On a sunny Wednesday in August, our Lions & Tigers community gathered once again on Mercer Island, WA, for our annual picnic. What’s become a treasured tradition felt even more meaningful this year, as many of our remote team members came together from across the region—and a few from across the country—to connect, share stories, and celebrate the vibrant community we’ve built.

Each year this gathering reminds us of the power of human connection. Families joined in the fun, kids ran around together, and we enjoyed delicious food and drinks on a perfect Seattle summer evening.

We also took time to reflect, look ahead, and celebrate. Our leadership team shared insights on where we’re headed as an organization, and how we’re preparing to grow in 2026 and beyond.

Ashley Jude, President

Ashley kicked things off with humor and heart, offering opening remarks and teeing up our leadership team. She spoke about the work we’re focused on through the end of the year and gave us a glimpse into our early 2026 strategic planning. As always, her leadership reminded us of the courage it takes to build something bold, and the joy that comes from doing it together.

Miranda Leurquin, Vice President, People Experience

Miranda reflected on the evolution of our People team and the intentional investments we’ve made to support both our consultants and clients. She shared how we’re streamlining tools and systems to create a better experience for all and previewed our focus on diversification of clients to create more opportunities for our consultants. Her vision of the future reminded us that a better People Experience is at the heart of everything we do.

Steven Rowe, Vice President, Client Experience

Steven shared insights into how our industry is evolving—with AI and procurement processes changing the way we work—and why it’s more important than ever to double down on client delight. From focusing on strong relationships to aligning with clients’ goals, Steven emphasized our role as trusted partners who lead with empathy and reliability. His message was clear: what has always set us apart will continue to carry us forward.

LaShunte Portrey, Sr. Director, Strategic Accounts & Partnerships

LaShunte brought her signature energy and insight as she spoke about the future of business development at Lions & Tigers. As our client partnerships leader, she shared how she’s always connecting the dots to find the next best opportunity—but what drives her most is the “why” behind it all.

She reminded us that the future of leadership lies in the blended workforce. By integrating highly skilled independent talent, we’re not just meeting business needs—we’re shifting the entire paradigm. LaShunte spoke about the privilege of sitting with leaders across industries to cut through noise, drive clarity, and spark momentum. And at the heart of those transformations? Our consultants.

Brea Starmer, CEO & Founder

Brea closed out the afternoon by sharing her vision for both the future of work and for Lions & Tigers. She reminded us of the original inspiration behind our name, and how it still holds true today: we’re walking arm in arm, blending full-time employees, independent consultants, and AI to build courageous, high-performing teams.

She reflected on the rising tide of independent work—with 75 million Americans expected to freelance by the end of 2025—and the growing need for businesses to tap into every corner of the workforce. As AI continues to reshape roles and accelerate change, leaders are being asked to do more with less, and that’s where Lions & Tigers comes in.

Brea unveiled our updated Vision: to unlock the full potential of the workforce. As well as our Mission: to strengthen businesses with the power of the independent workforce by building blended, human-centered teams. She also shared that our upcoming research will serve as a guidepost for how organizations can do exactly that.

Her message was clear: we rise by being independent & connected— and by embracing the tools, talent, and technology that move us forward. This community is proof of what’s possible when we do.

Grateful for Our Community

As the day wrapped up, it was clear that this picnic was more than just a company event. It was a moment to pause and feel proud of how far we’ve come, to feel grateful for the community we’ve built, and to get excited about what’s next.

Enjoy photos from the day, captured beautifully by Mark Malijan!