Dinner with Strangers, co-sponsored by Puget Sound’s Maroon Society and Career & Employment Services (CES), brings together Logger students, alumni, faculty, and staff for a meal, conversation, and networking connections.
This event is an opportunity to gain networking experience in a Logger-friendly environment — to interact and make connections over a (free) catered meal.
Following dinner, dessert, and remarks from our guest speaker, we’ll coach you through a speed-networking activity to help you connect with members of your Logger Network who want to meet you and support your career journey.
This event fills quickly, so plan to RSVP* early. Registration is required.
Dinner with Strangers 2024:
Wednesday, April 3 | 6–8 p.m.
Thomas Hall Tahoma Room
*If you register and then find that you cannot attend, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can offer your seat to a student who’s on the wait list. Thanks!
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. This event includes a plated dinner and a keynote message while participants are seated at assigned tables. Afterwards, there will be a structured networking activity — students will remain seated while table hosts rotate between tables. Do you need an accommodation in order to participate fully? Please send an email to CES@PugetSound.edu.
Keynote Speaker: Julie Davidson ’96
Julie Davidson ’96, MA, CPCC, ORSCC, is not your typical coach – she’s a multifaceted powerhouse whose creativity knows no bounds. With two degrees in Sociology and certifications as both a Co-Active Professional Coach (CPCC) and an Organizational Systems Coach (ORSCC), Julie brings a unique blend of insight, innovation, and irreverence to everything she touches.
But it’s not just in the realm of coaching where Julie shines – she’s also the curator behind the electrifying phenomenon known as the Salon of Shame. As co-producer of this wildly popular cringe reading event, Julie recruits diary readers for a night of unabashed hilarity and unfiltered storytelling, inviting brave souls to take the stage and share their most cringe-worthy, embarrassing, and downright outrageous adolescent moments.
Julie’s impact extends far beyond the confines of the stage. As a coach, she’s dedicated to helping her clients embrace their authentic selves, navigate life’s challenges with grace, and unleash their inner greatness. Her approach is equal parts tough love and unwavering support, challenging her clients to break free from limiting beliefs and step boldly into their power.
Whether she’s producing a sell-out show or guiding clients on their journey of self-discovery, Julie Davidson is a force to be reckoned with – a beacon of creativity, authenticity, and unapologetic self-expression in a world that often demands conformity.
Julie will share her own cringe-worthy tales from her time at Puget Sound, reflecting on her cathartic journey of self-acceptance and shared humanity, and reminding us all that it’s okay to laugh at ourselves and embrace our imperfections.
Photo by Jeff Hobson. Originally published in South Sound Business Journal feature: Most Influential: 2022
Wondering who might be at your table?
Here are the table hosts for 2024…
Thaedra Brondum ’11: Serenitea Owner
Erin Carlson ’04: Senior Global Recruiter with PATH
Miriam Chitiga, PhD: Senior Director for Intercultural Engagement at Puget Sound
Lynette Claire PhD: Professor in the School of Business & Leadership at Puget Sound; Founder of Tacoma Entrepreneur Network
Kalina Cordero ’22: College Services Program Officer with College Success Foundation
Julie Davidson ’96: President and CEO of The JD Group
Regina Duthley-Barbee PhD: Assistant Professor in English; Co-director of Gender and Queer Studies
Juliano Estrada Donatelli ’21: Peer Tutor Coordinator with Puget Sound
Brian Galicia ’96: Sr. Director, Global Business Applications with Microsoft
Lisa Galicia ’98: Teacher with Issaquah School District
Jairo Galvis PhD: Assistant Professor in Hispanic Studies, and Director of Latina/o Studies at Puget Sound
Elia Garcia ’22: Doctor of Occupational Therapy Candidate
Macy Hance ’23: Project Manager with L’Arche Tahoma Hope
Jake Harrison ’22: Lead Institutional Research Analyst & Developer with Puget Sound
Kristopher Imbrigotta PhD: Associate Professor in German Studies at Puget Sound
Greg Johnson PhD: Visiting Assistant Professor in Biology, and Faculty Chair of Health Professions Advising at Puget Sound
Nick Kontogeorgopolous PhD: Professor in International Political Economy, and Dean of Experiential Learning at Puget Sound
Gabi Maresse ’19: Marketing Specialist with Bureau of Education & Research
Zack McKinlay: Program Manager, College Success Foundation
Myriam Leon Fernandez ’23: Community Grants Administrative Specialist with City of Seattle
Anna Mondschean ’21: Operations Manager with Puget Sound School of Music
Cameron Otsuka ’14: Head of Data Analytics with Build Asset Management
Dan Roscoe ’01: Environmental Scientist and VP with WSP USA
Serena Sevasin ’22: Junior Sales Representative with Rise Up Marketing
Tyler Shannon ’01: Research and Data Analyst with King County Housing Authority
Alyson Sundal ’10: Event and Venue Operations Manager with Benaroya Hall
Angie Tronset ’11: Senior Talent Aquisition Specialist with Sound Credit Union
Aldrin Villahermosa II ’21, MPH ’23: Health Department Referral and Resource Coordinator with Voices of Tomorrow
Kyle Wenholz ’13: Director of Engineering with ngrok, Inc.
Tiffany Williams: Student Success Coach at Puget Sound