Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis
President & CEO
Craig Hospital
Tell us about yourself. Your hometown, educational background, how you came to Colorado, your ties to the south metro area, and your family.
I am an Air Force brat. One of five kids. After my father got out of the military (1967), we moved to Washington, DC, my mother’s hometown. We were mostly Catholic school educated and when I graduated (Bicentennial Class!) in 1976, I left DC and never really looked back. I spent 8 years in the cold north at Dartmouth for college (met my husband there!) and medical school. Then onto Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia for my Ob/Gyn residency. We “discovered” the west because I was awarded a National Health Service Corps scholarship to pay for medical school and in turn did four years of service in the Indian Health Service in Tuba City, Arizona on the Navajo reservation. We have 2 kids, Courtney (who is 34) and Jonathan (31)-Jonathan was born on the reservation and among the many wonderful experiences we had while living in a very different culture among some of the world’s best folk, we learned to ski. When it was time to make a decision of where to go next, my husband desire to go to business school and the Colorado mountain’s ability to provide loads of opportunities to ski made the call easy. We have lived in Colorado since 1992 and in Highlands Ranch since 1994. We have watched all the changes in our community over these many years and plan NEVER to move! I love that Craig Hospital in Englewood is my Work Home because it is close to home and keeps me differently grounded to the south metro area.
Tell us about someone, professionally or personally, who inspires you, or who you draw inspiration from.
There are so many amazing people who have influenced and inspired me over the years, including opening doors and windows of opportunity that I hope I have taken full advantage of once offered the chance. Names that come to mind are Dr. Jack Cochran and Dr. Donna Lynne both of whom took the big chances on me and chose me to serve on their leadership teams at Kaiser Permanente at different points, both of which undoubtedly are part of how I landed at Craig Hospital at the CEO and President. And I have so many folks who have served as either known or quiet Inspirers over the years. Exposure to great leadership is a blessing in and of itself and I steal great features and characteristics of the great ones all the time. But by far the most influential person in my life is my now 97 year old aunt. She was a role model for smart, tough, confident and independent women. I often comment that, had she been born in another (read: more recent) time, she would have risen to the highest levels in whatever organization she landed but given her age and the fact that we are African American, opportunities were limited. She worked at the National Security Agency as an analyst at a time where that was totally uncommon! At the same time she is generous beyond belief, totally believed in me and saw in me what I couldn’t see in myself. She also was a strong believer in the requirement to give back to one’s community through volunteerism, which was a big deal in my mother’s extended family and I continue to live by that adage “For of those to whom much is given much is required.” And she had a strong (Catholic) spiritual bent as well. She is my absolute hero and it makes me sad to know that reaching the age of 97 is a feat…and also means she is nearing that next chapter.
What advice would you give your younger self, your daughter, and/or a younger woman entering the workforce/profession/just starting out.
The one I gave myself in 2001 when I wrote this piece to myself called “Having Tea.” A 70-year-old Jandel had a conversation over tea with her younger (50) year old self. Among the ten lessons she shared was one that is very important. Don’t worry about being Queen. When we are young, we have this tendency to think about the next job or if we are going to be successful as defined by titles and pay. It was when I stopped worrying about advancement and promotions and rather began to take full advantage of all the experiences that were around me that real growth began. Someone is always watching you. You don’t have to worry about Doors of Opportunity opening if you just do your best in the moment and take full advantage of those experiences that help you grow…the wonderful ones and the hard ones. They are all part of what helps you land in the next place…incomplete and ready!
Describe a time you experienced failure, and what you learned or the upside/blessings that grew from that.
One day I am going to write a book and entitle it “Everything I Learned About Leadership Was Learned at the Feet of My Patients”. I already have the chapter titles written. Clinical practice provides countless opportunities to learn how to connect to people that are applicable to leadership. Probably one of the toughest areas in clinical medicine is helping people to make change that would be good for them physically, spiritually and emotionally. And in that vein, I would say that the area where I would say (to use your words) I experienced failure was in those encounters with team members where my coaching and counseling was less successful in helping them grow. I hope I don’t sound arrogant in saying that, as I don’t have all the answers. Yet, it is hard to watch people struggle and to wonder if there were better ways to be of assistance in their growth. I have learned to ask more questions and be a better listener…and sometimes (thankfully rarely) to accept that one of the loneliest and hardest parts of leadership is when you have to make changes on a team when the efforts at improvement aren’t working. Just do it compassionately is my best learning and blessedly I hope I always did (or certainly sought to do so should someone disagree!).
