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
Chief Executive DirectorKanani 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 12 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.
Laura Flores
Executive Advisor, Leadership & GrowthLaura is a dynamic HR leader, culture strategist, and empowerment speaker with over 20 years of experience transforming teams and organizations.
Laura serves as a Grandview City Council member, Yakima Valley College Trustee, and nonprofit board member. She's been featured in the Tri-Cities Journal of Business and has spoken at conferences locally and nationally, including the Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference, Inspire HER Conference, Dentsply Sirona Global Conference, and as emcee for the Empower HER Summit.
Jamie Kincaid
Executive Director of Finance & Strategic ResourcesJamie serves as the Executive Director of Finance and Strategic Resources. She is a lifestyle branding photographer and retreat host based in Washington State. Jamie is the founder and creative force behind JK Photos branding photography and women’s retreats. She created her business out of a love for storytelling and art, and has since grown it into a movement toward lifting others up, creating community, and helping women thrive. She is a catalyst for women’s empowerment and a champion for community over competition.
Heather Lee
Executive Advisor, Strategy & InnovationHeather is a Navy veteran, mortgage consultant, and dedicated community advocate committed to empowering women, families, and veterans through education and access to essential resources. With more than 20 years of experience in the finance and housing industry, Heather has built a trusted reputation for integrity, compassion, and a genuine passion for helping others achieve long-term stability through homeownership.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Heather is deeply involved in community service, supporting local nonprofits, coordinating outreach efforts, and sharing her own journey of resilience to inspire others. She is a proud wife to her husband of 27 years, Jason, and the mother of two adult children, Jax and Emma.
Cara Wilson
Board Chair, Community & CultureCara 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 thrive.
Cara 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.
Lillian Martin
Board Chair, Marketing & Media RelationsLillian brings a rich background in philanthropy, strategic communications, and digital marketing to her role as Board Chair of Marketing & Media Relations. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Economics and has spent the last seven years shaping campaigns, content, and spaces, across the medical, tourism, home style and construction industries, currently working as the Philanthropy Officer at Tri-Cities Chaplaincy.
Lillian is passionate about building meaningful connections between organizations and the communities they serve. Her work centers around ensuring that purpose-led initiatives reach and inspire those who need them most.
Joanna Ruiz
Board Chair, Experience & EventsJoanna is a seasoned business leader and community builder with more than a decade of experience in strategic growth, client engagement, and large-scale event execution. She currently serves as the Director of Sales at the HAPO Center—one of the Tri-Cities’ premier event venues—where she oversees business development and the planning of high-impact events.
As Board Chair of Experience & Events, Joanna brings her expertise in event strategy, customer experience, and community partnerships to create transformative spaces for women to connect, grow, and lead. Her work is rooted in a passion for empowerment, innovation, and community-driven impact.
Josie Villa
Board Member, Leadership Development & Organizational GrowthJosie 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.
April Culwell
Board Member, Administrative Leadership & Professional DevelopmentApril is the founder of the Administrative Professionals Network and a passionate advocate for elevating the administrative profession. With more than 20 years in the administrative field, April brings deep expertise, insight, and a heart for developing leaders often overlooked in traditional structures.
She launched the Administrative Professionals Conference—formerly Administrative Professionals Training Day & Celebration—to provide connection, training, and recognition for administrative professionals across the region.
April is committed to building an inclusive, empowering community where administrative professionals develop the skills, confidence, and leadership capacity needed to excel as strategic partners in the workplace
Deidra Murphy
Board Chair, Experience & EventsDeidra Murphy is an educator turned entrepreneur who transformed her passion for style, confidence, and personal development into two thriving businesses—Style by Deidra and Regal Pageant Coaching. A graduate of Whitworth University, former teacher, and longtime coach, she brings a unique blend of education, coaching, and empowerment to her work.
Deidra also co-owns NewEdge Family Chiropractic, southeastern Washington’s largest holistic wellness center, with her husband of 12 years, Dr. Chris Murphy.
Her journey through infertility and adoption inspired her “Map to Motherhood” platform, where she provides resources, real stories, and connection for women navigating nontraditional paths to motherhood.
In addition to her business and advocacy work, Deidra serves communities statewide as United States of America’s Mrs. Washington 2025, recently placing 2nd runner-up at the national competition. She is a devoted mother to her son Declan and finds joy in motherhood, charcuterie artistry, and dancing with wholehearted joy.
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Chief Executive Director
J. Kanani Patricio-Young
(kanani@thewlec.org)
Exec. Director of Community Engagement
Zdenka Barisic
(zdenka@thewlec.org)