Grit City Women

Gritty is the new pretty

TACOMA, WASHINGTON & THE SOUTH SOUND

MISSION

Is a female forward organization that nurtures a creative approach to empowering female entrepreneurs, small business owners, and leaders in tacoma.

 

We Appreciate Men Who Support Our Mission

As a female FORWARD organization we invite supportive male champions — that share our vision — to attend our events. Who better to welcome this opportunity for men to join us — as allies for gender equality in business and leadership — than Grit City Women?


FOUNDER

Krystle Edwards

Photo By Hannah Wattnem Photography

Photo By Hannah Wattnem Photography

Krystle Edwards, South Sound Business Magazine’s 2019 “Top 40 Under 40”, is a visionary supporter of female forward businesses that distinguishes Tacoma as a mecca of grit, creativity, and progressive ideas. She brings formal education in developmental psychology and human biology and her leadership experience to the creation of Grit City Women. In addition, Krystle is the entrepreneur, founder, and president of Liz Rocks; a non-profit organization which provides opportunities for underrepresented youth to participate in mountain activities. Under her leadership, Liz Rocks raised significant funds to build a permanent rock climbing wall and provide youth scholarships. Liz Rocks was awarded the Best Community Organization of 2015 by the Greater Metro Parks Foundation. The Liz Rocks wall, broke ground in 2023 and will provide a safe space for youth to reach new peaks in the new Pearl Street Family YMCA.

As an avid outdoors person, Krystle has summited Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, Mt. Adams and Mt. Saint Helens. She is also a world traveler, having visited 23 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. As a writer, Krystle has been published in an academic case studies textbook and a scientific journal. Krystle served as the vice-chair of the Community Police Advisory Committee in Tacoma for four years where she worked with city officials/staff, the Tacoma Police Department, and community leaders on myriad issues. In addition, she was invited by Tacoma’s Mayor Victoria Woodards to be a core team member of Mayor Woodards’ Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. Krystle served 12 years federally, promoting to a Radiological Controls Branch Head at an accelerated rate in a military industrial male dominated industry. She was a co-lead of the Hispanic Employee Resource Group (HERO) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where she was recognized as a 2020 Employee of the Year. In 2023 Krystle joined a community of executive women in the South Sound area as a mentor for the Milgard Women’s Initiative (MWI) where she provides mentorship to Tacoma Milgard School of Business graduate students. She was awarded the 2023 Women in Leadership Award by the Junior League of Tacoma. Recently, Krystle has changed career paths to serve as a Certified Change Management Practitioner for the Department of Health’s implementation of the Washington State 988 Behavioral Health Crises Response and Suicide Prevention System.

 

 
 

COACHING

LEADERSHIP + PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT + PERSONAL BRAND

Coaching is a transformative tool that empowers women to unlock their full potential by shifting their mindset, building resilience, and embracing their inner strength. The most successful entrepreneurs and leaders have coaches. It’s not just about achieving goals but increasing your frequency. Investing in professional development can benefit those aspiring to lead and innovate or even those who are currently in leadership roles. Coaching helps women embrace the mantra Gritty is the New Pretty, encouraging them to face challenges head-on, own their stories, and live authentically. Tap into your grit and book your first session today!

 
 

✨ Calling All Ambitious Women Ready to Elevate Their Careers! ✨

Are you a bold, driven, high-achieving woman who is ready to step into the next level of your career? 🚀 If you're feeling stuck, undervalued, or unsure how to break barriers and lead with confidence, then you are exactly who I coach!

💡 My Ideal Client:
Early/Mid-career professionals & aspiring executives ready for growth
✔ Women navigating career transitions & leadership roles
✔ Entrepreneurs & business leaders seeking strategic career guidance
✔ Passionate change makers who want to own their power & impact
✔ Women who are done playing small and are ready to take action!

With 10+ years of leadership, executive mentorship, and career transformation expertise, I help women like YOU build the confidence, clarity, and strategy needed to thrive in leadership and beyond!

👑 Are you ready to invest in your future? Let's turn your career dreams into reality! Schedule a discovery call today! 💼✨

Returning Soon!

MEMBERSHIP

Accepting Members for the 2025 Cohort Soon

No Startup fees and you may cancel your monthly membership at any time.


 
 

CHARTER MEMBERS

Melissa Newell - Edward Jones Financial Advisor

Allie Corrigan - Bookkeeping & Business Consultant

Erin Dietz - EAMP Owner, Acupuncturist 

Megan Donaldson - Small Business Owner

Michelle Keogh - Business Owner

Judy Twedt Ph.D. - Climate Change Scientist

Dr. Mandi Murtaugh - Physical Therapist

Brandi Douglas - Small Business Owner


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