Founded in March, 2004 in Portland, OR., The Link For Women, LLC (The Link) is a Northwest-based, affiliate organization that connects and mentors women from many walks of life. The Link’s mission: to provide consulting, coaching, multi-day programs and monthly events that help women reach their full potential. 

The Link provides an opportunity to connect with remarkable women and talented experts who want to share their experiences and knowledge. It offers programs that encourage creativity and curiosity, and teach real-life skills. The Link connects its members with a community of women who can provide support and resources for both career and personal growth.

Companies and individuals benefit from customized consulting, coaching and multi-day programs by a team of experts in their field, all with the same mission: to support women to identify and reach their goals. Clients have included Fortune 500 companies, professional firms (law firms, CPA firms), and Senior Managers working to flourish in their "Seat at the Table'.

The monthly events draw speakers like former Hewlett-Packard CEO, Carly Fiorina; Oxygen Media Chairman and CEO, Geraldine Laybourne; career strategist, Carol Hyatt and Portland General Electric CEO, Peggy Fowler, to name a few. More than 250 women executives, leaders, visionaries and citizens pay annual dues and monthly event fees to gain access to The Link’s network. In 2006, The Link expanded its network from the Portland, Oregon base to Seattle to create a strong synergy throughout the Northwest of accomplished women. 

A recognized leader in the retail industry, most notably with Saks Fifth Avenue and Nike, Inc., Cindy’s focus on merchandising began with her first job, selling blue jeans in her hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  After earning a bachelor’s degree in Retail from the University of Wisconsin, Cindy’s professional career began at Famous-Barr Department Store in St. Louis, Missouri and became a Buyer of Junior Sportswear.

In 1983, Cindy moved to Chicago where she joined Saks Fifth Avenue as Assistant General Manager, Merchandising.  In 1990, as the Director of Merchandising, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Texas, Cindy moved to Portland to open Saks Fifth Avenue’s first store in the Northwest as General Manager.  As the key leader for Saks in Portland, Cindy built strong relationships with local media, civic and charity organizations.  She managed a staff of 250 and grew the organization from a standing start to sales measured in the tens of millions per year. The store exceeded benchmarks for revenues per square foot that rivaled local favorite, Nordstrom.

In 1992, Cindy was recruited to join Nike, Inc.  During her 11 years at Nike, Cindy held a variety of sales and marketing positions, working with the country's top retailers and some of the most talented athletes of our time.  As her career developed at Nike, she was put in charge of brand management at retail.  As Director of U.S. Space Management and Director of Marketing and Merchandising for Department Stores, all permanent space at major retailers came under Cindy’s responsibility.

Also in 1992, Cindy became a trustee of Oregon Ballet Theatre and has chaired four major fundraising galas for OBT raising thousands of dollars and cultivating new patrons for the Ballet.

After leaving Nike in 2003 to find her own muse, she formed The Link For Women, LLC at the suggestion of her sister-in-law.  Says Cindy, “When I was at Nike, we developed a program entitled ‘Women of Substance.’  It inspired me to want to create a speaker series.  Combined with the amazing women I’d met in Portland and their untold stories, we formed The Link For Women.” In 2007, Cindy was named "One of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Town" by the NW Women's Journal.

Cindy has been married for 13 years to John and has two beautiful stepdaughters, Beth and Jayme.  In her spare time, she enjoys golf, travel to Italy and her family’s vacation home in La Quinta, California.  Wine is her passion!