On Mar. 14, 2025, the Kent Chamber of Commerce’s annual Women’s Wellness Breakfast, themed “Giving Women Their Flowers,” honored local women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
The gathering, which took place at the Golden Complex Banquet Hall, had 139 attendees as well as nine sponsor booths. It was held to honor Women’s History Month, and featured inspiring speakers and engaging discussions on empowerment, boundary-setting, and financial wellness.
The event was spearheaded by Kent Chamber CEO Zenovia Harris, who has led the local business non-profit for six years. She emphasized the importance of recognizing women’s achievements, regardless of title or role.
“It doesn’t matter what your title is—you are a woman, you are strong, you are innovative, and you should be celebrated at all times,” Harris said in her opening remarks.
A Keynote on Strength and Overcoming Adversity
Keynote speaker Teresa Noonan, CEO of Lot No. 68, delivered a powerful keynote, reflecting on resilience, personal growth, and the challenges many women face. Holding up a sign reading “I am a woman. What’s your superpower?”, Noonan encouraged attendees to embrace their strength.
“Everything you see, every powerful statement, every great idea—it all started with a woman,” she declared.
Noonan also shared her personal journey of surviving domestic violence, advocating for women to recognize their worth and stand up against abuse.
“We are not given a spirit of fear—we are given a spirit of power and self-control,” she said, urging women to support each other and break cycles of silence.
Panel Discussions: Boundaries, Financial Empowerment, and Leadership
The event featured insightful panel discussions, including “Girl, I’m Tired… Reclaim Your Energy by Setting Boundaries at Work,” hosted by Jessica Pizzica of Grit Talent Solutions. Panelists emphasized the importance of advocating for oneself in professional settings, setting clear work-life boundaries, and recognizing when to say no.
Real estate entrepreneur Dee Scott shared a simple but powerful strategy: “I don’t have the capacity at this time” that we’re certain will be re-used by many. She encouraged attendees to use this phrase to protect their time and mental well-being.
A second panel, “Money Moves: Mastering Financial Wellness in 5 Steps,” moderated by Theresa Schaefer, Sales Manager of South King Media, tackled financial literacy, wealth-building, and business finance. Panelists urged women to take control of their financial futures, with finance expert Carmen Goers reminding attendees:
“Your budget is not a diet—it’s your priorities.”
Honoring Impactful Women
During the event, Jessica Talton was recognized with the Impactful Woman of Kent Award, celebrating her contributions to the community.
A Toast to Women’s Strength
The event concluded with a celebratory toast, recognizing the resilience, achievements, and future successes of all women.
“We raise our glasses to be women who care about one another, who support one another, and who continue to show up every day as hardworking, authentic leaders,” Harris said, inviting attendees to join in a collective cheer.
The Kent Chamber of Commerce continues to support women in business, leadership, and advocacy, ensuring that their voices are heard and celebrated throughout the year.
Video
Below is edited video showing highlights from the breakfast, as edited by Scott Schaefer (running time 1-hour, 53-minutes):
