David Coffey serves as Executive Director of The Recovery Cafe in Seattle. And he extends an invitation to their fundraising luncheon, Thursday September 21 at the Seattle Center. “Standing in the Gap” is an excellent opportunity to support persons in our community living with substance abuse, mental health issues and other life challenges. For over two decades, Recovery Cafe has been an empowering place for each person to access resources and support to make those valuable changes, taking it all day by day. We can participate by supporting this work, either by attending the luncheon, or donating.
www.recoverycafe.org, or to register for the luncheon by Monday, September 18:   www.recovercafe.org/SIG

Jeff Arnold is a leadership expert, having bought and sold over 40 different companies in varying industries. Through his work, he’s built extensive experience leading and motivating teams comprised of different age groups and backgrounds. Jeff is also a best-selling author, with his latest book entitled “Leading Across Generations: A Guide to Managing and Motivating a Multi-Generational Workforce.” Jeff is skilled at understanding and describing generational differences within life and the workforce, providing insights on our strengths, and our ability to create a culture versed in respect and collaboration.
https://jeffarnold.com

Tyler Pagel is the Development Director for Susan G. Komen in Washington, Oregon, and Northern California, and brings us the details for the first Breast Cancer Walk in quite some time. It’s a great celebration set for Saturday, September 23 at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo, with speakers and salutes to the Survivors, Thrivers, and those who lost their respective cancer battles. Following this, participants can enjoy the zoo through the afternoon. Pre-registration is requested for entry into the zoo for the Walk. This is a fundraiser, with money going towad research, education and community support for those going through the breast cancer challenge, as well as for advocacy! Volunteers are always welcome, and the opportunities are bountiful.
www.komen.org/seattlewalk

Jae Oh is a certified financial planner and chartered financial consultant. He’s the author of a top-rated, top-selling book: “Medicare: Maximize Your Medicare”. Jae takes us some of the questions to ask ourselves as we plan for retirement, factoring in our life expectancy and our overall financial picture. As the saying goes, “failing to plan is planning to fail”. It’s important to start early and be better informed. 
www.gh2benefits.com   
http://www.protectedincome.org/retirement-income-institute

Peggy Cleveland has chosen the Tacoma Area as her forever home. And all after moving around the US and abroad around 33 times, including many prior visits to Tacoma. The adventures she encountered have led to a career as a travel writer, an inspiring story in itself. Now Peggy has written a fun and informative book, entitled “100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die.” It’s a great way to spend a day exploring or taking visitors to somewhere new. There’s something for every taste, of course including the Brown and Haley store for almond roca or some other surprise sweet. Or you can start with a trip to Mount Rainier, and wind the day up kayaking in Commencement Bay. Follow her on Instagram @PeggyWhereShouldIGo and share your Tacoma experiences using #100ThingsTacoma.
www.peggywhereshouldigo.com

Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe is a multiple award-winning education and psychology instructor, author, and resiliency expert. And considering the highly stressful age in which we are living, she provides us with the tools to help navigate, via accessible and relatable materials, while offering practical and sustainable strategies.  She specializes in resiliency against stress and change, personal wellness in the workplace, and optimal performance – both personal and organizational. Dr. Robyne has over 20 years of university teaching and research experience and is a two-time TEDx Talk speaker. She is also the author of a new book: “Stress Wisely – How to Be Well in an Unwell World.”
www.robynehd.ca

Joy Farrow is a former Deputy Sheriff and Laura Frombach is a technologist and engineer, along with being a domestic violence survivor. Together, they’ve authored the book “Street Smart Safety for Women: Your Guide to Defensive Living.” They speak from experience and with authority, to teach, and guide us on what to look for, and how to be safe. They do so because there is a crisis of violence leaning more towards women, where the statistics show 1 in 3 women is a victim of violence. The book launches in early October, but the information is needed now. 
www.streetsmartsafety.org

Kristina Marusic is an award-winning journalist, covering environmental health and justice for Environmental Health News. She is also the author of a new book – “A New War on Cancer: The Unlikely Heroes Revolutionizing Prevention.” With all the research done over the last 50 years, the statistics are that 1 in 5 men and 1 in 6 women in the U.S. lose their lives to cancer.  Yet, up to two-thirds of all cancer cases are linked to preventable environmental causes, and this is Kristina’s focus in her new book.
www.kristinamarusic.com

Alicia Dunams is a Communications Expert, Mediator, and Peacemaker. Her experience in these fields led to her writing a book detailing her coaching The book, entitled “How to Talk to Your Enemies: 101 + Ways to Turn Hostility into Peace,” is a tool carrying a substantial role in our modern world, where we see so much turmoil and upheaval.  Alicia quotes Archbishop Desmond Tutu in her book, “If you want Peace, you don’t talk to your Friends, you talk to your Enemies”.
www.aliciadunams.com

Ed Hajim had a rough childhood, kidnapped by his father, moving between numerous foster homes, and he shared that story in his book ‘On the Road Less Travelled’. Ed found mentors along the way, even the rough childhood was a teacher on his way to success. Ed has a new book: The Island of the Four Ps–A Modern Fable About Preparing for Your Future. Ed’s desire is to share his experience and be a mentor for our living our best life. This is a great book for students, a good summer read, great support and encouragement.
www.edhajim.com