WithIt Announces 2025 Board of Directors and Welcomes Cathy Valent as 2025 President

Furniture World News Desk on 2/13/2025

WithIt, the women’s leadership development network for the home and furnishings industry, has announced that Cathy Valent, Vice President of Sales for Springs Digital, will serve as its 2025 President. The organization also welcomes several new industry leaders to its Board of Directors.

“As we kick off 2025 and begin executing plans for WithIt’s 28th year, I look forward with excitement to working with each of our new board members and thank them for the investment of their time, talent, energy, and enthusiasm,” said Cathy Valent, 2025 WithIt President. “The board’s unwavering support and dedication to our continued growth are the reasons we succeed year after year and how we are able to continue to bring exceptional educational programming and professional development opportunities for women in the home and furnishings industries.”

New Board Members and Leadership

The 2025 WithIt Board of Directors will oversee membership, events, fundraising, and scholarships while supporting the organization’s mission of encouraging leadership, mentorship, education, and networking. New board members include:

• VP of Events Co-Chairs: Tarah Jakubiak, Sales Representative, Global Textile Alliance (GTA), and Serena Martin, Founder/President, 24/7 Creative Agency
• VP of Networking: Courtney Panther, Material Recovery Manager, Sleep Number Corporation
• VP of Technology: Shelia Butler, Director of Operations, Jola

“WithIt’s Board of Directors allows members to expand their network, develop skills in negotiation, communication, budgeting, and event management, and refine their leadership style,” said Amy Van Dorp, Executive Director of WithIt. “I am thrilled to welcome each of our new board members and continue driving momentum in mentorship, membership, and programming.”

Upcoming Events and Initiatives

WithIt’s 2025 engagement schedule includes social and educational events, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities across multiple cities. Key events include:

• WOW Awards – Friday, April 25, 2025, at the ANDMORE IHFC Ballroom in High Point, NC
• Annual Professional Conference – June 2-4, 2025, in Kansas City, MO
• Chicago Design Tour – September 12-14, 2025
• Expanded regional networking and programming – Dallas, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and High Point markets
• New internship connection program – Supporting students entering the home and furnishings industry

Industry professionals are invited to join WithIt’s upcoming networking events for women in the home furnishings industry. Events are open to both members and guests. To register, visit withit.org/events.

Celebrating Growth in 2024

WithIt marked several milestones in 2024, including:

• Growing membership to over 600 members
• Hiring an operations coordinator to support expansion
• Expanding corporate lunch-and-learn programs
• Hosting a sold-out Student Mentoring Day at Fall High Point Market
• Raising over $13,000 through the Board of Directors Fundraising Initiative

“WithIt provides professional development and education to women in our industry in a way no other organization can, and I’m proud to be part of its legacy,” said Courtney Panther, VP of Networking. “We encourage members to invest in themselves and get involved by volunteering for a WithIt committee.”

About WithIt
Established in 1997, WithIt exists to encourage and develop leadership, mentoring, education and networking opportunities for professional women in the home and furnishings industries. Our membership encompasses innovators, industry influencers, thought leaders and connectors in a wide range of categories all across the nation. WithIt is a non-profit supported by national sponsors who recognize the role women play in the home and furnishings industries and who are active partners in growing the organization, including Andmore, Tempur Sealy, Myriad Software, FurnitureDealer.net, J.B. Hunt Final Mile, Synchrony Bank and more.