Leadership Luncheon: Rooted in Community

The Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce will be hosting our Rooted in Community: Leadership Luncheon on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at Pierce College.

This signature event brings together business, civic, and nonprofit leaders from across East Pierce County to celebrate leadership, highlight innovation, and strengthen the roots of our community.

Event Highlights:

• Keynote presentation: Understanding Influence Through Body Language

  Dr. Donna Van Natten is a nationally recognized expert in the science of non-verbal communication, specializing in how facial expressions, gestures, and behavioral cues influence connection, trust, and leadership effectiveness. Her work centers on the powerful role that body language plays in shaping interpersonal interactions and organizational culture.

  With extensive research experience and a dynamic presentation style, Dr. Van Natten has become a sought-after speaker, consultant, and trainer for businesses and agencies across the country. Her insights have helped leaders strengthen communication, build stronger teams, and enhance their overall influence. Her expertise continues to shape how organizations understand leadership development, team dynamics, and the unspoken signals that define human interaction.

• Interactive AI activities
  Jermane East is a workforce development practitioner and AI educator based in Pierce County, Washington. He holds an MBA and a dual B.A. in Business Management and Computer Science (from Whitworth University), grounding his work in both organizational strategy and technical fluency. Guided by the conviction that “Momentum doesn’t happen by chance; it happens by choice,” he equips leaders to turn obstacles into opportunities through AI-powered strategy, systems thinking, and a people-first approach.
  
  As a member of the local Workforce Development Board, Jermane helps shape regional policy and funding priorities that expand equitable pathways to family-wage careers. In his previous operational role, he led a team of more than 30 staff across multiple sites, delivering WIOA services that met 100% of performance targets on five concurrent contracts.
  
  Jermane founded Shift The Momentum, a consulting practice that teaches leaders and community organizations to apply artificial intelligence and data-informed decision making without losing sight of people and purpose. He also co-founded the AI Institute for Life Improvement, a nonprofit that offers practical AI workshops and bootcamps for everyday use. His workshops and coaching sessions translate complex tools into practical workflows that improve service delivery and stakeholder impact.
  
  Beyond his professional commitments, Jermane serves as a deacon at Harvest Church in Tacoma and is a husband and father who credits his family with keeping his leadership people-centered and grounded in faith. 

• East Pierce County Leader Awards recognizing outstanding contributions in our community.

We're looking for nominees for our East Pierce County Leader Awards! The categories are:

• Trailblazer in Leadership - Honors a leader who has demonstrated bold vision, taken risks, and pioneered new paths for their business or community. This person challenges the status quo, embraces innovation, and inspires others to think bigger.
• Rooted in Community - Recognizes a leader deeply committed to strengthening East Pierce County through civic engagement, philanthropy, and collaborative partnerships. This honoree consistently gives back, uplifts others, and models what it means to be community minded.
• Innovator in Action - Celebrates a leader who has leveraged creativity, technology, or new strategies to solve problems, enhance customer experiences, or grow their organization in impactful ways. This award highlights tangible results and forward-thinking leadership.