Laurie McDonald Jonsson is a prominent Seattle businesswoman who has combined a successful travel and business career with a personal commitment to helping women and children around the world. She founded Stellar International, a company with a focus on investments that give back to the communities they serve, and Stellar International Networks, a forum that connects and empowers women leaders around the globe. Past efforts have resulted in groundbreaking women’s business and leadership delegations to central Europe, Scandinavia, the Baltics, Cuba, Africa, and China. Prior to founding Stellar International, Laurie co-founded and managed successful businesses in the travel industry including Sundance Cruises and Admiral Cruises. She was also founding director of Expedia.com, Commerce Bank, and the Puget Sound Bank and was the first chair of the Governor’s Executive Women’s Council under Governor Gary Locke. In 2003, Laurie was awarded a Presidential appointment to the Board of the National Women’s Council in Washington, D.C. She currently serves on the Board of Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government Women’s Leadership Board and is a member of the Committee of 200, an invitation-only membership organization of the world’s most successful women entrepreneurs and corporate leaders. Laurie is also the founding president of the Washington State Women’s Forum and founding chair of the Center for Women and Democracy at the University of Washington.Back To Team