Who We Are
Meet the individuals driving our vision forward.
Our Board of Directors is a dedicated group of women committed to advancing the mission of empowering women through leadership development, entrepreneurship, and education.
Our board brings together diverse expertise across business, academia, nonprofit leadership, and community development. Together, we provide strategic guidance, governance, and support to ensure the Center’s programs and initiatives have lasting impact.
Each Director shares a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and creating pathways for women to thrive as confident leaders and successful entrepreneurs.
J. Kanani Patricio-Young,
Co-Founder, Chief Executive Director
Kanani@thewlec.orgKanani is the Chief Executive Director where she leads with a mission to Support, Empower, and Equip women leaders and entrepreneurs across the Pacific Northwest. A Hawai‘i native with over 14 years of experience spanning environmental consulting, industrial hygiene, and DEI leadership, Kanani is also the founder of Young Leadership Inc. Her work is driven by a passion for authentic leadership, community building, and creating spaces where women can thrive. Recognized as a 2024 Young Professional Award winner by the Tri-Cities Journal of Business, she continues to inspire by blending professional excellence with mentorship, innovation, and impact.
Cara Wilson, Executive Director
Cara@thewlec.org Cara is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and innovative thinker dedicated to shaping inclusive, people-centered workplaces. As Board Chair of Community & Culture, she helps cultivate environments where women leaders are supported, connected, and empowered to thriveCara Jean’s work centers on emotional intelligence, intentional leadership, and culture transformation. Her commitment to fostering belonging and psychological safety strengthens the foundation of every community she serves.
Josie Villa, Executive Director
Josie@thewlec.orgJosie is the founder and CEO of H3 Leadership and OD Consulting LLC, bringing more than 30 years of experience in HR, leadership development, and organizational transformation. She is a certified Maxwell Leadership Coach, speaker, and Women-Centered Coach known for creating inclusive, supportive environments where leaders—especially women—grow with clarity and confidence.
Josie also founded the Women Mentoring Collective, a thriving community built on authentic conversations, shared wisdom, and empowerment.
Holding a master’s degree in Organization Development and Leadership and dual bachelor’s degrees in social science and psychology, Josie blends academic expertise with lived experience to champion leaders at every stage of their journey.
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Chief Executive Director
J. Kanani Patricio-Young
(kanani@thewlec.org)
Exec. Director of Community Engagement
Zdenka Barisic
(zdenka@thewlec.org)