Adventurer Kelsey Pfendler to speak at CDA chamber's women's luncheon

Kelsey Pfendler, a Team USA athlete and record-setting ocean rower, will be the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber's keynote speaker for the 2026 Women's Luncheon on Nov. 18 at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

Carla Cicero, president and CEO of Numerica Credit Union, said one of the things she loves most about the Women's Luncheon is the opportunity to introduce the community to women whose stories inspire people to lead with courage and confidence.

"Kelsey Pfendler embodies resilience, determination, and the belief that extraordinary things are possible when we're willing to challenge ourselves," Cicero said. "We're proud to partner with the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber to bring Kelsey’s remarkable story to our community."

Pfendler's remarkable journey has taken her from the rivers of New York and Colorado to the rapids of the Grand Canyon, where she has spent the past decade guiding 226-mile expeditions through one of the world's most challenging landscapes.

In 2020, she represented the United States as a member of the USA Open Women's Raft Race Team at the World Rafting Championships in Bosnia, where her team earned multiple medals and finished second overall.

Pfendler later became the first, and youngest, American woman to row solo across the mid-Pacific Ocean, from California to Hawaii, setting a new world record while demonstrating extraordinary resilience, determination, and mental toughness.

"So much of the meaning in my life has come from stepping into situations where I wasn't sure I could succeed," Pfendler said. "You could be taking on an ocean row or navigating challenges in your career - growth begins when you're willing to embrace discomfort, trust yourself, and keep pushing forward. I’m so honored to join the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber and look forward to sharing that journey with the incredible women of North Idaho."

Her story extends well beyond adventure and endurance. 

"Through her experiences navigating some of the world's most demanding environments, she inspires audiences to embrace uncertainty, lead with courage, persevere through adversity, and recognize that our greatest growth often begins just beyond our comfort zone," a press release said.

Now in its sixth year, the Women's Luncheon presented by Numerica Credit Union has become one of North Idaho's premier leadership events, bringing together hundreds of business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and community members for an afternoon of inspiration, connection, and personal growth.

About 700 women from across the Inland Northwest are expected to attend.

Pfendler says she hopes attendees leave inspired to redefine what they believe they're capable of.

"Every year, we look for a keynote speaker whose story challenges us to think differently about leadership and what's possible," said Linda Coppess, President & CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber. "Day after day, we followed her live updates from the middle of the Pacific, cheering her on through the highs and the lows."

Coppess said what pressed me most wasn't simply the world record. 

"It was watching Kelsey navigate uncertainty with confidence, determination, and grace. After following her journey, I found myself wanting to learn more about the person behind the accomplishment," Coppess said.

She said Pendler is intelligent, courageous, and resilient. 

"She has the kind of grit that inspires you to believe you're capable of more than you ever imagined, and we knew our Women's Luncheon audience needed to hear her story," Coppess said.

Additional event details, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket information will be announced in the coming months.