First Fed Community Conversation: Amazing Women of the Olympic Peninsula
Schedule
Tue, 24 Mar, 2026 at 06:00 pm
UTC-07:00Location
Field Arts & Events Hall | Port Angeles, WA
Field Hall Presents: First Fed Community Conversation, Amazing Women of the Olympic PeninsulaTuesday, March 24th @ 6PM | Donna M. Morris Theater
Free event, please RSVP | Donations appreciated
*Our ticketing platform Ludus charges a 5% service fee for all card transactions. To avoid this fee, visit our Box Office at 201 W. Front Street and pay via cash or check. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-2PM.
Field Hall proudly presents First Fed Community Conversation: Amazing Women of the Peninsula, a free and inspiring Women’s History Month event honoring remarkable leaders from the North Olympic Peninsula.
The evening will feature personal storytelling, a dynamic moderated panel, and an engaging audience Q&A, spotlighting three extraordinary women whose lives and work have profoundly shaped our region. The conversation will be moderated by acclaimed author and culinary icon Kate McDermott, with featured panelists Colleen McAleer, Alda Siebrands, and Chairwoman Frances Charles.
Representing leadership across military service, tribal sovereignty, economic development, environmental restoration, equality, and the arts, these women embody the strength, resilience, and vision that continue to shape the Olympic Peninsula.
This intimate and uplifting evening will explore leadership, equity, perseverance, and deep community roots—offering powerful stories of courage and transformation, and inspiring all who attend to carry that spirit forward.
Meet the Panelists
Colleen McAleer
A decorated U.S. Army combat veteran and former military aviator, Colleen McAleer has dedicated her life to service and community leadership. After ten years in the Army — including service in Operation Desert Storm — she made Sequim her home and became a small business owner before stepping into public service. In 2014, she became the first woman ever elected as a Port of Port Angeles Commissioner, helping guide major initiatives that brought national attention to Clallam County. Today, as Executive Director of the Clallam County Economic Development Council, she champions local businesses, workforce development, and long-term economic resilience across the Peninsula.
Alda Siebrands
Retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander Alda Siebrands embodies courage, equality, and compassion. Raised on an Iowa farm, Alda’s path of service began in the Peace Corps and continued through the U.S. Army and a distinguished Coast Guard career. A trailblazer for women in uniform, she built a legacy of leadership and grit. Alda’s life also reflects a deep commitment to equality; she and her late wife, Kris Slack, were married in Canada before Washington state recognized same-sex marriage. In Port Angeles, Alda is known for her generosity, community spirit, and steadfast devotion — qualities that continue to inspire.
Frances Charles
As longtime Chairwoman of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Frances Charles is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected Indigenous leaders. Her leadership was instrumental in the historic removal of the Elwha River dams — the largest dam removal project in U.S. history — restoring salmon habitat and revitalizing cultural lifeways for her people. A champion of environmental stewardship, Tribal sovereignty, and cultural preservation, she has guided her community through transformative milestones while mentoring the next generation of Indigenous women leaders.
Moderator
Kate McDermott
The conversation will be guided by Kate McDermott, founder of Art of the Pie® and a James Beard Award finalist. An internationally recognized teacher and author, Kate has taught more than 7,000 students across North America and Europe and has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Oprah, and many others. Known as the “Pie Whisperer” and a “Food Rock Star,” Kate brings warmth, insight, and thoughtful curiosity to conversations that celebrate craft, resilience, and community.
First Fed Community Conversations at Field Hall are free or affordable humanities and civics conversations with local and regional leaders, artists, authors, scientists, and industry experts.
Where is it happening?
Field Arts & Events Hall, 219 N Oak St, Port Angeles, WA 98362-2652, United States
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