Our Mission
The Eastern Oregon Women's Business Lab empowers women entrepreneurs to start, grow, and sustain successful businesses through accessible education, mentorship, networking, and community-driven support.
Built by women entrepreneurs for women entrepreneurs, we believe every woman deserves access to the knowledge, resources, and relationships needed to succeed. Through mentorship cohorts, educational workshops, networking opportunities, and an expanding library of business resources, we help women build the confidence, skills, and connections needed to create financially sustainable businesses.
We are committed to making entrepreneurship more accessible through free and low-cost programming whenever possible.
When women-owned businesses thrive, families prosper, communities grow stronger, and Eastern Oregon's economy flourishes.
Krista Van Veen
Founder & President
Krista Van Veen is Founder and President of the Eastern Oregon Women's Business Lab, where she is working to strengthen women-owned businesses through mentorship, education, and community.
A small business owner and professional bookkeeper, Krista has spent more than 20 years helping entrepreneurs build financially healthy businesses.
Recognizing the need for stronger peer support and practical guidance in Eastern Oregon, she founded the Lab to connect women with the relationships, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Krista believes that when women entrepreneurs thrive, local communities and economies thrive alongside them.
Kire Barraza Ross
Secretary
Kire Barraza Ross serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Oregon Women's Business Lab. She is passionate about connecting women entrepreneurs with the relationships, resources, and support they need to grow successful businesses.
Her professional background includes human resources, recruiting, workforce operations, and project management. She serves as a long-term substitute teacher with the Hermiston School District while completing her Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership and Project Management at Arizona State University.
Kire is committed to strengthening Eastern Oregon through collaboration, mentorship, and opportunities that help women entrepreneurs and their communities thrive.
Val Hoxie
Director
Val Hoxie serves on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Oregon Women's Business Lab and is the Executive Director of the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce. She brings decades of experience in business ownership, human resources, leadership, and community development, including owning both a winery and an HR consulting business.
A longtime advocate for small businesses, Val understands both the opportunities and challenges of entrepreneurship. She is passionate about connecting business owners with the resources, relationships, and partnerships that help businesses and communities grow.
Val believes that strong businesses are built through collaboration and support. She is committed to helping women entrepreneurs build lasting businesses that strengthen Eastern Oregon's economy and communities.
Angela Pursel
Director
Angela Pursel serves on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Oregon Women's Business Lab and is co-owner of The Next Chapter Bookstore & Literary Café in Hermiston. A longtime entrepreneur, Angela has spent decades connecting people through entrepreneurship, media, and community engagement.
Angela is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where people can learn, connect, and grow. Through her bookstore, she has helped foster a vibrant community centered around literacy, lifelong learning, local events, and support for area schools and families.
She also serves as a CASA volunteer advocate and believes strong communities are built by investing in people. As a board member, Angela is committed to helping women entrepreneurs find the encouragement, resources, and connections they need to build thriving businesses across Eastern Oregon.
Amy Smith
Director
Amy Smith serves on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Oregon Women's Business Lab and is the owner of Simply Divine Suites, Postal Coffee Company, and Main Street Keg & Kork in Hermiston, Oregon.
An accomplished entrepreneur and community leader, Amy has built and grown multiple successful businesses while helping strengthen downtown Hermiston. She is passionate about supporting fellow entrepreneurs, mentoring aspiring business owners, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
Amy also serves as a CASA volunteer advocate and is committed to creating opportunities that empower women in business, strengthen local economies, and enrich the communities she serves.
Meet the Board
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