Do you have any goals or future plans you are working toward?
I try my very hardest to live in the present. I support an amazing team of healers at Craig Hospital (those in patient facing and non-patient facing roles actually!) who deliver compassionate patient and family-centered care every day. We have wonderful work ahead to continue to evolve our world-class and world renown model of neurorehabilitation that I hope to be able to see completed in the coming decade. As for goals, I want this to be my last “formal” stop before retiring. I love this place. I just want to give it my best and my all and leave, as I do every day, happy and fulfilled.
What do you do in your free time? How do you unwind or provide self-care?
I am a fiber artist. I started quilting in 1989 and started creating art quilts and then fiber sculptural elements in 1998 and I haven’t stopped exploring new ways to manipulate fiber and fabric. So, I spend a lot of my free time in my art room creating. I have been in a few exhibits, have had some commissions that were fun to complete, and just love to do the work on behalf of myself and others. I also work out 5 days a week, 4 with a maniac trainer. And I started taking formal photography lessons in January which I am totally loving! The spring is fast approaching, and I like to garden, including growing food. Can’t wait for spring! I love to cook (and eat!). Practically anything that involves creative pursuits is centering for me. And I love to take walks with my circle of friends—long walks in beautiful places in nature preferably.
What makes you laugh?
My husband and my adult children! I swear those people were placed in my life to make me smile and laugh and just be grateful for them! When our children come to town, it is a laugh fest from morning to night…and Anthony (my husband of nearly 37 years!) and I spend some portion of every evening laughing about something that happened in the day…or teasing/laughing with each other. Or dancing and then having him tell me I am not very good at that. Aside from that, we laugh all the time at work. I have a strong belief that we spend more of our waking hours at work than at home—make the best of it and please make the spaces and places ones filled with laughter, humor and joy.
Leah Rosine
Owner
Abloom Florist
Tell us about yourself. Your hometown, educational background, how you came to Colorado, your ties to the south metro area, and your family.
I was born and raised in Galesburg, IL. I played various sports as a youth and began playing competitive golf at a very young age. This path allowed me to receive a college scholarship to The University of Iowa, where I played on the Women’s Golf Team for 4 years and graduated with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication and a minor in Business. I can proudly say that I have only had 3 professional jobs, including Abloom, in my career. December 2014 I was able to make a job position transfer from Iowa to Denver. I settled in Highlands Ranch; the South Metro is my favorite area of Denver.
Tell us about someone, professionally or personally, who inspires you, or who you draw inspiration from.
Diane Thomason is the person that I draw inspiration from both personally and professionally. Diane was my coach at Iowa, and to this day she is still my coach and my friend. She instilled in me the tenacity to envision your goals and diligently work towards reaching them, celebrating your successes along the way but always embrace your mistakes/failures and learn from them. She instilled in me so many principles and values that I live by today humility, kindness, giving to others, commitment. I feel very blessed to have her in my life.
What advice would you give your younger self, your daughter, and/or a younger woman entering the workforce/profession/just starting out.
My advice to my younger self, and all young women, is to have a vision and go for it! Don’t expect your vision to happen quickly, remember that the Private in the military did not become a Colonel overnight. So have passion, drive, and expect to stumble and fall, but trust your vision and be kind to yourself and to others along your journey.
Describe a time you experienced failure, and what you learned or the upside/blessings that grew from that.
Great question I have had many failures in my life! Too many to define just one. However, my philosophy on failure is to always use the situation as a learning experience in all aspects of my life. I believe that one cannot become the best version of themselves if they do not experience failure. Many times, too, there are blessings within failure you just might not be able to see it in the heat of the moment.
Do you have any goals or future plans you are working toward?
My personal goals are health and giving back to the community. I am doing pretty good on the health goal and am very excited to be working with a non-profit called Haven of Hope. Professionally, I am looking to expand my business within the South Metro area over the next few years.
What do you do in your free time? How do you unwind or provide self-care?I play golf! When I am not golfing, I really enjoy hiking and snowshoeing.
What makes you laugh?
