Articles Tagged with: women leaders

Natalie's Estate Winery wins TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award for the third year in a row.

A Winery Rooted in Heart: Natalie’s Estate Winery Earns TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Third Year in a Row

This year, Natalie’s Estate Winery reached a beautiful milestone: being named a 2025 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner and ranked 1 out of all attraction in Newberg, Oregon. This is the third straight year that the winery has won this recognition.

It’s a recognition that speaks volumes, not just about the quality of their wines, but about the quiet, consistent hospitality they’ve extended over the years. For those who have visited, it’s no surprise. A tasting at Natalie’s doesn’t feel like a tourist stop. It feels like coming home.

From all of us at Sacred Fire Creative, congratulations to the Natalie’s Estate Winery team. We are so thrilled to celebrate this moment with you.

A Family Story, Bottled and Shared

Natalie’s Estate Winery began as many great things do: with family at the center.

In 1999, Boyd and Cassandra Teegarden planted the first seeds of the winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Named after their daughter Natalie, the winery was more than a business. It was a legacy in the making.

Boyd brought his experience from the wine industry, while Cassandra applied her international business acumen. Together, they built something deeply personal. Not just a winery, but a place where connection, craftsmanship, and community would be the cornerstones.

From the beginning, they committed to doing things the hard but meaningful way: hand-harvested grapes, small-batch production, traditional European winemaking techniques. They didn’t chase trends. They built trust.

From a Quiet Hillside to a National Stage

What started as a humble estate in Newberg has grown into a name recognized across the Pacific Northwest. And now, the world.

Over the years, Natalie’s Estate has become known for its bold red varietals, including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Barbera – wines that are more commonly associated with California, but lovingly crafted in Oregon with care and finesse. Their recent 25th anniversary saw the introduction of a vibrant new Sauvignon Blanc, another step in their journey evolving while staying true to their roots.

Visitors today are welcomed not by hired staff, but by Boyd and Cassandra themselves, who still host tasting by appointment. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a curious first-timer, every experience is personal, educational, and unhurried. It’s about relationship, not transaction.

This commitment to intimacy, quality, and generosity is what earned them the Travelers’ Choice Award, and why so many guests leave feeling like family.

Deeply Local, Proudly Connected

Beyond the wine, Natalie’s Estate Winery continues to invest in the community that shaped them.

Their partnerships with local artisans and nonprofits reflect a belief that business should serve more than just the bottom line. A portion of their wine label collections, such as the Big Sky Collection, featuring original Montana artwork, goes toward supporting river conservation charities.

Events like their wine-and-cheese pairings with Face Rock Creamery aren’t just indulgent. They’re a celebration of local craftsmanship and collaboration.

For Natalie’s Estate, wine has always been a vehicle for connection, creativity, and contribution.

A Toast to What Matters

It takes time to build a business like Natalie’s Estate Winery. Time, care, and a willingness to grow while staying grounded. Over 25 years, Boyd and Cassandra have done just that, nurturing not only vines, but relationships, traditions, and a reputation for excellence.

Being named Newberg’s #1 attraction on TripAdvisor is more than an accolade. It’s a reflection of what happens when you put people first and lead with heart.

At Sacred Fire Creative, we believe in honoring businesses that stay true to their story while uplifting others along the way. Natalie’s Estate Winery is one of those rare gems, and this recognition is richly deserved.

Sacred Fire Creative specializes in marketing for mission-driven and visionary founders seeking a wider community impact. If your business is in this space, we’d love to work with you. Contact us today, and let’s see how we can collaborate.

Scaling with Integrity: How Kristy Runge Helped Build HelloCare’s Operational Backbone

Kristy Runge didn’t just co-found a caregiving company. She architected its operational success.

With decades of experience in healthcare and business leadership, Kristy understood that meaningful care doesn’t scale on goodwill alone. It takes rigorous systems, thoughtful hiring, quality assurance, and leadership that balances compassion with performance.

That’s the foundation she helped build at HelloCare, a company now serving families in multiple cities across Oregon.

The System Behind the Soul

While HelloCare is known for its deeply personal, people-first approach to in-home care, much of that consistency comes from the operational design that Kristy helped create.

She implemented systems and processes at HelloCare that ensure quality at scale without sacrificing heart. Her leadership bridges the emotional weight of caregiving with the accountability and structure required to grow a service-based business that can last.

It’s that rare balance between heart and logistics that has made HelloCare not just sustainable but replicable.

Why Founders Should Hear Her Speak at the Oregon Startup Conference

Kristy Runge will be featured on the Success Panel at the Oregon Startup Conference on June 20, 2025, at George Fox University.

