Conversations with Women of Distinction with Katie Potter

Join us for this new series of monthly fireside chats at Innovate Newport with a local Woman of Distinction (entrepreneur, businesswoman, elected official, community leader, or author) and the Chamber President.

All are welcome to coffee, tea, fruit, and pastries upon arrival. The speaking program will begin around 9:15 and guests will hear a 20-30 minute conversation and have the opportunity to ask questions to follow. After the Q&A, all are welcome to stay and network. The Conversations with Women of Distinction series is sponsored by Newport This Week.

Our October Woman of Distinction is Katie Potter, Newport Chowder Co.

"My journey began in the healthcare field, where I earned a PhD in physical therapy before transitioning into a successful career in medical device sales, specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery and pacemakers/internal Cardio thoracic defibrillators. 

In 2019, my path took a deeply personal turn when my family and I noticed memory changes in my mother. It became clear that we needed to reconnect with a part of her legacy—her award-winning Seafood chowder recipe, which had brought her restaurant much acclaim before it was sold in 1999.

Inspired by my mother's culinary achievements, I founded Newport Chowder Company. I initially started by selling her secret spice packets and famous chowder recipe online and in small retail shops on Aquidneck Island. What began as a modest endeavor quickly grew into something much more significant. Today, Newport Chowder Company operates two food trucks and a bustling quick-service seafood restaurant in downtown Newport, Rhode Island. We continue to honor my mother’s legacy by serving the same high-quality, time-honored recipes that made her chowder famous, ensuring that her culinary tradition lives on."


Confirmed Women of Distinction include:
January 11th: Elizabeth Lynn, Executive Director, van Beuren Charitable Foundation

February 8th: Cristina Offenberg, Esq. Silva, Thomas, Martland & Offenberg, Ltd.

March 7th: Crista Durand, President, Newport Hospital

April 4th: Gail Alofsin, Newport International Boat Show, Author, National Keynote Speaker

May 9th: Britt Riley, Founder, The Haven Collection

June 13th: Kathy Staab, Owner & President, Jane Pickens Theater + Event Center

July 11th: Christine Stenning, Chair of League of Women Voters Newport County 

August 8th: Dana Borelli-Murray, CEO, Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England

September 12th: Dayna Gladstein, President & CEO, Newport Mental Health

October 10th: Katie Potter, Founder, Newport Chowder Company

November 14th: Angela Lima, Women's Fund RI

December 12th: Brenda Brock, Founder, Farmaesthetics