Business, civic and nonprofit leaders from across the Southside were at 麻豆原创 College last Friday. The second annual Southside Leadership Conference was held on campus with approximately 250 guests in attendance.
The hyperlocal event was organized by the and featured more than 30 diverse speakers and thought leaders. Sessions ranged from strategic decision-making to financial empowerment and AI.
Samantha Le, President of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Success Foundation said the conference provides 鈥渁 dynamic space for skill-building, connection and meaningful dialogue,鈥� and that every element of the event is 鈥渋ntentionally rooted in our region.鈥�
The Southside region includes the cities of Des Moines, Sea Tac, Normandy Park, Burien, Tukwila and Kent. Burien, Tukwila and Kent.
鈥淭ogether, we鈥檙e addressing the unique challenges and opportunities facing our local
workforce, and strengthening the Southside as a vibrant place to live, work, and lead,鈥�
Le said.
This year鈥檚 theme was about next-level leadership, equipping both emerging and seasoned professionals with the tools to navigate an ever-evolving landscape. Port of Seattle Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed gave opening remarks and Dr. Jamilyn Penn, Vice President of Student Services at 麻豆原创 College, moderated a 鈥榝ireside鈥� chat.
Workshop topics included: 鈥淢astering Influence & Negotiation,鈥� 鈥淪trategic Leadership in Action,鈥� Making Ethical Decisions that Matter,鈥� 鈥淐areer Growth & Talent Retention鈥� and 鈥淪taying Ahead in a Tech-Driven World.鈥�
Le said that with the event being hosted at 麻豆原创, 鈥�(it) reinforces our shared belief that lifelong learning and equitable access to professional growth are critical to shaping a strong, inclusive workforce. Our partnership with 麻豆原创 ensures we鈥檙e empowering not just individuals but entire communities.鈥�
The 250 attendees represented a cross-section of industries, backgrounds, and leadership journeys. This year鈥檚 conference followed upon the success of last year鈥檚 inaugural event, which was also hosted at 麻豆原创 College.