There, she will offer founders a transparent look into what it really takes to scale a mission-driven operation.

She’ll speak to the practical aspects that many early-stage businesses overlook: operational workflows, systems thinking, hiring for values and competence, and building processes that grow with your team – not against them.

If you’re an entrepreneur building in the service space, Kristy’s insights are both inspiring and actionable. She’s walked the road of taking a community-centered idea and turning it into a business with backbone. And she’s ready to share how.

Hear from founders like Kristy Runge, who know how to build for both heart and scale.

Slumberkins, Callie Christensen, Kelly Oriard

Slumberkins: How Two Moms Built a Global Brand for Early Learning and Emotional Wellness

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, two lifelong friends transformed a shared passion for child development into a thriving business.

Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen, co-founders of Slumberkins, have created a brand that not only comforts children but also empowers them with emotional intelligence.

Their journey from educators to entrepreneurs exemplifies the innovative spirit that defines the local startup ecosystem.

The Genesis of Slumberkins

Kelly and Callie are, first and foremost, friends. It was a friendship that began in childhood. Their paths eventually diverged: Kelly became a school counselor and family therapist in Portland, OR, while Callie built a career as a special education teacher in Vancouver, WA.

However, a mutual recognition of the lack of engaging emotional learning tools for children brought them back together. They began crafting stories and sewing plush creatures that embodied therapeutic concepts in 2015, thus laying the foundation for Slumberkins. Their initial creations, Bigfoot and Sloth, addressed self-esteem and relaxation. These characters resonated with parents and children alike.

In 2017, Kelly and Callie took their concept to Shark Tank. While they were not able to secure an investment, they pushed forward. That decision led to the development of a comprehensive product line that includes plushies, books, educational resources, and an Emmy-nominated television series produced by The Jim Henson Company. Slumberkins has since become a trusted resource for over 1.5 million families, offering tools that foster resilience and emotional growth in children.

In 2022, they brought in a CEO to focus on the business side of things at Slumberkins. Kelly transitioned into the Chief Therapeutic Officer, while Callie became the Chief Brand Officer.

Impact on the Oregon Startup Community

Beyond their business success, Kelly and Callie are active contributors to the local entrepreneurial landscape. They have shared their insights at events like the Bend Venture Conference, Portland Startup Week, and Starve Ups, providing guidance on fundraising and brand development.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, they received the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award from the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, recognizing their significant contributions to the state’s innovation economy. Their inclusion in Inc.’s 2023 Female Founders 200 List further underscores their influence and dedication to fostering a supportive environment for women in business.

Meet Kelly and Callie at the Oregon Startup Conference

Kelly and Callie’s journey embodies the essence of entrepreneurial success: identifying a need, creating a solution, and scaling it with authenticity and purpose. Their experience in building a mission-driven brand that prioritizes emotional wellness offers invaluable lessons for startups aiming to make a meaningful impact.

Their presence on the Success Panel at the Oregon Startup Conference will provide attendees with practical strategies and inspiration drawn from real-world experience.

Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen at the conference on June 20, 2025, at George Fox University. Their story is a testament to the power of combining passion with purpose, and their insights could be the catalyst for your own entrepreneurial journey.

Tech that Heals, Leadership that Elevates: How Rachel Dreilinger Is Bridging Innovation and Inclusion in MedTech

When Rachel Dreilinger co-founded NeuraMedica, she wasn’t just setting out to solve a surgical problem. She was aiming to change the way innovation works for patients, providers, and underrepresented entrepreneurs like herself.

A biomedical engineer by training and a systems thinker by instinct, Rachel brings over two decades of experience in medical development to her role as NeuraMedica’s CEO. Her path has taken her from engineering labs to executive leadership, but the heart of her work has always remained the same.

And that is to use technology to make people’s lives better.

A Simple Idea with Profound Impact

At the center of NeuraMedica’s story is DuraFuse™, an elegantly engineered bioabsorbable clip that offers a safer, faster alternative to traditional sutures for closing the dura mater during spinal surgery.

Designed to reduce the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leaks that come with traditional spinal surgery and improve surgical efficiency, DuraFuse is FDA-cleared and commercially viable. It’s a milestone that only a handful of startups in this corner of the medical space ever reach.

The journey to get there wasn’t simple.

Rachel and her co-founder, neurosurgeon Dr. Neil Roundy, began with a prototype and a bold idea. Backed by grants and early collaborations with Oregon Health & Science University, they methodically advanced their technology through years of clinical research, testing, and refinement.

Leading with Vision and Roots

Rachel is a proud member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation and one of the few Native American women leading a medical technology company. That perspective shapes everything she does, from how she leads her team to how she shows up for the broader community.

