2026 INSPIRE Women’s Business Conference is May 28

The Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB), a program of the Thurston Economic Development Council, is bringing back its INSPIRE Women’s Business Conference on May 28.

This dynamic, one-day event is designed to equip women entrepreneurs and professionals with the tools, connections, and confidence to grow and thrive, organizers said in a news release. 

Bringing together business owners, leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs from across Washington, INSPIRE 2026 will feature a full day of programming including keynote presentations, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and curated networking opportunities with local vendors and exhibitors.

“INSPIRE is more than a conference—it’s a space where women come together to learn, share, and build each other up,” said Ashley Whitley, program manager for WCWB. “Our goal is for every attendee to leave with practical strategies, meaningful connections, and renewed confidence in their journey.”

The conference runs from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey.

Registration costs $100 and includes access to all sessions, networking opportunities, vendor marketplace, conference materials and lunch.

Visit https://INSPIREWCWB.eventbrite.com to register. 

Featured programming includes:

• Keynote presentation by Jessica Caldwell, CEO of Wildkind Outdoors/Academy
• Opening Address from Miss Washington, Amber Pike, sharing her mission and message of impact for women
• Interactive Breakout Sessions covering marketing strategy, SBA resources, productivity, and decision-making frameworks
• Women’s Beauty & Self-Care Panel, featuring local industry leaders sharing personal journeys and business insights
• Business Awards Recognition honoring outstanding women in business in Innovation, Community Impact, and Leadership

INSPIRE 2026 blends tactical business education with personal development through sessions such as:

• Funding Your Business Needs with SBA Programs — Melanie Norton, SBA
• You Don’t Need More Content — Megan Gillespie, Olympia Boss Society
• Creating Brand Partnerships — Mariya Raginsky, The Added Value Group
• The Invisible Inheritance — Heidi Carlson Coaching
• Getting Down to Business — Kara Withers, PathForward LLC
• From Passion to Profit — Ife Thomas, HerGlow

Attendees will also benefit from peer networking, a vendor marketplace and access to resources through the event platform, event organizers said.

“Every session is built with intention,” Whitley stated. “We’re not just talking about success — we’re giving women the tools to achieve it in a way that’s sustainable and aligned with their lives.”

INSPIRE 2026 is supported by community partners and sponsors, including ECOS and WSECU.