I love to laugh; belly laughing is the best! Laughing is good for the soul! I laugh, at least, half a dozen times a day at Josey the shop dog. She keeps everyone at the store entertained.
Julie Whalen
Sales Manager
Guild Mortgage, Highlands Ranch
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Julie Whalen and I’m a mortgage originator at Guild Mortgage and Sales Manager of our Highlands Ranch Branch. As a 3rd generation Colorado native, I am proud to call this area home. Born and raised in Littleton, Colorado, I attended Chatfield Highschool and I went on to study Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University in Fort Collins earning a degree in Bachelor of Science. While attending CSU I met my husband Tim and we have been married for 26 years. We have raised two wonderful boys who I am most proud of.
Tell us about someone, professionally or personally, who inspires you, or who you draw inspiration from.
My Dad, Mark, has always been and will continue to be someone I look up to even since his passing in 2019. He inspired me personally and professionally as he was a successful realtor in Colorado. He was my first mentor, guide, and coach. He introduced me to the real estate and home financing industry and without his advice and insight, I am not sure I would be where I am today.
What advice would you give your younger self, your daughter, and/or a younger woman entering the workforce/profession/just starting out.
The advice I would give to another woman just starting out is to never compare yourself to others. If you focus on yourself and your actions, you will make results happen. You set your own bar in the path to success, and if you focus, it will lead you to achievement.
Describe a time you experienced failure, and what you learned or the upside/blessings that grew from that.
We grow from our failures. Failures, losses, mistakes, and faults allow us to expand as individuals and provide ample lessons within the process. It’s important to allow yourself a grace period in which you switch your thought process; I believe you can take an unpleasant outcome and reverse your mindset. Treat yourself as you would your child: with patience and love because imperfect messy actions can lead to greatness. If you fail, it means you are trying. A specific instance I can recall and learn from was in 2014 when I didn’t make Presidents Club within our company. It was something I worked hard for, and I missed the mark. I learned a lot about my productivity and saw some flaws where I missed opportunities. The year I missed that opportunity propelled me to a new level of success for what came next.
Do you have any goals or future plans you are working toward?
A big part of our company’s values as well as my personal aspirations involve the success of those around me. From community involvement to my own team's development, I strive to create an atmosphere of support and success. I have recently brought on a new member to the team and with that comes the wonderful responsibility of being a trusted leader. My future goals, no matter how aspirational they are, always involve my team.
What do you do in your free time? How do you unwind or provide self-care?We are fortunate enough to live in an amazing area in which most prioritize self-care. We work hard, play hard, and enjoy rest. You can find me travelling with my family, hiking all over the state, or deeply nourishing my wellbeing with holistic modalities and exercise.
What makes you laugh?
There is nothing better than hearing another person’s genuine laugh. When I hear someone truly giggle, they radiant a happiness; It is like a yawn to me, contagious. I can’t help but join in the energy and laugh myself.
Sheri Kaiser, RN
Business Owner
Casa Bianca Bridal Boutique & Fusion Skin Rehab
Tell us about yourself.
I was born in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio called Brunswick. My parents met in High School in Cleveland as well and have been married for 50 years this year. I have one younger brother who is a PhD Military Historian. We had a wonderful childhood in Brunswick with involvement in sports, church and loved our neighbors. When I was a Freshman in High School, my dad came to all of us to let us know he had just received a promotion and how we would feel about moving to Denver, Colorado. My Dad worked for United Airlines and helped to develop the first reservation system used by the airlines. In order to ease our transition after living in Brunswick our whole short lives, Dad moved first in March, and we would fly out to see him and to help look for houses. After visiting a couple of times, our parents decided on building a home in Highlands Ranch (Dad's office was in the Denver Tech Center). So, my parents went about the process of getting that going and selling our house in Brunswick and we would move out to Colorado after my Freshman year ended.
