Within every community, there are women who rise above and make a lasting impact—whether through their bold leadership, quiet strength, or unwavering dedication to making the world a better place. As part of our 'Women of Inspiration' campaign, we’re honored to spotlight a few of the many incredible women who are shaping the future of Bellevue. From groundbreaking entrepreneurs to unsung heroes, these women inspire others with their passion, resilience, and relentless drive to create positive change. In this special feature, we celebrate their unique stories, remarkable achievements, and the powerful ways they are transforming our community—all while staying true to their vision and values. Join Bellevue Lifestyle as we shine a light on their incredible work and continue to elevate the voices of women who lead, inspire, and uplift.
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Dr. Elena Zinkov, ND
Naturopathic Medical Doctor
Dr. Elena Zinkov is a trailblazer in women's health, redefining how women navigate their health journeys with a science-backed, holistic approach. As a naturopathic medical doctor, entrepreneur, and founder of Proactive Health ND and PeriVive, Dr. Elena has dedicated her career to empowering women to thrive at every stage of life. Her clinic is at the forefront of progressive therapies, offering personalized solutions for hormone optimization, longevity and regenerative medicine.
Her passion for transforming healthcare stems from her own experiences with the limitations of conventional medicine. She saw firsthand how many women were dismissed or left without answers when facing hormonal imbalances, perimenopause, and metabolic challenges. Determined to change the narrative, Dr. Elena built a practice and a platform for women that blends the best of modern medicine with naturopathic principles, ensuring women receive proactive, root-cause-focused care and solutions.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Elena is an innovative leader with a vision that extends far beyond her clinic’s walls. She believes that impact should drive business decisions, advising aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on solving real problems and thinking long-term. She believes that success isn’t just about scaling—it’s about creating meaningful change and delivering results that improve lives.
Bellevue was the natural choice for Dr. Elena’s business. Having grown up in the area, she appreciates the city’s vibrant, health-conscious community. With a background in business from the Foster School of Business at UW and a doctorate from the world-renowned Bastyr University, she saw an opportunity to bring cutting-edge health solutions to a region that values wellness and innovation.
Looking ahead, Dr. Elena is focused on democratizing women’s health, ensuring that women worldwide have access to progressive solutions that optimize longevity, vitality, and well-being. With PeriVive her mission is clear: to give women the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health—on their terms and with confidence. A lifelong athlete and outdoor enthusiast, Dr. Elena understands firsthand the importance of strength, resilience, and an active lifestyle in overall well-being. She brings that same energy and passion into her approach to women’s health—helping women stay strong, vibrant, and engaged in the activities they love.
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Kayla Miller
Owner & Lead Planner of Kayla Cook Events
Hi! I’m Kayla Miller, the owner and lead planner of Kayla Cook Events. We specialize in event management, design, and production, and we’re passionate about creating unique, memorable experiences for our clients.
What started as a creative outlet quickly became a full-time business, and I’ve never looked back. I’m driven by my love for design, organization, and creating events that are both beautiful and seamless. Whether it's a branded experience, or social gathering, our goal is always to exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression.
I chose to start my business in the Seattle/Bellevue area because of the vibrant community and opportunities it offers. Bellevue, in particular, is an exciting place to grow a business, and I’m thrilled to be part of such a dynamic area.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about expanding our services and working on new projects that challenge us to push creative boundaries. Every day, I’m grateful to be immersed in my passion for event planning and to work with amazing clients who inspire me.
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Elaina Morris
President, CEO & Co-Founder, Ascend Hospitality Group
At Ascend Hospitality Group (AHG), we are in the business of creating experiences and making memories. For our flagship restaurant, Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi, we’re fortunate
to do so in such a collaborative and inclusive community as the city of Bellevue. This is my home, where my children go to school, and I am deeply passionate about doing business in Bellevue. Through AHG Cares, our philanthropic arm, we host major events like Bellevue’s New Year’s Eve Night Market, which attracted over 9,000 attendees in 2024, and AHG Has Your Back, our annual back-to-school drive providing packs and supplies to underserved children.
As CEO and President of AHG, I recognize that many people end up in the restaurant industry by accident. We aim to reposition our industry as one of choice, offering pathways right out of high school that grow skills and opportunities, and cultivating employees who recognize their worth. Our core values — “you matter, team matters, service matters, performance matters”—drive us daily.
Bellevue is bustling with activity, with people in both private and public sectors working tirelessly to make it an extraordinary place to live, work, and play. I am thrilled to be part of our city’s commitment to a thriving business community and actively involved in ensuring Bellevue is accessible to new families, employees, and first-time homebuyers. I am honored to be part of this city's fabric and look forward to what lies ahead. My motto: we can be for business and for humankind simultaneously. Let’s be great people who do great things; let’s be builders.
One lesson I’ve learned is this: if life closes a door, go through a window. If you can’t get through a window, find a mentor or friend to help you open it. No one will believe in you as much as you do, so dream big, ask for help, and pursue your passion with grace, drive, and enthusiasm.
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Neema Desai
Entrepreneur & Attorney
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been passionate about wellness, integrative health, and the power of self-care. My journey has been anything but linear—I started as an attorney, transitioned into medical school, and ultimately found my calling in entrepreneurship by merging my legal, medical, and wellness expertise into something meaningful.
I founded Kinnext®, a science-backed wellness brand, and Next Level Wellness®, a platform dedicated to helping individuals optimize their health through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and cutting-edge formulations. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with compounding pharmacists, medical professionals, and researchers to develop proprietary formulations, including my soon-to-launch rDNA™ skin serum and CapTvĀt™ vegan supplements. These products reflect my deep belief in beauty and wellness from within, supported by science.
What inspired me to start my business? A pivotal moment when I was challenged to stop hesitating and step fully into my potential. Someone once saw past all my setbacks, called out my hesitations, and reminded me of the woman I was meant to be. It wasn’t easy to hear, but it was exactly what I needed. That push forced me to take action, and from that moment forward, I never looked back.
Beyond my business, my purpose is to advocate for, challenge, support, and mentor women and young girls. We all need someone in our corner—a supporter, a cheerleader, a reminder of who we truly are. As we rise, we must remain true to ourselves, humble in our journey, and committed to lifting others along the way.
They say the world is your oyster, but Bellevue feels like mine—and for those fortunate enough to be part of this wonderful community. It’s a place that blends urban energy with a small-town feel, offering unparalleled support and connection. The sense of innovation and collaboration here is unlike anywhere else, making it the perfect home for my business.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on scaling my brand, securing partnerships, and expanding Kinnext® globally. The best is yet to come!