In honor of International Women's Day, we decided to ask the amazing women at the Bellevue Chamber's Women's Leadership Conference to share some of the most inspiring words they've received from other women in their lives. Whether it was a mentor, a family member, a close friend, or even someone well-known, these words have left a lasting impact and continue to inspire them every day. We’re excited to share the wisdom they’ve gathered along the way—because sometimes, the right words from the right person can make all the difference. Here's what they had to say!
“Luck is for the unprepared.” - Submitted by Ariane Hayes, Bellevue College
“Your energy flows where your focus goes.” - Submitted by Laura Mak Quist, The Yoga Fit Life
“If you have lemons, make lemonade.” - Submitted by Monica Brown, City of Bellevue
“You owe it to yourself. Don’t hold back, just go!” - Submitted by Ting Ting Jones, Symetra
“Don’t be afraid to speak up, take up space and be unliked!” - Submitted by Babette Bechtold, City of Bellevue Fire
“Marriage is not 50/50. It is both people giving 100%.” - Submitted by Jessica Elwell, Everyone for Veterans, who says she got this advice from a couple who have been married for 60 years
“Just be you and own it.” - Submitted by Amy Evans, First Choice Health
“You can do anything you set your mind to! No limitations!” - Submitted by Jenn Peschel, First Choice Health
“Persistence is the key.” - Submitted by Pashtana Rahman, Washington Trust Bank
“No matter what, protect your heart.” - Submitted by Denise Parker, Sound Credit Union, who says she received this inspiring advice from her friend Elizabeth as she was recently going through a hard time
“Your happiness is in you Don’t give anyone or anything ownership of joy but yourself.” - Submitted by Rachana from Amazon, who says this quote comes from her mom, Dr. Susheela Rao, who inspires her as a beautiful human who is humble, kind, beautiful, intelligent, and progressive
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. An important reminder that the way we treat others leaves the most lasting impact.” - By my beautiful and caring mother, April Delano, submitted by April MacLennan, City of Bellevue
“Always stand up for yourself.” - Submitted by Ona Anicello, Fifth Element Engineering
“No matter where you reach, someone has helped you.” - Submitted by Purnima Voria, National US India Chamber
“Stay close to your female friends, listen to their stories with compassion, and follow your heart.” - Submitted by Yara Silva, Honorary Consulate of Brazil
“Always toot your own horn. No one else will.” - Submitted by Brenda Puls, Bank of America
“Don’t fear the uncomfortable.” - Submitted by Diane Simunek, Republic Services
“You can do hard things.” - From her high school chemistry teacher, submitted by Kaylie Wallin, Republic Services
"You can’t pour from an empty cup” and “The grass isn’t greener on the other side. It’s green where you water it.” - Submitted by Renee Metanola, Eileen and Callie’s Place
“Observe female leaders that you admire. Notice how they lead in a meeting. Learn from them!” - Submitted by Jen Hatfield, Commerce Bank of WA
“Training for failure can lead to success. Always reframe failure as an opportunity to win. Have courage to take ACTION.” - Tanji Johnson Bridgeman, submitted by Jenny Tharp, Sound Credit Union, who says she learned this at the conference!
“Advertising your business is not bragging, it’s letting people know how you can help them.” - Viktorya Daclyan, Viktorya Wellness and Skincare
“You miss all the shots you don’t take.” - Submitted by Kaitlyn Pan, Eastside Preparatory School
“It doesn’t matter if nobody believes in you, if you believe in you.” - My 10th grade English teacher, submitted by Rithika Bihu, Junior Finance Academy
“Get it in writing!” - Sandra Sorrell, submitted by Kalika from Eastside Pathways
“Taking care of yourself first matters. Put on your oxygen mask.” - Submitted by Monica Ayala Agadzhanov, MMM Consulting
“When in doubt, always remember – there is enough love.” - Submitted by Tamara Kam, Overlake Medical Center
“She believed she could so she did.” - Submitted by Brandy Slade, Overlake Medical Center
“People may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou, submitted by Ellen Post, Concordia Consulting
“Don’t fish in a pond, fish in the ocean!” - This quote came from a fellow realtor where 90% of her business came from strangers, submitted by Liz Nguyen, The Porchlight Group
“Never give up!” - Submitted by Mary Kaminski, Symetra and by Lauren Licca, Seattle Children's Hospital