She’s a vocal advocate for inclusion in entrepreneurship and STEM, especially for women and Indigenous founders. Her leadership is visible not only inside NeuraMedica but also across Oregon’s startup ecosystem. Rachel frequently participates in regional pitch events, panels, and mentorship programs, where she offers real-world guidance to founders navigating similar hurdles.

Rachel has been recognized for that work, too. NeuraMedica was a finalist for Oregon Entrepreneurs Network’s Angel Oregon Life & Bioscience Investment in 2024. This is a clear sign that the innovation coming out of Mid-Willamette Valley is gaining significant attention.

Meet Rachel at the Oregon Startup Conference

On June 20, 2025, Rachel will be part of the Success Panel of the Oregon Startup Conference at George Fox University.

She does more than represent the future of MedTech. She’s helping to shape it. Her story is a reminder that great startups aren’t only built on good ideas. They’re built on perseverance, collaboration, and a vision that extends beyond the bottom line.

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with Rachel Dreilinger. She’s someone worth knowing, whether you’re passionate about healthcare innovation, inclusive entrepreneurship, or just want to meet someone who is changing the game in their field.

From Engineer to Ecosystem Builder: How Rita Hansen Is Driving Climate Innovation in Oregon

Rita Hansen does more than build companies. She helps build a future where clean technology is the norm, not the exception.

With decades of experience in engineering, operations, and leadership, Rita has made a name for herself as a thoughtful, data-driven changemaker in the energy space.

Her career spans major industries, but her most defining work came as the co-founder and former CEO of Onboard Dynamics, a climate-tech startup that’s helping reshape how we reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Turning an Idea into Impact at Onboard Dynamics

Onboard Dynamics began as a university research project at Oregon State University – Cascades back in 2013. Under Rita’s leadership, it grew into a nationally recognized innovator in methane emissions reduction.

She guided the company into developing technologies like the GoVAC® and GoFLO®. They are portable, self-powered compression systems that help utilities and fleet operators capture and reuse natural gas that would otherwise be wasted.

These systems do more than save money. They dramatically lower environmental impact, aligning both climate goals and operational needs.

With her steady hand at the helm, Onboard Dynamics secured federal grants, expanded commercial partnerships, and brought critical clean-energy technology into real-world use.

Mentorship, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Support

After transitioning out of her CEO role, Rita didn’t step away from innovation. Instead, she stepped deeper into community impact.

Today, she serves as a mentor with the OSU Advantage Accelerator and actively supports Oregon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Rita brings the same level of care and insight that fueled her own journey, whether she’s advising a new founder on market strategy or helping a startup secure non-dilutive funding.

She’s also a champion for diversity in STEM and cleantech. Rita advocates for inclusive innovation, especially for women and underrepresented founders working at the intersection of science, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

A Trusted Voice in Clean Energy and Startup Growth

Rita’s influence has earned her national and international recognition. She represented the US at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in 2017 and 2019. She also received the GRIT Award from ALLY Energy, which honors resilience and impact in the energy industry, in 2022.

But her focus remains local. She continues to invest her time, expertise, and energy into strengthening Oregon’s clean-tech pipeline, thus supporting the people and ideas that will shape a more sustainable tomorrow.

Connect with Rita at the Oregon Startup Conference

Rita Hansen will join the Success Panel at the Oregon Startup Conference this June 20, 2025, at George Fox University. Her story is one of steady leadership, purposeful innovation, and a deep commitment to building communities.

If you’re looking for inspiration or a blueprint for scaling with impact, you won’t want to miss the chance to hear from Rita.

Register for the Oregon Startup Conference. Meet founders like Rita Hansen and see what’s possible when vision meets execution.

Newberg’s Real Estate Powerhouse: Tina Smith’s Journey of Empowerment and Community Impact

When Tina Smith purchased her first home in 1998, she did more than cross a milestone. She discovered her calling.

What began as a personal investment quickly grew into a full-fledged passion for real estate. Over the years, she transitioned from homeowner to investor, flipper, landlord, and eventually a trusted real estate broker in the Portland metro area.

Strategic Mindset, Heart-Centered Service

Armed with an MBA and related certifications, Tina blends business acumen with a personal touch.

Her background in finance and project management allows her to approach real estate transactions with a sharp eye for detail and strategy. But what truly sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to the people she works with.

Tina does more than close deals. She builds relationships that last, offering support long after the paperwork is signed.

A Broker Building Community

Tina’s definition of success goes beyond profit margins. Deeply rooted in Newberg, she believes in giving back to the community that shaped her.