At the time, I was a cheerleader at my high school in Brunswick and really did not want to stop doing that. On one of my visits to Colorado that Spring of 89, I went to visit Highlands Ranch High School (back then the only High School in Highlands Ranch - it was surrounded by dirt. cows, and not much else). This decision my parents made has impacted my life in more wonderful ways that I can truly express, but more on that later. I met with the Cheerleading Coach, Laura Hall. Highlands Ranch was such a new school and Highlands Ranch the community was just beginning to be built up, so new students were nothing new to the students already there and the administrations/teachers. Our class had 230+ people in it - I can't even believe there are now 4 public high schools with class numbers 600+! Mrs. Hall said that I could try out for cheerleading on video since I had to head back to Brunswick. She said, do your try-outs like you would do for your school in Brunswick. So there I went recording on our camcorder/VHS tape and sent it in. She said the judges would review my video at the time of their try-outs. I was so excited to even have a chance to try out and hopefully get to meet people before school started in the Fall of 1989. I made that video with all of my dear friends from Brunswick and sent it to Mrs. Hall. I didn't hear anything for quite a while, so I just assumed I had not made the squad. I was sad, but knew it was a long shot. Right about the time school was ending, I heard from Mrs. Hall telling me they had selected me for an alternate spot for Junior Varsity and would love to have me at all of the practices that summer and at camp. I was thrilled! I knew this would be a great opportunity.
We moved to Colorado, and I was able to meet people right away through Cheerleading. Through that experience, I met my best friend to this day Julie and my now business partner and dear friend Katie Richardson. What a true blessing they have both been in my life. I also met my husband, Jason Kaiser. We dated each other our sophomore year of high school and broke up like most high school couples do! We went on a couple of dates after our freshman year of college and then did not see each other for 17 years! We married other people, both moved away from Colorado, and both moved back. Both divorced and reconnected in 2011 and one year later were married. We have 4 children. A daughter Lauren who is graduating from Montana State University this May with an Applied Mathematics degree with Honors, a son Brett who is a Freshman at Florida Gulf Coast University, a daughter Keri who is graduating this May from Mountain Vista High School and Josie, a 4th grader at Cherry Hills Christian School.
I received my degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Miami in Florida. I practiced as a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse at both Children’s Hospital and then Littleton Adventist Hospital. I then changed away from Hospital Nursing and became a Nurse Case Manager at Pinnacol Assurance. I was promoted into a Business Director position where I managed a team of 36 Insurance Professionals and our Grand Junction Field Office. I then decided to live my dream and quite corporate America to open my Bridal Shop, Casa Bianca Bridal Boutique in Downtown Littleton. I have been in business since 2017. I then decided to use my Nursing skills again by opening Fusion Skin Rehab with my dear friend since High School, Dr. Katie Richardson.
Tell us about someone, professionally or personally, who inspires you, or who you draw inspiration from.
My Dad is my professional inspiration by far. He worked in Corporate America for 25 years and was a telecommunications expert through his own teaching. (Neither of my parents have a college degree). My Dad decided to leave Corporate America and open his own business. Watching him thrive doing what he loved was inspiring. He has always believed in me and invested in my Bridal Shop, when trying to obtain a small business loan became too difficult. The first person I want to share my successes and failures with is always my dad. He gives sound and well-rounded advice, but never tells me how he thinks it should be done. It is truly inspiring and now that he is retired, I am motivated to run my businesses the way he did and set my family up for success through hard work. I also must note that I absolutely love working with women and attract to all women who are not afraid to take a risk and work hard.
What advice would you give your younger self, your daughter, and/or a younger woman entering the workforce/profession/just starting out.
I have 3 daughters and a son and talk to them constantly about their futures. Here is what I tell them over and over. Hustle and no excuses. Your success will be driven by doing what you love and giving it everything you have. If you love what you do, the work will be easy (not necessarily overwhelming). Don't be afraid to change what you are doing. Just because I started off as a Nurse in the hospital setting did not mean that I could not shift direction and do what I wanted to do. You only have one shot at this precious life, and you must do what you love - even if it isn't what others believe you can do - believe in yourself and take that chance. Even if you fail - you learn something so precious about tenacity.
Describe a time you experienced failure, and what you learned or the upside/blessings that grew from that.
