Prime Highlights

• Over 200 women attended a sold-out event focused on leverage in business and life.
• Industry leaders shared practical insights on decision-making and long-term growth.

Key Facts

• Deschutes Women in Business is a fast-growing network supporting women across industries.
• The event highlighted both business strategy and personal decision-making as key growth drivers.

Background

More than 200 women entrepreneurs and professionals gathered at Tetherow Resort in the fourth week of April for a sold-out event hosted by Deschutes Women in Business. The event focused on the idea of leverage and how women can use it to grow businesses, make key career decisions, and lead in underrepresented industries.

The session brought together speakers and attendees for open discussions on building momentum through both professional and personal choices. Organisers highlighted that such focused conversations and networking opportunities are rarely seen in a single gathering.

Julie Harrelson delivered the opening presentation, and she is well known for her part in establishing the highly profitable Cascade Seed Fund – an important platform for investments in companies at the seed level. The topic she covered had to do with the use of financial and strategic leverage. The next person to speak was Diane Bradley, CEO of Jemini.

Both speakers led a rapid-fire session where they discussed practical turning points. They explained how choosing when to say no, when to accept help, and how small decisions can create long-term impact.

Cate Havstad Casad said that supporting local farms has many benefits. She explained that buying local food helps the economy and also leads to healthier food choices.

Deschutes Women in Business, which started its existence in 2024, has now grown to more than 4000 members.