Women’s Leadership Conference Speakers

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer is a clinical psychologist, leading friendship expert and one of the most influential speakers on human connection and social support. With over a decade of research in the science of friendship, Dr. Miriam has developed a unique approach to building, strengthening, and celebrating our connections, as a way to invest in our personal, professional and social growth.

Through her inspiring keynotes, consulting work, media engagements and courses, Dr. Miriam helps people around the world harness the power of human connection to build resilient relationships, supportive workplaces and deeply fulfilling lives.

In addition to helping businesses and organizations bridge the connection divide and create powerful cultures of belonging, she sits on the Mental Health Advisory Board of Wondermind and consults with The Foundation For Social Connection. Dr. Miriam regularly contributes research driven insights and relatable advice to top outlets including The Atlantic, BBC, Forbes, The New York Times, Times and more. Get connected by visiting her website.

Katherine G. Aiken

Katherine G. Aiken is professor of history emerita at University of Idaho where she also served as College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences Dean and Interim Provost and Executive Vice President.  Aiken was chair of the Idaho Humanities Council and served as a Latah County Historical Society board member and on the University of Idaho Library Advisory Board. She is currently a member of the Idaho Public Television Board and the Idaho Historic Sites Commission.

Aiken’s American history scholarly areas of interest include social and cultural history, labor history, women’s history, mining and the environment. She is the author of four books and many articles dealing with those topics. She is the recipient of the Idaho Historical Society Esto Perpetua Award for service to Idaho History and the Idaho Humanities Council Outstanding Achievement in the Humanities Award.

Stacy Chapin

Stacy Chapin founded Ethan's Smile, a nonprofit foundation providing scholarships throughout Skagit Valley, Washington. Funds raised benefit students' post-high school academics and include scholarships for those applying to the University of Idaho — where her triplet children attend school.

The foundation honors Ethan Chapin, one of her triplets who was senselessly murdered along with three other kids in an off-campus house in November 2022. Today, Stacy aims to be her son's voice and ensure his legacy lives on through others. In June 2023, she wrote the book, "The Boy Who Wore Blue” to continue to tell Ethan's love for life, people and new adventures. The colorful story is inspired by her family's memories and real-life pictures. A portion of the proceeds from each book benefits Ethan's Smile.

A former principal, Stacy was a stay-at-home mom until her triplets went to college. Today, she works alongside her husband, Jim, managing their mining and timber industry-based conveyor belt business.

Stacy earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from the University of Puget Sound, a Master of Education from Western Washington University and administrative credentials from Gonzaga. In April 2023, Stacy and Jim were also awarded honorary degrees from the University of Idaho for their humanitarian efforts.

Stacy resides in La Conner, Washington, with her family and their dog, Lolli. Together, they spend summers in Priest Lake, Idaho. In her spare time, Stacy also fundraises for various family-based organizations.

Patrice Buckner Jackson, EdD.

Dr. Patrice Buckner Jackson, known in her community as Dr. PBJ, gives educators the strategies for accomplishing purposeful work without burnout.

Dr. PBJ is an educator of almost 25 years and an Executive Coach for more than 10 years. She holds a doctoral degree in Education Administration, served in executive leadership at colleges and universities and facilitates leadership training as a faculty member for the Center for Creative Leadership. Dr. Jackson worked in higher education at many levels, from student assistant to President’s Cabinet, and is the recipient of several professional awards and accolades.

Dr. Jackson founded EduCare Training and Consulting, LLC through a purpose of pouring in to those who pour out so much. Much of her work is specifically focused on equipping and refreshing educators. Compassionate work can carry a high price tag: your mind, body, spirit and relationships may be in distress as you serve the needs of others. Dr. Jackson leads her community to serve well without paying an ultimate price.

Dr. PBJ is the creator and host of the Disrupting Burnout podcast as well as the author of the Amazon #1 new release and Amazon best-seller, Disrupting Burnout: The professional woman’s LIFELINE to finding purpose.