When I was at Pinnacol Assurance as a Business Director, the next step was becoming an Associate Vice President. I knew I was ready for the position and was a finalist against a male peer. I had more experience, proven financial success and a stellar track record. I had the support of the 3 Vice Presidents who interviewed me. That being said, there was one Executive Woman who was new to Pinnacol and who had no experience with me whatsoever. In the last round of interviews, she noted that I lacked "Executive Poise". I think ultimately, she was right. It was one of the most devastating moments in my professional career (made even more painful when the other 3 executives visited me to tell me I was their pick). The truth is and always will be that I am a truth teller. I am passionate and don't sit back with my mouth shut. If that was the leadership Pinnacol wanted - tow the line and be quiet, I was not the person for that job. What I realized is that when I was told to "temper my passion," I knew it was time to move on. Now, my brides and patients love my passion because that passion equates to advocacy, customer service, no excuse policy and being extremely agile. I don't rest on my laurels or wait for someone to tell me what to do. I can make things right and solve problems swiftly. No meeting for 20 hours a week to solve nothing or to backtrack and waste customers time and money.
Do you have any goals or future plans you are working toward?
I am growing my Bridal Shop and expanding to a new location for my 5-year anniversary. We have continued to grow year after year and that is my continued goal. Ultimately, I would like to retire at 55. With Fusion Skin Rehab, I would like to be able to grow this business as well and ultimately manage the business with Nurses that we have hired to work for us.
What do you do in your free time? How do you unwind or provide self-care?
I absolutely love to golf and do that with my dearest girlfriends as much as possible. I love to spend time with my husband and kids (they are all starting to launch so that is exciting to be a part of and to visit them where they are (Montana and Florida). We travel a ton and want to continue to do that and ultimately plan for retirement. Spending time with my very precious friends fills my bucket. All of my girlfriends are amazing entrepreneurs and balance their lives with grace and we all lean on each other. We know how to play hard and work hard.
What makes you laugh?
My husband makes me laugh every day. I have to say that I consider myself not that funny. Since being with my high school sweetheart and now married to him for 10 years, I can honestly say we have a good laugh with tears every single day. He does that for me no matter what. We do not take ourselves so seriously. Life is serious enough as it is!
Juanita Belle
Retired HR Executive, Author & Volunteer
CASA, Advocates4Children
I was born in a small city in Louisiana. My siblings and I spent many weekends at my maternal grandfather’s farm. We were joined by other family members. My father had one sibling and my mother had13 siblings. Needless to say, our gatherings were lively. The kids went on hayrides, played hide and seek, attempted to milk cows, and picked pecans and fruit from the many trees. The adults would cook the meals which usually consisted of Gumbo and homemade sausages. Following the meal many of my uncles would play guitars, accordion, drums, fiddle and keyboard, while all of the adults and children danced. The music is called Zydeco and originated in Southwest Louisiana. It is an intensely passionate dance and is now referred to as “the new salsa.” My love of dance and music is directly related to my childhood.
On my 8th birthday my parents and my siblings and I left our left our large family in Louisiana and moved to California. I had an older brother who was quite the prankster and two sisters. My younger sister was sweet and very funny. My older sister enjoyed acting and participated in productions with a drama club. I was more of an athlete and played basketball, slow and fast-pitch softball. While living in California, my family and I spent quite a bit of time at the beach and at Disneyland. My siblings and I enjoyed spending time together. As kids we rode our bikes in the neighborhood until dark. The rule was we had to be home before the streetlights came on, a very innocent time. I remember my driving lessons by my dad and the pride he and my mother had when I passed my tests and got my drivers’ license. As a 16-year-old that was very exciting.
When my husband and I were married, we blended our families. We both had two children from a previous marriage. With our blended and extended family, we have 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. It’s a joy watching the growth and maturity of our family and it is heart-warming to see the love they share.
I attended UCLA and obtained my Certification in Human Resource Management. In 1994 I moved to Colorado as a result of a job transfer. I had been to Colorado on vacation and fell in love with the mountains, open spaces, and the friendliness of the people I met. I was excited when I had an opportunity to transfer here. I was referred to a realtor who was a Colorado native and she recommended I view homes in Highlands Ranch. She indicated it was a growing and beautiful community. As we toured various neighborhoods, I knew Highlands Ranch was where I wanted to live. I loved the community, the trails and all that the recreation centers had to offer.
The person who inspired me personally was my mother. She embraced life, was very nurturing, taught my siblings and I the importance of giving back, having an open mind and not judging others. Because of my mother I had a wonderful childhood with memories of laughter and love. My life has been structured by the values she instilled in me.
