In Seattle, the Power of Women Runs Deep

A Sponsored Article from Visit Seattle


In 1926 Bertha Knight Landes became the first female mayor of a major American city, serving as the mayor of Seattle. Ever since, the city has continuously embraced the contributions of women, empowering them to shape the city’s culture along the way. Today, the city is once again led by another strong female — Mayor Jenny Durkan — furthering the city’s environment of inclusion.

In Seattle, women mean business

An American Express “State of Women-Owned Businesses” report estimated the economic impact of women-owned companies throughout the state of Washington at over $30 billion in 2017. Seattle itself has the highest share of women-owned businesses in the country with 40 percent of businesses being female-owned. That’s more than 118,000 women-owned businesses. The city has also been ranked the second-best city for women entrepreneurs.

Beyond just numbers, many of these female-led brands define the rich and diverse texture of the city from local favorites including Seattle Chocolates and Cupcake Royale to nationally recognized brands including DRY Soda and Sub Pop Records.

Women’s impact beyond the boardroom

Outside of traditional business boardrooms, Seattle’s community and culture are shaped by the contributions of females. Seattle is home to three-time WNBA Champions the Seattle Storm (also owned by an all-female leadership group). James Beard nominees including Rachel Yang, Renee Erickson and Zoi Antonitsas continue to define the city’s culinary scene. Female city councilmembers outnumber their male counterparts two to one. Cultural organizations including the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Art Museum, the Pike Place Market Foundation and FareStart all are helmed by women. And of course, Seattle is also the proud home of Melinda Gates, who Forbes recognized as the third-most powerful woman on the planet.

Whether you’re planning an all-female meeting, have a strong attendee base of women, or just want to underscore the impact of women in your industry, Seattle creates a powerful backdrop for your meeting. Learn more about how the city can serve as a place for education and inspiration at visitseattle.org/meetings.

Related Posts

Become a Member

Get premium access to provocative executive-level education, face-to-face networking and business intelligence.

Join PCMA