Emily Hikade

“CenterPoint was privileged to have Emily Hikade as our guest speaker for International Women's Day. Emily captivated an audience of over 50 employees with her stories of transitioning from Notre Dame to the CIA, raising her family across the globe, and moving from a distinguished career in the CIA to starting an internationally renowned business from East Africa. Her ability to navigate such diverse and challenging environments is truly inspiring. One of the most memorable moments was when Emily discussed the feeling of invincibility and her experiences in life-threatening situations, and how having children and a family shifted her focus toward stability and safety. The concept of “When you're home and safe, that's when you put on your pajamas” inspired her to launch Petite Plume. The importance of feeling safe and comfortable at home resonated deeply with everyone present. Emily's journey served as a powerful reminder of the impact that even one person can have on society. Her insights and experiences profoundly impacted all attendees, and the atmosphere in the room after her presentation was vibrant. In fact, several months later, people on the team are still talking her presentation and what she said. We felt truly fortunate to have had the chance to learn from her. I highly recommend Emily for any speaking engagement.”