Tina’s work is guided by a spirit of service, whether she’s mentoring new homeowners, investing in neighborhood revitalization, or supporting local initiatives. She plays an active role in her community, driven by her genuine love for helping people, not just with finding a home.

Meet Tina at the Oregon Startup Conference

Tina Smith brings a grounded, real-world perspective to the Oregon Startup Conference on June 20, 2025, at George Fox University as a Startup Champion.

She has been actively supporting regional entrepreneurial initiatives, especially through her participation in Newberg’s Coffee Club for Startups.

As someone who has built her career from ground up, she understands the entrepreneurial grind. Her experience navigating risk, negotiating deals, and managing growth makes her insights especially valuable for startups exploring real estate, local investment, or sustainable business practices.

Stop by Tina’s table at the Conference. Whether you’re seeking entrepreneurial insight or simply an inspiring conversation about building a values-driven business, Tina is someone you’ll want in your network.

How Emily Cadiz is transforming early education with Finnegan the Dragon.

From Silence to Song: How Emily Cadiz Turned Personal Adversity into a Startup Powering Childhood Literacy

When Emily Cadiz lost her ability to speak after a traumatic classroom incident, she faced a deeply personal and professional reckoning.

A lifelong musician and former special education teacher, Emily turned to music to rebuild what had been broken, first in herself, then in the education system.

That journey gave rise to Finnegan the Dragon, an early childhood literacy platform that’s doing far more than teaching kids how to read.

It’s building bridges between science and story, music and memory, education and equity. And that’s exactly why Emily is a powerful addition to the Success Panel of the Oregon Startup Conference on June 20, 2025, at George Fox University.

Using Rhythm and Story to Rewire the Brain

The classroom incident truly brought Emily to what can be argued as the lowest point in her life. She faced financial setbacks because she was unable to teach. She faced personal setbacks because she was unable to communicate.

Throughout that time, Emily found her way back to music. While earning her master’s degree in music, she discovered that music was healing her brain and restoring her ability to communicate.

And as Emily retrained her own brain through music, she discovered something astonishing: that the same techniques that helped her recover her voice could accelerate early language development in children.

That idea became the foundation for Finnegan the Dragon.

The Dragon Searching for His Fire

Finnegan the Dragon is a character that Emily created for her master’s thesis. He’s a dragon who doesn’t have fire, and he needs to go through various adventures so he can find his fire.

Designed for kids ages 2 to 6, Finnegan combines the science of reading with songs, movement, and interactive storytelling. This is not passive screen time. It’s play-based learning with a purpose, where every rhyme, rhythm, and repetition is engineered to reinforce phonemic awareness and cognitive growth.

Finnegan the Dragon quickly caught the attention of education leaders and innovation funders. The platform has received support from the National Institutes of Health, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and a matching grant from Business Oregon and the Oregon Innovation Council.

Such massive support cements Finnegan’s role as one of Oregon’s most promising edtech ventures.

Finnegan’s Community-Driven Mission

But Finnegan the Dragon is more than a startup. It’s an initiative for literacy justice.

From the beginning, Emily has made sure that Finnegan isn’t limited to families who can afford the latest apps. Through partnerships with Head Start, public schools, and grassroots organizations, Finnegan is reaching children in underserved and multilingual communities, many of whom face barriers to early education access.

Finnegan’s content is culturally responsive and neurodiversity-affirming. This makes it especially effective for kids who are English learners, have learning differences, or come from trauma-impacted backgrounds.

Emily also leads educator workshops to help teachers integrate Finnegan into daily routines and expand their trauma-informed teaching practices. She’s even introduced Finnegan into community healing spaces, transforming music into a tool for emotional resilience and connection.

In every way, Emily is using her platform to ensure that the power of early learning belongs to every child, not just the privileged few.

Meet Emily at the Oregon Startup Conference

Emily Cadiz’s story is one of transformation: personal healing turned into collective impact. Her insights at the Oregon Startup Conference promise to inspire founders, educators, and changemakers alike, especially those who believe that innovation should lift communities, not just markets.

Join us at the Oregon Startup Conference and connect with Emily in person. Learn how she turned music into medicine and a startup into a movement.

How Pallavi Pande Is Redefining Disposable Tableware in Oregon’s Startup Scene

In a world awash with disposable convenience, Pallavi Pande saw an opportunity to bring tradition, sustainability, and social impact to the table – quite literally.

As the founder of Dtocs, a Portland, Oregon-based company crafting elegant, compostable tableware from naturally fallen palm leaves, Pallavi is more than an entrepreneur.

She’s a cultural bridge-builder and a changemaker.

