Our Distinguished 2024 Speakers

Talk Summary: Unlock the art and science of graceful aging with Dr. Nooshin K. Darvish, a leading naturopathic physician and author with 30 years specializing in longevity medicine. A how joy and resilience lead to cellular health to redefine aging and unlock purpose, vitality and wellbeing.

Speaker Bio: 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.

Talk Summary: Fear serves a biological purpose – to keep us safe? However, safe from what? In this vulnerable and fearless talk, Kirsten highlights the power of facing your fears. Through her story, you’ll learn that beautiful, unexpected gifts lie at the end of your fear.

Speaker Bio: 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.

Talk Summary: Claudia believes that all humans are designers of their narrative. Through this inspiring talk, Claudia will share how her approach to life with MS is the same approach for other areas of life. When faced with challenges, we all have a choice to make. And each time you make the decision to believe in your truth and find the people that do too, you are able to prove to life and to yourself, that you’re possible.

Speaker Bio: 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.

Recognized for her continued perseverance both on and off the field, Claudia has received numerous awards. 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.

Talk Summary: Recently, the term ‘imposter syndrome’ has been everywhere, describing a conviction that we are ‘not good enough’—and it’s only a matter of time before everyone else sees it, too. In her talk, Parul Sharma (@sharmski) proposes a complete reframe: the Protagonist Mindset, rooted in Buddhism, which affirms that we are each perfectly endowed to triumph over our circumstances. Drawing upon her experiences as an immigrant to the United States, a new mother going back to school to fulfill a childhood dream, and twenty years of Buddhist practice, Parul’s talk empowers listeners to transform both their own lives and the world around them—starting wherever they are right now.

Speaker Bio: 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.

Talk Summary: The number one question Montana von Fliss is asked is how to be more confident. Over her 16 years of coaching speakers all over the globe and 30 years as a professional actor, Montana has developed a reliable and repeatable 2-part strategy to step up in front of any audience and appear confident—even if you’re not.

Speaker Bio: 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.

Our 2024 Speaker Coach & Emcee

Bio: Dele Downs Kooley is a transformative leader with over 20 years of experience dedicated to empowering individuals to unlock their fullest potential. With a profound understanding of the unique challenges inherent in personal and professional growth, Dele leverages her extensive corporate expertise to deliver the ultimate mentorship and coaching experience for all leaders – whether they are planning a big change or are in the middle of a change.

Drawing from her own remarkable journey of intentional pivots, she inspires aspiring, active, and emerging leaders to take control of what’s happening (change) and through her commitment to excellence, fundamentally alters the trajectory of their careers and lives.

Dele firmly believes that change is an opportunity and becoming the exceptional leader you were destined to be is not just a dream—it’s an attainable reality. Through dedication, perseverance, and a clear roadmap to success, what we call The Dele Difference, you can transcend your limitations and thrive in your professional journey!

*NEW* Our 2024 Music Performance

Bio: Emily is a songwriter, vocalist, pianist, and music educator in the greater Seattle area. She strives to craft songs that are unique, introspective, and melodically interesting with influences such as Brandi Carlile and First Aid Kit. She received her degree in Music Education from the University of Washington and previously worked as an elementary music teacher in Redmond before establishing a private music lesson studio. Currently she teaches songwriting and voice/harmony courses at KPC Studios and is the social media manager for The Seattle Bushwick Book Club. She is passionate about Bushwick’s mission to deliver literature, music, and songwriting to the Seattle community while building the next generation of songwriters. Emily is also a mother of two incredible daughters, Nora & Sophie and we are thrilled to welcome her to the TEDxBellevueWomen stage!