Each year, Highlands Ranch City Lifestyle highlights women in our community who are doing things a little "extra." This year's women, almost by accident, if you believe in accidents, all share one thing remarkable in common: they've all listened to the voice inside to follow their hearts. One walked the path to becoming a writer; another heard God's voice directing her to serve others. One blesses her children with the lessons of her parents; another braved business challenges to express her creativity and support her family. Here, each shares a glimpse into where they came from, what inspires them, and what they are proud of.
Kali Fajardo-Anstine
Novelist/Author of "Sabrina & Corina"
Tell us about your background.
I was born and raised in Denver, but I’ve lived across the country from Key West, Florida, to Austin, Texas. I hail from a large multicultural Chicano and Indigenous family of seven siblings. I received my BA in English from Metropolitan State University and my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Wyoming. I’m now the Endowed Chair in Creative Writing at Texas State University, an appointment I'll hold through 2024.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a published author.
I dreamed of being a writer from an early age, reading everything I could get my hands on, and I spent years as an independent bookseller at West Side Books in North Denver. I passionately wanted to contribute my voice and my ancestral experiences to the world of literature. I never let that passion go away. My path wasn't easy. If you're undertaking a long journey, begin by placing one foot in front of the other.
What inspires you?
Research! I love visiting archives and museums.
Favorite accomplishment?
Being nominated for the National Book Award in Fiction for my first book "Sabrina & Corina." I brought my parents with me to New York City, and together we walked the red carpet.
assistantkfa@gmail.com
Dr. Mesha-Gay Brown
AdventHealth
Medical Director, Epilepsy, Littleton
Medical Director, Neuroscience, Rocky Mountain Region
Tell us about your background.
My upbringing traverses diverse landscapes, commencing in the sun-kissed environs of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and the rich tapestry of Caribbean culture. I transitioned to the rugged majesty of the Rocky Mountains for undergraduate studies at Colorado College. I pursued my medical education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in the field of neurology. My tenure there included medical school, residency, and fellowship, and formative years in my professional development. I have dedicated my career to the study and treatment of epilepsy, a complex and multifaceted disorder.
What is your favorite thing about the medical profession?
The camaraderie and collaboration among colleagues. Working alongside other dedicated healthcare professionals – nurses and therapists, researchers and administrators – is both humbling and energizing.
What inspires you?
The relentless pursuit of possibility and the unwavering resilience of the human spirit. Individuals who refuse to be defined by their circumstances—who face adversity head-on and emerge stronger, and more determined than ever.
Favorite accomplishments?
Without a doubt, it's being a mother. My professional achievements hold significance, but nothing compares to the profound role of motherhood. It’s the embodiment of hope, resilience, and boundless potential. In the process of nurturing and guiding my daughter, I’ve become more patient, more compassionate, and more attuned.
Carla Sanchez
Fitness trainer/Owner of Performance Ready Fitness Studio
Tell us about your background.
I was born and raised in Colorado Springs and graduated from Colorado College. For over 30 years, I have been helping people lead more productive, happier, and healthier lives through the power of strength and fitness. In my experience as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, IFBB Professional Fitness Competitor, fitness model, and coach, I've seen many fitness fads come and go. What has always worked at improving body shape, overall health, fitness, and quality of life, is strength training. Consistent. Strength. Training.
What inspires you?
Acts of courage to accomplish a goal are incredibly inspiring! Witnessing someone overcome their fears and push through obstacles serves as a powerful reminder that we have the strength and resilience to face challenges head-on.
glamourjock@gmail.com
Dellice Eliason
Eliason Wealth Management/Health and Life Coach
Tell us about your background.
I grew up in Ghana with parents who modeled values that have impacted me. My mom was very empathetic, kind, and generous. My Dad taught me to be a lifelong learner. My hubby Emmanuel and I have seven amazing children. As a mom, my children challenge me to continue to be my best version. I am the executive manager of our practice, Eliason Wealth Management, and a health and life coach.
What inspires you?
My family, living a healthy, wealthy, and successful life, and empowering others to live likewise. I am also inspired to keep learning about the psychology behind areas like health and wealth. I am intrigued about why many of us don’t always make the right choices for ourselves. I’m on a journey of continuous learning to figure out the scientific reasons and solutions to why this is so. I am currently pursuing a degree in Applied Psychology with the goal of digging deeper into the psychology of human behavior in areas like health, wealth, and well-being.
Favorite accomplishments?
With the love and support of my family, my favorite accomplishments include blending family, personal, and professional life, losing and managing my weight, and coaching others to live healthy, wealthy, and meaningful lives.
eliasonwealthmanagement.com
deliason@eliasonconsulting.com
Elaine Packard
Retired/Wind Crest Senior Living resident
Tell us about your background.
I was raised in San Diego, Calif., in a small home on the Point Loma Peninsula, a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean. Our home’s huge, west-facing bay window showcased spectacular sunsets and yearly whale migrations, which delighted me. Like many young girls then, I dreamed of following in Clara Barton’s footsteps to save mankind from suffering, while wearing her white nurse’s cap and red-lined blue cape. While nothing quite that grand materialized, God nurtured in me the seed of service to others. My first job was as a travel agent, then a flight attendant, bookkeeper, entrepreneur, and real estate agent, while serving as a school, civic, and ministerial volunteer. I’ve lived in Wind Crest since 2021, retired from all professional vocations in 2023, but continue to serve with our local Thrive Ministry, as well as ministries within my home church.
Tell us about your work with Thrive Ministry.
I learned the ministry was founded in Colorado in 1907 as Women of the Harvest. Now called Thrive, its mission is to provide spiritual resources, transformative experiences, and authentic one-on-one relationships for women who minister overseas. Having personally witnessed the profound impact Thrive has on missionaries and humanitarian workers, I feel enormously privileged to play a small role in their organization.
elainepackard@gmail.com
Mauzie Mays
Jewelry Designer/Owner of Mauzie's Jewelry
Tell us about your background.
Originally from Ohio, I relocated to Colorado in 1990. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with a dual focus on painting and metals. Following my tenure at various upscale jewelry establishments, I opened my own store in 2006. This decision stemmed from my desire to combine my artistic roots with the creation of practical, wearable art pieces.
Tell us about your journey to jewelry design, and ultimately opening your shop
After honing my craft as a skilled artisan for various jewelers, I felt compelled to channel my creativity into custom designs that cater to each client's unique tastes.
What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from the wonders of everyday life. My creative process involves observing nature's beauty, architectural marvels, and people's diverse personalities, blending these elements into exquisite wearable art.
What are your favorite materials to work with?
I have a deep appreciation for both precious and semi-precious metals, along with a particular fondness for diamonds, especially those with captivating colors.
Favorite accomplishments?
My proudest accomplishment is nurturing my role as a mother while simultaneously establishing and managing a thriving business. This endeavor has allowed me to support my family and also collaborate with and uplift other women-owned small businesses, fostering a community of empowerment and success.
mauzie@mauzies.com
I passionately wanted to contribute my voice and my ancestral experiences to the world of literature.
My professional accomplishments hold their own significance, it's the privilege of being a mother that I cherish above all else.
Witnessing acts of courage to accomplish a goal are incredibly inspiring.
I am intrigued about why many of us don’t always make the right choices for ourselves.