One of the other people in my life that has had a great influence on me and who has inspired me is a former employer. I was vice president of human resources and worked for him for over 30 years. He is a person with principles and values. He also instilled in me the importance of giving back in some way and he is committed to helping others. I have always appreciated his candor, his caring and his confidence in me. He valued my input and taught me that there were no obstacles we couldn’t overcome. I have great respect and appreciation for him and feel fortunate to have been a part of his life and the lessons learned.
I knew when I retired, I wanted to help children in some manner, but was unsure of the path I should take. One afternoon I was watching a show on television and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) was showcased. I immediately knew that was the right path for me. I have been a CASA for Advocates4Children for 5 years and for me, it is a privilege to be of service and advocate for a child. It has taught me the resilience children have despite their trauma. It has taught me to appreciate little things in life as I watch a child take small steps towards healing and moving forward to reach success.
As a young woman entering the workforce, I personally lacked self-confidence. I learned that self-confidence is the core of who we are and can be a beacon for us as we move through life. I was quite fortunate at the beginning of my professional career. I had incredible mentors; those who wanted me to succeed. They encouraged me, they challenged me and celebrated me. I would tell a young person entering the workforce to believe in themselves, reach out to others who can help them to learn and grow. They should be curious and open to learning, embrace challenges and not be fearful of failure. There’s a quote by Winston Churchill that I have been drawn to: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
To learn and to grow I believe goal setting is paramount. My on-going goal is health, happiness and helping others. During the beginning of COVID in 2020 I set a goal of writing a novel with publication in 2021. The writing journey was an amazing process, developing a storyline and creating my characters. I learned that I was more creative than I imagined. In 2021 my book was published on Amazon. My current goal is to write my second novel with publication in 2023.
I believe self-care is very important in sustaining a healthy body and positive attitude. I wake each day thankful for my health. I work out a minimum of five days a week. It is a time that allows me to set my personal goal and workout routine for the day. The gym is a place where I’m able to clear my thoughts except for the task at hand. I also enjoy long walks. I have a favorite place to walk that is a bit challenging. But most importantly to me, it is a place that I find peaceful. The sunsets are spectacular and fills me with a quiet joy.
Nikki Brooker
Educator, Photographer & Founder
You Are Not Alone, Mother 2 Mother (YANAM2M)
Tell us about yourself. Your hometown, educational background, how you came to Colorado, your ties to the south metro area, and your family.
I am Nikki Brooker and I am originally from a small town in northern Michigan. My husband and I met when I was 12 and he was 15 and we literally have been together ever since. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science with a K-6 teaching license from Eastern Michigan University and Metropolitan State University of Denver. My Master's Degree was earned from Regis in Adult Education and Development. I have been an educator for over 25 years. I have taught everything from toddlers to college-aged students. I am a Registered Psychotherapist and am working on other certifications. I have my own photography business (Nikki Brooker Photography) and have loved photography since my husband and I were the yearbook photographers at our high school!
My husband and I moved to Colorado in 1996 because he graduated from the University of Michigan in Aerospace Engineering and was employed with Lockheed Martin. He works on the Orion project (the next capsule to take humans to the moon and beyond). He is literally a Rocket Scientist and by FAR the smartest person I know.
We have 3 amazing kids ages 21, 19, and 15. Our 21-year-old was just recently awarded a full-tuition scholarship to Hofstra Law School and St. Johns Law, both on Long Island so she will start in the fall and move to New York (she finished her bachelor’s degree at CU Boulder in 3 years!). Our 19-year-old is attending UCCS in Colorado Springs and majoring in nursing and has a heart of gold. Our 15-year-old son is a freshman at Colorado Early Colleges (an amazing charter school where he will leave high school with an associate degree).
We are very rooted in the South Metro area and moved to Highlands Ranch for the recreation centers and the community we knew we would find. My nonprofit (YANAM2M) was created in Highlands Ranch after two local moms took their lives and the lives of their children (in 2016 and 2017). We created YANAM2M to ensure every mom feels safe, valued, and accepted. It has become my life's work.
Tell us about someone, professionally or personally, who inspires you, or who you draw inspiration from.
