
TEDx Speaker, Co-Author for Behind The Rank, Vol 5 and featured in the IT’s VUCA Documentary film

Social Media Links:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Redefiningyoufoundation
Watch the trailer to this exciting reveal: IT’S VUCA: The Secret to Living in the 21st Century

Meet our Keynote Speakers

Dr. Josephine Harris is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Certified Master Business Mental Health Coach, and multiple #1 Amazon and international bestselling author.

As Founder and CEO of Calming Minds PLLC, she empowers high-achieving women and organizations to overcome imposter syndrome, build resilience, and lead with confidence. She also serves as President of The HERpreneur Network International, Vice President of The HBCU Magazine, and adjunct psychology faculty member at Bates Technical College.

A veteran military spouse and nationally recognized advocate, Dr. Harris blends faith, neuroscience, and behavioral science to inspire transformation. Her passion lies in creating spaces where women can thrive personally and professionally, knowing that when women rise, families and communities rise with them. Guided by her mantra, “Walk in God’s truth, not fear,” she is on a mission to help others rise and lead authentically.

Leslie Mayne is the Founding Director of the Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation that provides hope and healing to those who serve our country and communities.

As a Gold Star Mother, who lost her oldest son to the invisible wounds of war experienced by so many of our veterans, her personal mission is to find the best tools and training to enhance the mind, body and spiritual wellbeing of our nation’s veterans, first responders and their family members.

Since 2011 the foundation has helped hundreds of our heroes with life-transforming posttraumatic growth programs to turn their struggle into strength and lead lives that thrive, not just survive.

Dawn J. Anuszkiewicz is a seasoned healthcare executive with a proven track record of leadership and operational excellence in various healthcare systems from across the United States.  She joined MultiCare as the East Pierce Market Leader and President of Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington in February of 2025.

Before joining MultiCare, Dawn served as the president for Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital, in Lafayette, Colorado.   Under her leadership the hospital achieved its initial Magnet designation, re-earned its CMS 5 Star rating, and earned or maintained numerous quality designations.

Previously Dawn was the Chief Operating Officer at Reading Hospital in West Reading, Pennsylvania where she played a key role in establishing the Tower Transplant Institute and oversaw a financial turnaround that identified $36 million in savings.

From 2013 to 2019, Dawn was the Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner Baptist in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was instrumental in returning the hospital to full service post Hurricane Katrina and helping to establish Louisiana’s first human milk bank.

Dawn's earlier career includes various leadership roles at Saint Louis University Hospital, MedStar Health, Inc., and The George Washington University Hospital. She has a Master of Health Services Administration from The George Washington University and has completed executive education at the Harvard Business School.

Dawn is actively involved in community and professional organizations, including having served as a trustee at Albright College and a board member for several healthcare and community groups. She has received numerous accolades, including being named to the Women of Influence Circle of Excellence and Modern Healthcare’s Up & Comers Class of 2008.

On a personal note, Dawn has been married for over 25 years and has two college-aged children. She enjoys outdoor activities such as sailing, hiking, and horseback riding.

Sara is a proud Midwesterner, born and raised in the great state of MN.  She graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a B.A. in Psychology and a commission as a second lieutenant through the ARMY ROTC program in 1991 during the first Gulf War.

Sara has over a decade of military experience as a commissioned officer, UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot, flight instructor and unit commander.  She was responsible for the training, morale and overall combat readiness of pilots and support personnel in Bravo company, 4th of the 25th Aviation Regiment, “Knighthawks” at Wheeler Army Airfield on Oahu.  She also served as the EH-60 Platoon Leader, Assistant S-3 Training, and Company Executive Officer for Bravo Company, 304th Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Huachuca, AZ. 

Sara is the graduate of several U.S. Army schools and professional development courses to include the Military Intelligence Officer Advanced Course, Aviation Officer Basic Course, Rotary Wing Aviator Course and Airborne School. 

Sara is a Co-Founder and the Salute Series Ambassador for Heritage Distilling Company, supporting their line of fundraising whiskies that benefit active-duty soldiers, veterans and first responders. 

Sara also serves a local non-profit organization, the Permission to Start Dreaming (PTSD) Foundation, as a Warrior PATHH Guide.  Sara went through the Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes (PATHH) program as a participant in April of this year.  After becoming a Warrior PATHH Alumni and benefiting tremendously from the life changing training, she absolutely knew she wanted to give back to the program and join the team.  She is truly passionate about walking alongside active-duty soldiers, veterans and first responders in their journey from struggle to strength while sharing the principles of Post Traumatic Growth.

Sara and her husband Drew will celebrate their 33rd wedding anniversary in September.  They are proud parents to two wonderful kids, Malia (age 25) and Chase (age 21).  Outside of work, Sara loves to spend time with family and friends, her rescue pup Tilly, enjoys all outdoor activities, and has recently become enamored with the great game of golf. 

Thank you Foster’s Creative for the highlight video!, And thank you 2025 Sponsors!