Women in Design: Beautifully Complex
WHAT TO EXPECT:
> Photo wall
> Presentation on the impact of color in design by Sherwin-Williams
> Keynote on neuroaesthetics and the science of beauty in interiors
> Industry panel discussion on leadership and success in design
> Audience Q&A with speakers
> Networking happy hour and bites
> Live musical performance by Tomeka Williams
Join us on March 5, 2026 for an inspiring International Women’s Day gathering at the Seattle Design Center. Women in Design: Beautifully Complex explores the layered intelligence, creativity, and leadership women bring to the design industry. This year’s program moves beyond conversation and into evidence, insight, and lived expertise, highlighting how women shape not only spaces, but the way people experience and move through the world.
The afternoon begins with Sherwin-Williams Designer Account Executive Mariah Hebenthal, who will reveal how color influences emotion, energy, and human connection from the moment someone enters a space. From grounding neutrals to expressive signature hues, Mariah will demonstrate how thoughtful color selection becomes one of the most powerful tools in a designer’s arsenal.
We then welcome Anna Popov, Founder of Interiors by Popov, for a fascinating keynote on neuroaesthetics and the science behind beauty. Through real-world examples and emerging research, Anna reframes designers as nervous-system designers, demonstrating how interiors influence emotion, wellbeing, and attention in profound ways.
The program concludes with a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Nicole Martin, Director of Education and Community Outreach at Woodpecker. Together, our speakers will explore leadership, mentorship, and the beautifully complex elements that define success in design today, followed by audience Q & A and a celebratory happy hour.
To close out the event and during our happy hour we will have singer-songwriter Tomeka Williams closes out our International Women’s Day celebration with a soulful live performance. Known for her powerful vocals and deeply authentic storytelling, Tomeka’s music blends resilience, vulnerability, and Pacific Northwest soul to create an unforgettable finale to the evening!
We invite you to gather, learn, and celebrate the women shaping the future of our industry.
Hailing from Tacoma, Washington, Independent singer-songwriter Tomeka Williams enchants audiences with her raw vocal power, live performances and raw authenticity. With a soulful storytelling style deeply rooted in her southern upbringing and the rich musical scene of the Pacific northwest, Tomeka’s music invites listeners into a world where vulnerability meets resilience.
Releasing her EP Beautifully Complicated in 2021, Taking listeners on a ride starting with the title track and first single “Beautifully Complicated” a poignant reflection of self acceptance to the nostalgic rhythm of R&B Love to the infectious groove of The Beginning of Me and You.
Known for her live performances Tomeka self produced and headlined the Beautifully Complicated Experience in 2025 to a sold out audience at Edison Square in Tacoma WA. Creating a milestone moment, showcasing not only her voice, but the ability to build an experience from the ground up creating moments that feel honest and memorable to the audience.
Since the release of Beautifully Complicated Tomeka continues to create new music releasing two singles “Three Days of Christmas” and “The Good Ole Days” as well as debuting in the reading of the Upcoming stage musical Aviatrix and is a current member of the Pacific Northwest Songs of Black Folk Chorale.
Experience the soul-stirring melodies and heartfelt lyrics of Tomeka Williams as she continues to carve her own path in the world of music, one song at a time.
