Meet OUr Presenters

"Your story matters, your voice matters, and you are capable of achieving more than you may imagine."

Keynote Speaker
Dr. Lori Hunt

Dr. Lori Hunt is the Executive Director of Friends of the Children–Eastern Washington, where she helps young people build bright futures through long-term mentoring and support. A first-generation college graduate, Lori knows firsthand how education, encouragement, and strong relationships can open doors, change lives, and help young people imagine new possibilities for themselves. For more than 20 years, she has worked in education and nonprofit leadership, helping students succeed, strengthening community partnerships, and creating opportunities for young people across the Inland Northwest. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about helping others recognize their strengths, navigate challenges, and develop the confidence to pursue their goals. A proud graduate of Gonzaga University and Washington State University, Lori is also an active community leader who serves on several nonprofit and advisory boards focused on education, health, and youth success. Lori's message is simple: your story matters, your voice matters, and you are capable of achieving more than you may imagine.She is excited to share her personal and professional journey at girlConNW, encouraging the next generation of leaders to believe in their potential, explore what’s possible, and take meaningful steps toward their dreams.

“I’ve learned that achieving your goals isn’t always about having the perfect plan. Sometimes the plan I thought I had turned out so much better after collaboration with my peers or learning from past mistakes. There is always time to pivot and always room to grow if you remain dedicated, take responsibility, and stay true to who you are and what you believe in.”

Maddie Johnson

Maddie is a young professional born and raised in Spokane; she is a graduate of Grand Canyon University. Unsure of what to study in college, her experience as a restaurant hostess led her advisor to suggest Hospitality Management. While attending college, she began working at a resort restaurant in Scottsdale as a hostess and was promoted to Restaurant Assistant Manager/Supervisor after graduation. She quickly discovered a passion for planning and executing large events. After five years in Arizona, Maddie moved back to Spokane to be closer to her family. She joined the Davenport Hotels, where she planned everything from weddings and galas to large trade show conferences and intimate luncheons. She now works for an Economic Development Organization, Greater Spokane Inc., where she creates events that bring community leaders together.

Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and baking, watercolor painting, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, spending time with family and friends, and antique shopping.

SESSION: More Than a Party: The People, Planning & Purpose Behind Events
Event planning is about so much more than throwing a great party! In this workshop, girls will get a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to bring an event to life. From creating timelines and writing scripts to managing budgets, meeting deadlines, solving problems, and bringing lots of moving pieces together. They’ll learn how event planning can be a powerful way to bring people together, build relationships, and create awareness around issues that matter in their community. Whether it’s a gala, conference, luncheon, or community gathering, events give people an opportunity to connect and discover that they often have more in common than they realize. Girls will also see how skills like organization, communication, creativity, problem-solving, and relationship building can turn an idea into something meaningful. Most importantly, they’ll learn that event planning can be a career where they use their strengths to connect people, support their community, and make things happen.

“Take risks, trust yourself, and never forget the people who stood by you. The journey is richer when you share and celebrate it together.”

Victoria Sattler

Born in Manila, Philippines, Victoria has a passion for serving her community. After completing her degree in Communications, she immigrated to the US where she spent over 15 years working for a luxury resort training employees in the US and across Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica before relocating to Spokane. Victoria currently works at Spokane Community College as an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor to refugees and immigrants while serving as the department’s employment specialist.

SESSION: Dream It, Be It: Turning Visions into SMART Goals
You will learn the ABCs of goal setting in this fun, engaging, and interactive class using SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). We'll use examples to ensure your road map to success gets you to your ultimate destination.

Why is this important? The skills you gain will be your superpowers for the goals you identify in the future. Whether you dream of becoming an astronaut, scientist, teacher, or entrepreneur, this session will take out the guesswork of where to even start. Join us for Dream It, Be It: Turning Visions into SMART Goals—a workshop where your dreams take center stage!

“My goal is to encourage young women to grow into strong, confident women through meaningful friendships that inspire, support, and uplift one another. Together, we grow stronger.”

Chardonnay Love Lace

Chardonnay is a proud mom of three boys who keep her on her toes! She recently welcomed her newest little one in June, adding even more love and excitement to her growing family. As an Air Force veteran, Chardonnay has had the opportunity to live in Washington State, Virginia, and Germany. During her military service, she worked as a Logistician, coordinating the movement of people and property to and from military installations. Her time in the Air Force provided her with incredible opportunities to travel, explore different cultures, and see more of the world. Her journey, experiences, and passion for connecting with others eventually led her to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, where she is excited to make a positive impact on the lives of girls and families in her community.

Outside of her professional life and busy schedule as a mom, Chardonnay enjoys reading, creating art in its many forms, spending time in nature, and sharing good food and meaningful conversations with friends

SESSION: Unstoppable: A Military Girl’s Journey to a World of Opportunities
As a Traffic Management Manager in the U.S. Air Force, I oversaw the movement and transportation of personnel, household goods, equipment, and cargo to ensure they reached their destinations safely, efficiently, and on time. The role involved coordinating transportation logistics, managing shipments, overseeing documentation, and ensuring compliance with military transportation regulations. At times, I managed travel for military personnel and acted as a Customs Agent. It required traveling to amazing places such as France, Germany, and Greece to ensure that aircraft were cleared to arrive at various locations. Discover how a military career opens a world of opportunities, building your confidence and equipping you with the skills to succeed in any career path you choose.