A Childhood Memory, Reimagined

Growing up in India, Pallavi cherished the ritual of eating meals on banana leaves, a practice that connected her to nature and community.

Years later, as a mother and businesswoman in Oregon, she transformed that memory into a mission. And that is to replace wasteful paper and plastic disposables with sustainable, stylish alternatives.

In 2019, she launched Dtocs, a play on “detox,” creating single-use plates, bowls, and trays from Areca palm leaves. This tableware is chemical-free, microwave-safe, and compostable within 90 days. They’re available in the US and Canada through their website and retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Etsy.

A Product that Empowers

Dtocs goes beyond eco-friendly tableware. It’s about empowering people.

The company partners with women artisans in India, providing them with fair wages and resources like sewing machines through collaborations with non-profit organization Anmol Sahara.

In the US, Dtocs supports education equity by donating to organizations like Greater Than PDX.

This dual-impact model earned Pallavi recognition in 2024 as a CO-100 Customer Champion by the US Chamber of Commerce.

A Voice for Founders, A Force for Good

Pallavi’s journey to become a purpose-driven founder is a testament to resilience and vision. Her participation in programs like SEED SPOT’s Retail Brand Accelerator, backed by Walmart.org, has helped scale Dtocs while staying true to her values.

She brings a rare blend of cultural insight, business acumen, and social impact to Oregon’s startup ecosystem. Her story resonates with founders navigating the challenges of scaling a mission-driven brand in a competitive market.

Her insights on building a business that serves both people and the planet are invaluable, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an established innovator.

Don’t miss the chance to connect with Pallavi Pande at the Oregon Startup Conference, where she is part of the Success Panel. Come and hear how she’s turning leaves into legacy, and learn how you can do the same.

Doris Towery and Culinary Collective: Stirring Community Spirit through Shared Passion for Food

When Doris Towery stepped into the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend, she brought more than a business idea. She brought a vision rooted in community, connection, and the power of food.

Out of 21 startups, her team, Culinary Collective LLC, rose to the top ten, winning over judges with its objective to blend a high-end kitchen retail experience with a welcoming teaching space.

For Doris, this isn’t just about selling saucepans. It’s about creating a place where people come together, learn from one another, and give back to the communities they love.

A Vision Beyond Retail

Doris is a seasoned nonprofit executive and community advocate. She has always been driven by the desire to make a positive impact.

It’s a desire instilled in her early in life. After experiencing the loss of her mother at a young age, Doris witnessed how the community rallied around her family and supported her father in raising their family. It inspired her to form a deep commitment to service.

This commitment has been evident throughout her career, from raising over $60 million for community causes to leading organizations recognized among Oregon’s top nonprofits to work for.

With Culinary Collective, Doris aims to create more than just a retail space offering top-of-the-line kitchen products. The store will feature a teaching kitchen designed to foster a community gathering space for food enthusiasts. Here, individuals can come together to learn new cooking techniques, share recipes, and celebrate their love for food.

But the mission goes deeper. Culinary Collective is committed to giving back, with a strong focus on supporting important organizations and causes within the community.

Why Culinary Collective Matters

In an age where digital interactions often overshadow personal connections, Culinary Collective seeks to reignite the communal aspect of cooking and dining.

By providing a physical place for people to gather, the venture addresses a growing need for community engagement and personal interaction. Workshops and classes will not only teach culinary skills but also promote healthy eating habits and cultural appreciation through diverse cuisines.

The Launch Mid-Valley Experience

The Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend last February 2025 provided Doris and Culinary Collective with invaluable resources and mentorship. The event, which brought together 21 startup teams, offered participants hands-on learning, networking opportunities, and the chance to refine their business models.

Emerging as one of the top ten winners among such a competitive field is a testament to the strength of Doris’ vision and the potential impact of Culinary Collective.

An Invitation to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Doris’ journey with Culinary Collective underscores the importance of community-focused entrepreneurship and the impact of supportive systems like Launch Mid-Valley.

If you’re a non-tech founder looking to leverage technology for your venture, opportunities abound. One such opportunity is the upcoming LaunchPad for Non-Techies, a virtual bootcamp scheduled for April 11-12, 2025.

This bootcamp is designed to empower entrepreneurs without a tech background to build AI-powered apps and integrate technology into their businesses effectively.

Participating in programs like LaunchPad can provide the tools, knowledge, and network necessary to bring innovative ideas to fruition. Whether you’re looking to start a new venture or enhance an existing one, embracing technology can be a game-changer.

Don’t miss this chance to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. Register here.

At Sacred Fire Creative, we help founders and entrepreneurs connect meaningfully with their audience through authentic brand storytelling. Let’s talk and see how we can collaborate.

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