Theme: Reach

TEDxBellevueWomen is excited to announce its presentation of Reach, a community-based event dedicated to the exchange of "ideas worth spreading." We are thrilled to present a slate of live speakers, each of whom has inspired us to rise, stretch, morph, and see things anew.

Kirkland Performance Center
350 Kirkland Ave
Kirkland, Washington, 98033
United States

Claudia Longo

Founder, MS, I'mpossible | Managing Director, BoardReady

Claudia is a recent college graduate whose journey from a Division 1 athlete to a social entrepreneur is nothing short of inspirational. At the age of 18, just months before starting her collegiate soccer career at the University of Washington, Claudia was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Though this temporarily sidelined her, Claudia returned to UW and played several successful seasons for the Huskies while concurrently earning her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience. After graduating, Claudia channeled her experience and passion into helping others by founding a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, MS, I’mpossible. Dedicated to providing community support and financial aid to young adults living with MS, her organization offers hope and assistance to many who face similar challenges. Most recently, she was a Seattle Kraken Hero of the Deep nominee, and in 2020, she was honored at the Seattle Sports Star of the Year event with the Wayne Gittinger Award.

Dr. Nooshin Darvish, ND, ABAAHP

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Nooshin Darvish, an award-winning licensed naturopathic physician, is the founder and Medical Director of Holistique and the author of ‘The Golden Gate: Unleash Your Feminine Powers to Graceful Aging’. As a clinician of 30 years, Dr. Darvish is an expert in hormone health, women’s health, regenerative medicine, chronic complex diseases and integrative cancer therapies. In her practice, her guiding principle is to harmonize the science of medicine with the art of healing. Dr. Darvish’s life purpose is to ‘Transform Lives from Within‘, support women’s health and wellbeing, and serve through educating and healing the mind, body and soul. She strives to practice a perfect blend of the art and science of medicine, treating the root causes of chronic conditions.

Kirsten Duncan

Global Director, Thoracic Oncology

Kirsten, an ordinary woman, has navigated extraordinary circumstances. She was living and loving the life of her dreams. One that centered around being a wife, a mom to 3 boys, and nurturing a loving family of 5. Kirsten thought that she had it all. Until she didn’t. After her husband of 23 years came out, and two months later, her son suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in a near fatal car accident, her life unraveled to the point that it (and she) were unrecognizable. She slowly healed her way into an unexpectedly beautiful life by embracing her fears, both inconsequential and monumental. After years of conquering one fear after another, Kirsten realized that she was living a beautiful life – one that she could have never dreamt. As Kirsten navigates you through her story, you’ll leave inspired to create your best life by choosing to run through your fears, not away from them.

Montana von Fliss

Public Speaking Coach, Storytelling Expert, Professional Actor/Director

Montana von Fliss is an executive speech and presentation coach, actor, speaker, facilitator, and founder and CEO of Montana & Co., a full service communication coaching company. Montana and her team of trainers transform presenters into passionate, powerful, and confident speakers. For the past 16 years, Montana has been coaching regularly for companies like Microsoft, GitHub, Amazon, Google—as well as a myriad of start-ups and individuals—on a broad range of communication issues, including content strategy, storytelling, and of course, excellent delivery. Her 30+ years as a professional actor gives her unique insight into how to disrupt the tradition of boring presentations and bring energy, fun, and joy into the room. Her passion is helping people own the stage and find ease, confidence, and a new tool set to tackle the daunting task of public speaking.

Parul Sharma

Associate Creative Director, Sephora

Parul Sharma is a design professional with experience spanning multiple well-known international brands across FMCG, Fashion, Tech and Beauty sectors, and is currently a Social Media Creative Director at Sephora. Having immigrated to the United States in her mid-20s, she went back to school as a new mother to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming an artist, learning invaluable lessons in handling transitions and battling imposter syndrome through the foundation of her 20 years of Buddhist practice. She has been mentoring women in her personal and professional capacity for years, and is a mother to two kids who have witnessed her growth against all odds. Parul volunteers with Project Cornerstone which teaches elementary-age children to have confidence, courage and compassion; with her Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai International and with Sephora’s Talent Incubator Program.