by HIGH POINT — WithIt, the women’s leadership development network for the home and furnishings industry, has named Cathy Valent, vice president of sales at Springs Digital, as its 2025 president. She welcomes several new industry leaders who are joining the organization’s board of directors.
“As we kick off 2025 and begin executing plans for WithIt’s 28th year, I look forward with excitement to working with each of our new board members and thank them for the investment of their time, talent, energy and enthusiasm,” Valent said. “The board’s unwavering support and dedication to our continued growth are the reasons we succeed year after year and how we are able to continue to bring exceptional educational programing and professional development opportunities for women in the home and furnishings industries.”
New directors added to the board are:
+ Vice president of events co-chairs, Tarah Jakubiak, sales representative, Global Textile Alliance, and Serena Martin, founder and president, 24/7 Creative Agency.
+ Vice president of networking, Courtney Panther, material recovery manager at Sleep Number Corp.
+ Vice president of technology, Shelia Butler, Jola.
Each year, WithIt’s board of directors oversees membership, events, fundraising and scholarships and ensures that each board member supports WithIt’s mission, while also aligning with its efforts “to encourage and develop leadership, mentoring, education and networking opportunities for professional women in the home and furnishings industries.”
Amy Van Dorp, executive director, said, “I am thrilled beyond measure to welcome each of your new board members and to continue to drive the upward momentum we have developed with our expansion in mentorship, membership and programming.”
WithIt’s board of directors allows each member to expand their network, learn to develop critical skills in negotiation, communication, budgeting and events management, as well as develop their own leadership style.
Its 2025 engagement schedule will include a slate of social and educational events throughout the year, plus several new initiatives that are launching in 2025, including a program to connect students with industry internships.
WithIt invites members and industry professionals to participate in its upcoming networking event for women in the home furnishings industry. All events welcome members and guests. To register, visit withit.org/events.
Tickets for the WithIt’s WOW Awards “must-attend” event are on sale now. The event will be held on Friday, April 25, in the Andmore IHFC Ballroom in High Point. This year’s Annual Professional Conference will take place June 2-4 in Kansas City, and a Chicago Design Tour is being planned for Sept. 12-14.
WithIt will also continue to inspire future leaders of our industry through their Mentorship program with events at markets to uplift and connect the future of our industry. Additionally, it is expanding local regional networking and programming at the Dallas, Las Vegas, Atlanta and High Point markets. For more information on WithIt’s full schedule of events, visit https://withit.org/events/.
“WithIt provides professional development and education to women in our industry in a way no other organization can, and I’m proud to be part of its rich legacy,” said Courtney Panther, incoming board member.
WithIt’s 2025 board of directors includes:
Chairman: Tori Evans, director, merchandising-West, Ashley Furniture.
President: Cathy Valent, vice president, sales, Springs Digital.
Vice President/President Elect: Jessica Norby, senior director, sales, Caracole.
2nd Vice President: Jenny Tinsley, public relations specialist, ESG professional, Culp Inc.
Secretary: Jenny Kimpel, senior director, J.B. Hunt
Treasurer: Anna Ferguson, president, Brakenridge Furniture Co. Inc.
Membership: Leah Kirkland, vice president of business development, R & A Marketing.
Professional Development: Sydney Harris, director, organizational development, Furnitureland South.
Business Development: Bree Cassidy, marketing coordinator, Howard Elliott.
Scholarship: Paris Gholston, customer relations and compliance coordinator, Mattress Recycling Council.
Events: Tarah Jakubiak, sales representative, Global Textile Alliance.
Events: Serena Martin, founder/president, 24/7 Creative Agency.
Technology: Shelia Butler, director of operations, Jola.
Emerging Leaders: Mona Nigam, co-founder, EdgeUp Partners.
Connections: Lori Ellis, home furnishings practice leader, Pinnacle Search Partners.
Networking: Courtney Panther, material recovery manager, Sleep Number Corp.
EAC Liaison: Lorri Kelley, president, Lorri Kelley Advisors.
