Celebrate the Women Who Lead & Give Back

Friday, September 25, 2026 | Evergreen Gardens, Ferndale | 5:30–8:00 PM

Only 175 seats available! Tables of 8 or individual seats.

Join us for an unforgettable evening honoring extraordinary Whatcom County women: leaders who build, mentor, and give back to our community. Enjoy heavy appetizers, a raffle, and an inspiring awards presentation, all while supporting scholarships that help local women pursue higher education.

Good to Know (FAQ)

Can I buy a single seat?

Yes. Individual tickets are available, or purchase a table of 8 for your group, team, or business.

Is this event 21+?

 Yes. This event is for guests age 21 and older.

What's included with my ticket?

Heavy appetizers, a silent auction, and the awards presentation. Drinks are available for purchase.

Can I bring a guest?

Absolutely. Guest tickets can be purchased alongside your own, or as part of a table of 8.

What is the recommended attire?

We recommend cocktail attire, dressy but comfortable. Late September evenings can get cool, so you may want a wrap or a jacket.

What is Whatcom Women in Business?

WWiB is a professional nonprofit based in Bellingham, WA dedicated to supporting, connecting, and celebrating women in business across Whatcom County. We host monthly programs, an annual scholarship program, and this awards celebration each fall.

How can I get involved beyond the event?

 We'd love to have you! WWiB offers membership, monthly networking events, sponsorship opportunities, and more. Visit our About Us page to learn more or reach out at info@wwib.org.

Only 175 seats available! Tables of 8 or individual seats.

Meet This Year's Honorees

Please join us in congratulating this year's Professional Women of the Year and Community Legacy Award honoree!

Stephanie-Morrell

Stephanie Morrell

President & General Manager, Bellingham Bells

Morrell joined the Bellingham Bells in 2013 and was named the team's first female General Manager in 2016, later becoming President & GM in 2024 ...

Madison-Price-Zender

Madison Price Zender

Principal, VSH CPAs

Madison Price Zender is a Rising Partner at VSH CPAs dedicated to helping business owners grow and thrive. She’s passionate ...

Elizabeth-Hampton

Dr. Elizabeth Hampton

Founder, CEO & Clinic Director, CorePhysio

Dr. Elizabeth Hampton, PT, DPT, WCS, PRPC, is a physical therapist in practice since 1987 and the founder of CorePhysio. She is ...

Meet our 2026 Community Legacy Award Winner!

  • Lori Reece
  • Broker/Owner, RE/MAX Whatcom County and RE/MAX Gateway
  • Facebook Page

A visionary leader, entrepreneur, and mentor, Lori Reece has spent more than four decades shaping the real estate industry in Northwest Washington.

Born and raised in Seattle, Lori moved to Bellingham in 1970 and earned her Business degree from Western Washington University in 1979. That same year, she began her real estate career selling time shares alongside her father, gaining invaluable experience that would lay the foundation for an extraordinary career. Over the next several years, she built expertise in bank lending, property management, campground membership sales, and eventually served as a Managing Broker for Gray & Associates.

Lori-Reece

In 1991, Lori took a leap of faith and founded RE/MAX Whatcom County with just four brokers and a vision of creating a brokerage unlike any other in Whatcom County—one centered on collaboration, education, innovation, and exceptional service. That vision has grown into a thriving organization with offices serving Bellingham, Sudden Valley, Lynden, Pt. Roberts, Mt. Vernon and Anacortes, supporting more than 125 real estate professionals and thousands of clients throughout Western Washington.

Throughout her career, Lori has earned widespread recognition for her leadership and commitment to the industry. She has served as President of the Whatcom County Association of REALTORS®, President and Board Member of the Bellingham/Whatcom MLS, and as both a Local and State Director for the Washington Association of REALTORS®. Her many honors include REALTOR® of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Lifetime Member Award, and recognition as a Whatcom Women in Business Finalist.

Her impact extends far beyond the local market. RE/MAX has honored Lori with numerous regional and international awards, including being named RE/MAX Pacific Northwest Broker/Owner of the Year twice, receiving the RE/MAX Pacific Northwest Pacesetter Award twice, the RE/MAX International Ambassador Award, and multiple Total Volume Achievement Awards. Under her leadership, the brokerage has consistently ranked among the top performers in the country, closing hundreds of millions of dollars in annual sales volume and helping thousands of families achieve their dream of owning real estate.

Outside of real estate, Lori is an avid traveler and enthusiast of food, wine, and the culinary arts. She is deeply committed to her community, generously sharing her time and leadership with organizations including the Boys & Girls Clubs, the American Cancer Society, the Chamber of Commerce, DVSAS and the College of Business at Western Washington University.

Known for her entrepreneurial spirit, unwavering integrity, and passion for helping others succeed, Lori has spent more than 35 years building not only successful businesses but also lasting relationships and stronger communities. Her legacy is measured not just by awards and achievements, but by the countless brokers she has mentored and the families and lives she has positively impacted along the way.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This event — and the scholarships it supports — wouldn't be possible without the generosity of our sponsors.

Celebration Venue: Evergreen Gardens

evergreen gardens
Berzenji Productions
industrial credit union
BP
Wilson
bio bug
first fed
lnwc

Interested in Sponsoring?
Sponsorship opportunities are available at every level, from $500 to $7,500, with benefits including event tickets, signage, logo placement, and recognition across our website, emails, and social media.

Don't Miss This Year's Celebration
  Seats go fast every year. Reserve yours today.

Only 175 seats available! Tables of 8 or individual seats.