“I know supporting girls and their dreams is important and we have to give them the tools, mentors, and support they need to do so. As a Soroptimist we focus on educational support women and girls economic empowerment to change their lives.”

Becky McGinty

Becky is the owner of Committed Accounting Services LLC. As the wife of a retired military veteran, she has traveled extensively and enjoyed living in many diverse communities. As the mother of three grown children and grandmother of seven, Becky understands that discovering your dreams and passions while trying to navigate a career path can sometimes feel daunting. A Soroptimist for the past 19 years, Becky has dedicated many volunteer hours to Soroptimist’s mission of transforming the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment, and opportunity.

SESSION: Dream It, Be It - Discovering Your Dreams
Want to make a Dream Journal for your future? Who do you look up to? What values and qualities do they have that you admire? Decorate your own journal to help you set your goals and dreams, inspired by the traits you admire in these individuals. You will take the journal with you after class.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt

Rae-Lynn Barden

Rae-Lynn is a lifelong Eastern Washington resident; she holds a master’s in public administration and has dedicated her career to serving in both government and nonprofi t sectors. Her passion for advocacy stems from her own journey as a mother to a child with a disability, inspiring her commitment to supporting individuals with special needs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, camping, and getting lost in a good book around the campfire.

SESSION: More Than a Boss: The Many Hats of a Nonprofi t Leader
What’s it really like to be the boss of a nonprofi t? It’s defi nitely not all meetings and paperwork! In this behind-the-scenes session, students will get a peek into the wild, rewarding, and sometimes unpredictable world of being an Executive Director. We’ll talk about sharing your mission with the community while raising money, planning awesome events, working with businesses and community partners, solving “uh-oh, now what?” problems, and making sure the organization actually makes a diff erence. You will discover the many hats an Executive Director wears. From leader, fundraiser, cheerleader, problem-solver and storyteller.

“I want to support and empower future generations, helping young people discover what matters to them, believe in themselves, and find their own path forward. “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

Sarah Polmounter

Sarah grew up exploring Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. After earning degrees in sociology and criminal justice, she headed west for a new adventure—and discovered a passion for outdoor and experiential education. Now a Program Specialist with Girl Scouts, Sarah helps create opportunities for girls to learn and grow beyond the traditional classroom. She believes that stepping outside your comfort zone, especially outdoors, can build confidence, reveal strengths, and help young people become leaders. Sarah lives in Northern Idaho, where she loves encouraging young people to try something new. Outside of work, she’s usually snowboarding, mountain biking, surfing, or looking for her next adventure.

SESSION: Beyond the Comfort Zone: Outdoor Education and Building Confidence Through Adventure
In this session, Sarah will share what she’s learned from 15 years in outdoor education, including her work with Girl Scouts. Through games and hands-on activities, participants will explore their leadership styles, practice working as a team, and see how outdoor experiences can build confidence and resilience. Sarah will also talk about careers in outdoor education and coaching, including what it’s like to work in a field where men have traditionally been the majority, and what it's like to have a job where playing and having fun is a part of your job.

“Seeking opportunities to make others whole.”

Kristen Robins

Kristen attended Walla Walla University for two years before transferring to Loma Linda University School of Allied Health Professions to pursue the Orthotic and Prosthetic program. She graduated in 2018 with a BS in Health Sciences and an MS in Orthotic and Prosthetic Sciences. Kristen has worked in the field for nearly 10 years and has seen all age groups, activity levels, and people from all walks of life. In her free time, she runs marathons, bake's cookies, plays music, and enjoys spending time with her husband and 5-month-old baby boy.

SESSION: Girls Can Move the World: How the Women in Orthotics & Prosthetics Empower Movement & Make a Difference

This session will give a brief overview of the field of study, educational background, and basic skills needed by so many to get back to moving and stay in motion. It will focus on how the career path gives back to the community, innovates and integrates new technology, and moves the world.

Robin Bernhart

Robin is a restaurateur and business leader with 30 years of experience running restaurants, building teams, solving problems, and making tough decisions. She is also a wife of 25 years and the proud mother of a 20-year-old student-athlete. Throughout her career, Robin has learned that success doesn’t come from waiting for permission. It comes from knowing what you want, working hard, taking risks, and believing in what you’re capable of achieving. Her philosophy for women is simple: Play like a man and win like a woman. For Robin, that means being fearless in pursuing ambitions, confident in one’s abilities, and unapologetic about success. She believes women should stand up for themselves, speak honestly about their accomplishments, and never make themselves smaller to make others comfortable. She also believes that real success comes with responsibility. When there’s an opportunity to help someone else, you take it. Leadership isn’t just about getting ahead; it’s about bringing others along with you. Robin is passionate about helping young women recognize that they can be strong, competitive, compassionate, successful, and generous—all at the same time.

SESSION: Know Your Worth. Own Your Success. Lift Others Up.

Robin’s session will explore key aspects of leadership, including: What makes someone a leader? “Play Like a Man. Win Like a Woman,” “You’re the Boss!” “Own Your Success!” “Winning Means Giving Back,” and “The Leadership Challenge. Participants will also engage in a hands-on restaurant leadership challenge, which covers: Handling an unhappy customer, Making decisions about employees and teamwork, Solving financial and operational challenges, Understanding accountability, problem-solving, and responsibility. This interactive session will provide valuable insights into becoming your own boss, managing others, and recognizing the importance of supporting those around you.