LiquidPlanner CEO Liz Pearce. (GeekWire Photo)
LiquidPlanner CEO Liz Pearce. (GeekWire Photo)

LiquidPlanner CEO Liz Pearce didn’t follow the typical leadership path. She began as a part-time contractor for the company in its early days, and actually contributed to the founding team’s investment pitch. She was so passionate about the work that she stayed on to become a full-time employee. Then a director. Then a VP. Then COO. Just five years after her first contracting job with LiquidPlanner, Pearce took the reins as CEO, and she has been at the helm of the Seattle-based online project management startup ever since.

Pearce will speak about her journey and the leadership lessons she has learned at the ProDev Fireside Chat series on Dec. 14, at WeWork Holyoke in Seattle, and it’s sure to be a fascinating talk. There will also be time for an audience Q&A, and free drinks, always a plus! Check out ticket options here.

That’s one of the selections from the GeekWire Calendar, our curated list of the Pacific Northwest’s top tech events. Keep reading and visit the full calendar for more.

newtechseattle11New Tech Seattle: Special diversity in tech event

What: Seattle’s monthly tech meetup is having a special event next week to continue the conversation about diversity in technology. Like other New Tech events, the evening includes an opportunity to connect with Seattle’s tech community, and presenters from local organizations. This event’s presenters include Tarah Wheeler, author of the Women in Tech Book; David Harris from the City of Seattle; Andrew McGee from the Greater Foundation; and Tammarrian Rogers from Microsoft.

When: Dec. 6, 5 p.m.7 p.m.

Where: Impact Hub, Seattle

Register: More information and tickets available here.

geekwiregala2016-1500x850GeekWire Gala 2016, presented by Wells Fargo

What: The GeekWire Gala is the Seattle tech community’s holiday tradition, with more than 1,000 geeks in attendance. In conjunction with MOHAI, we’ll unveil the Seattle 10— 10 of the most promising up-and-coming startups in the region. Exhibits will be open, and drinks and appetizers will be flowing. Join us to boogie down with leaders from all walks of Seattle’s tech community.

When: Dec. 7, 6 p.m.10 p.m.

Where: MOHAI: Museum of History & Industry, Seattle

Register: Tickets and more information available here.

seatech4goodTech4Good meetup: Data Security and Privacy

What: Tech4Good is a quarterly meetup connecting nonprofits and other social good organizations with the local tech community. This quarter, the group is holding a symposium on cybersecurity and data security, with a particular eye on advising nonprofits and other organizations on how to protect their IT systems. Panelists include Mary Gardner, chief information security officer at Seattle Children’s Hospital; Peter Kittas, web and IT consultant at Revelate LLC; and Ralph Johnson, chief information security and privacy officer for King County.

When: Dec. 7, 6 p.m.8 p.m.

Where: General Assembly, Seattle

Register: RSVP here.

pacific science centerFamily Night Walk at Mercer Slough

What: Pack up the kids and join the Pacific Science Center to explore the nocturnal environment of the Mercer Slough. The tour includes learning how to call to wild owls, searching for creatures that only come out at night, and hands-on activities to learn about the wildlife of the Pacific Northwest.

When: Dec. 9, 7 p.m.9 p.m.

Where: Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, Bellevue, Wash.

Register: Call the Pacific Science Center at (206) 443-2925 to register.

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