Living a Purposeful Life: Insights from RevelEleven’s Inspiring Panel

What does it truly mean to live a purposeful life? This question was at the heart of last night's RevelEleven Events + Retreats "Living a Purposeful Life" event at Armoire featuring an extraordinary panel of women who have intentionally shaped their lives around values, impact, and alignment. I was inspired by the insights shared and left reflecting on how I can continue to build a meaningful and purpose-driven life.

I’ll admit—walking into a typical networking or community event can feel intimidating to me. The idea of navigating a room full of new faces, striking up conversations, and finding common ground can sometimes feel overwhelming. But last night’s event was different. Instead of feeling drained, I left feeling invigorated—energized by the depth of the conversation, the openness of the panelists, and the shared commitment to living with intention. It was a reminder that the right spaces, filled with the right people, can make all the difference.

The Power of Values and Alignment

Each panelist shared pivotal moments that led them to live with purpose. For some, it was a single defining experience; for others, it was a series of gradual realizations.

- Joanie Parsons , founder of RevelEleven, reflected on the importance of elevating women’s voices and creating spaces where people can connect authentically.

- Hannah M. Fisher , CEO of Hard Refresh, described how environmental changes in the Pacific Northwest—like the disappearance of starfish (a devastating disease called sea star wasting syndrome...WOW!) —ignited her commitment to climate-focused digital strategies.

- Emily Pinckney (She/They) , Program Manager at Breaking Barriers Collaborative, highlighted how her grandmother's advocacy shaped her own journey in environmental justice, emphasizing the connection between community well-being and environmental health.

- Anna Graves , co-founder of Impact 100 Seattle, shared how philanthropy and trust-based giving became central to her sense of purpose after shifting from a traditional corporate path, a story that resonates deeply with me.

- Yoko Okano , founding partner of First Row Partners, discussed how her journey from Google to venture capital was driven by a desire to reshape investment dynamics, ensuring that technology and funding are more inclusive and equitable.

Each of these women reinforced a key takeaway: once you define your values, they become your guiding framework—helping you make decisions, set boundaries, and say ‘yes’ to what truly matters.

Redefining Success

Another powerful theme from the discussion was challenging conventional definitions of success. While financial security is important, true success comes from fulfillment, joy, and impact. Several of the women emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community, taking small but intentional steps toward your goals, and staying open to change.

How to Live with Purpose

1. Identify Your Core Values – Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you and ensure your daily actions align with these values.

2. Surround Yourself with the Right People – Community is everything. Seek out people who uplift and inspire you.

3. Be Open to Evolution – Your purpose isn’t static. It shifts and grows as you do. Allow yourself the space to explore and change.

4. Take Action, Even in Small Ways – Whether it’s mentoring, volunteering, or making career shifts, small steps lead to big impact.

Finding Purpose Through Community

If you’re looking to live more purposefully, one of the best places to start is by connecting with like-minded individuals. For me, Impact 100 Seattle has been an incredible space to engage with women passionate about philanthropy and community-driven change. We believe in trust-based philanthropy, amplifying local grassroots organizations, and supporting each other on our journeys toward impact. Impact 100 Seattle will be back at Armoire on 3/18 if you want to learn out more click here.

Living with purpose is a continuous process, but when we do it together, it becomes all the more meaningful. Let’s build a world where we uplift each other, align our lives with our values, and step fully into the power of purpose.

What does living a purposeful life mean to you? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

#PurposefulLiving #WomenInLeadership

Written for Impact 100 Seattle by Board Vice-President, Angela Rogiers .