Sold-out Bend event brings women together to build, lead, and connect in business
Campbell Porter
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than 200 women gathered at Tetherow Resort in Bend last night for a sold-out Deschutes Women in Business event. The gathering focused on connection, honesty and momentum for women in business, centered on the concept of leverage.
This gathering addressed how women use leverage to build businesses, make career-defining decisions and lead in industries where they are often underrepresented. Such comprehensive discussions and connections are rare in a single setting.
The event featured Julie Harrelson, who helped establish Cascade Seed Fund as a leading early-stage investment vehicle in the region. Diane Bradley, founder and chief executive officer of Jemini, also spoke, challenging attendees to consider leverage beyond business to include personal decisions.
Harrelson and Bradley jointly led a rapid-fire session. This segment covered life-changing leverage points, such as discerning when to decline opportunities, when to accept assistance and how small decisions can generate lasting momentum.
Cate Havstad Casad, who founded both Casad Family Farms and Range Revolution, delivered a presentation. She discussed the economic and health reasons for selecting local meat and supporting agricultural producers in Central Oregon.
Deschutes Women in Business was founded in 2024. The organization has since grown to more than 4,000 followers and its events consistently sell out.
Deschutes Women in Business is industry and stage agnostic. It welcomes women founders, operators and leaders at all stages of their careers and lives. The organization hosts monthly events across multiple formats, designed to facilitate substantive connections, practical learning and real momentum.
Women interested in joining the community or attending an upcoming event can find more information at deschuteswomen.com. Updates are also available by following @deschuteswomeninbusiness on Instagram.