Presenter: Tricia O'Konek, Tourmaline Law, PLLC
Title: What Happens If....? Estate Planning for Women Business Owners
What happens if you’re suddenly unable to run your business? What happens if a key decision needs to be made and you’re unreachable? What happens if the people you trust most aren’t legally empowered to act on your behalf - personally or professionally?
In a world full of unknowns, your succession plan and legacy don’t have to be among them. Still, estate planning often feels intimidating, easy to postpone, or like something you’ll “get to later”—especially when you’re juggling the demands of running a business. Many women entrepreneurs either don’t have a plan at all, have documents that no longer reflect the realities of their life and growing business, or simply aren’t sure where to begin.
In this session, we’ll focus on why planning matters and what’s at stake. We’ll explore the questions every business owner should be asking—about decision makers, how tools like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives actually function, how family and team dynamics affect your plan, and what it means to protect both your business and personal assets. There is no one size fits all plan; every person and every business is unique, and your estate planning should reflect that.
You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your risks, the gaps you may not have noticed, and how the right support can help you build and execute a plan that protects your business and your personal legacy with confidence.
*This presentation is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Participating in this session does not create an attorney client relationship, and you should consult with a qualified attorney about your specific situation.
About Our Presenter:
Attorney Tricia O’Konek focuses her estate planning practice on helping individuals, families, and business owners create plans that reflect their values and provide practical protection. She is committed to making the planning process approachable and empowering, especially for clients who want to reduce strain on their loved ones and ensure their wishes are honored. Tricia works with clients throughout Washington State on a range of estate planning needs.
After years in personal injury and civil litigation, Tricia saw how often people were left making high stakes decisions in the middle of a crisis. She founded Tourmaline Law to shift the focus from reacting to emergencies to planning ahead and helping clients feel confident in their planning.
Tricia is committed to providing legal services in a space that is welcoming, inclusive, and affirming for all individuals and families. She serves clients of every background, identity, and family structure, and centers dignity, respect, and cultural humility in every part of her work. Tourmaline Law was built on the belief that proactive planning should be accessible, judgment free, and tailored to the lived experiences of the people it’s meant to protect.
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