Impact and inspiration: Series aims to lift women in leadership

COEUR d’ALENE — Marilee Wallace has big plans to raise the glass ceiling for the women of Kootenai County.

As founder of North Idaho Alliance, she's bringing an eight-session series to Coeur d’Alene with the sole purpose of empowering local women.

The Women of Impact Leadership Roundtable kicks off its series of monthly morning meetings Sept. 22.

The series costs $450 and registration should be received by Saturday to guarantee a seat. Some scholarships are offered.

“I think it’s really important for women to come to the table, and not just sit at the table but to be a strong voice at the table,” Wallace said.

Wallace conceived the idea with a goal of bringing knowledge, inspiration and most of all, a deep connection to other women.

“My mission is empowering women of all ages to have the confidence and the passion to be strong community leaders,” said the longtime former Chamber of Commerce executive.

Each month brings a different theme: inspiration, mentorship, participation, arts, commerce, technology, education and diversity. For those of you acronymically inclined, that spells IMPACTED.

And Wallace is certain participants will be.

Presenters will talk for about 40 minutes. Then, Wallace said, “as a group of women, we can have an open discussion.”

Wallace aims to give attendees time to share ideas, make goals and come away empowered to act.

"We want them to have an experience," she said, and then to leave with a plan.

Wallace has invited a diverse group of speakers, women from the local area already serving in positions of leadership.

Among those featured are: Mrs. Idaho America 2021; Marie Widmyer; Linda Cook from Union Gospel Mission; Kari Anderson with Incite Consulting; Eve Knudtsen, owner of Knudtsen Chevrolet; Ali Shute, executive director for the Coeur d’Alene Arts & Culture Alliance; Elaine Damschen, president of Mainstream Electric Heating; and Jessica Mahuron with the North Idaho Pride Alliance, just to name a few.

“We want them to come away saying, 'Wow, I want to connect with that woman, Wow, I want to get involved with that,'” Wallace said.

There's a real need in our community for the development of strong female leaders, Wallace said.

The series will help build confidence and provide the connections that women need to thrive in leadership roles.

A woman in leadership herself, Wallace is preparing the next generation of women to carry the torch.

We all need a mentor, she said, no matter our age or experience in life.

Seats are limited to 75 and registration includes eight conference meetings with breakfast provided and a ticket to the organization’s flagship annual conference, Onward & Upward with Grace & Gratitude, next May 26.

Info: https://womenofimpactcda.eventbrite.com, Marilee Wallace: 208-660-1557.