Throughout my 47 years, I have had many people who have inspired me in different ways. My mom inspired me to never be afraid to tell my truth and to never apologize for who I am. My husband inspires me to work hard at what I love and create a life that makes me proud. My dad inspires me to give of myself with my time and talent even when I don't always know what that is. My kids inspire me to navigate the unknown and lean on those who love me. My 2nd-grade teacher, Mrs. Bowman inspired me to be a teacher and never forget that education is essential to a productive society. My dog Brady inspires me to love unconditionally. I have had so many different inspirations in my life that have helped shape my path but the love and support that I have received from my family and friends will always be my biggest inspiration.
What advice would you give your younger self, your daughter, and/or a younger woman entering the workforce/profession/just starting out.
I have been a teacher for over 25 years. I have learned a lot, shaped the education of many people and I know that my time in the many classrooms that I have been a part of has been productive, and important. I believe I was meant to be an educator but maybe not the classroom educator I originally thought was my path. I would encourage myself to think outside the box when it comes to education and not only concentrate on the elementary classroom. l enjoyed my time there, but bureaucracy truly spoiled my love of it and I now am an educator in a different way.
Describe a time you experienced failure, and what you learned or the upside/blessings that grew from that.
I don't believe in failure. I believe all situations that don't turn out the way we thought they should be learning experiences. Failure means you didn't try and honestly, there aren't many things I have felt compelled to try, that I haven't tried. There have been many things in my life that haven't turned out the way that I thought they should, but I also believe that everything happens for a reason, so failure isn't an option.
Do you have any goals or future plans you are working toward?
I want to change the world, one mom at a time. I want all moms to have a village that lifts them up and creates an environment where they feel safe, valued, and accepted. Our Strong Mamas, Thriving Babies program will do just that.
What do you do in your free time? How do you unwind or provide self-care?
I walk my dog, Brady every day while I listen to audio books. I enjoy working out daily as well as time with friends. My self-care is connecting with people and being with my family. I enjoy a good massage, scuba diving with my husband and traveling when we can get away.
What makes you laugh?
I LOVE the sound of laughing babies, the sight of my kids hanging out and just being themselves, and a good romantic comedy.
Beatriz Bonnet
President & CEO
Syntes Language Group, Inc.
Tell us about yourself. Your hometown, educational background, how you came to Colorado, your ties to the south metro area, and your family.
I was born and grew up in a small town in Uruguay that was settled by French and Italian immigrants, thus my French last name. Both of my parents are teachers, and so growing up I was expected to do well in school and to participate in other activities as well. In my teens, I practiced all sorts of sports, from volleyball and tennis to track and field, and participated in lots of competitive activities in all those specialties. I also took piano lessons and learned how to play the recorder and the guitar and studied French privately.
When I was 17, I came to the U.S. as an exchange student through American Field Services (AFS) and I was placed with a family in Little Rock, Arkansas, where I did my senior year at a local high school and continued to play volleyball and tennis. I also picked up the flute and played in the band. This was a life-changing experience, allowing me to experience life in another country, learn another language and customs and meet lots of people, since we also had activities with all the other exchange students in the state. I am still in touch with my host family and helped plan my host mom’s 80th birthday party a few years ago.
Back home in Uruguay, I chose music as my career and went to the National Conservatory of Music, where I studied musicology. I also took private flute lessons from the principal flutists in the best symphony orchestra in Uruguay. He was my first professional mentor and truly believed in my abilities.
Between 1980 and 1982, my music career developed in Uruguay, and I played many professional recitals, taught music and was a stage musician with the National Theater Company (Comedia Nacional). I was doing well, but further career opportunities were limited, and additionally we were living under a dictatorship, which further limited what one could do. So in 1982 I left Uruguay to study in the U.S., first at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and then at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. I graduated with both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Rice University and had a freelance music and teaching career in Houston.
Towards the end of my master’s degree work, I started doing some translation and interpreting work between English and Spanish, first a short project for the Houston Symphony, because of my music background and relationships with some of the symphony musicians, and then for a translation company owner whom I met through music and who thought I had good language skills. After doing some freelance work for the translation company, the owner decided that he was going to practice law exclusively and that he wanted to give me his translation company. As a musician, I didn’t think I had the skills to run a company, and I didn’t want to have anything to do with it. It took him 2 or 3 months to convince me that this was a good opportunity for me and that I could do it. That was in 1987.
In 1988, then, I had a translation company (albeit very, very small), was just starting out as a translator and interpreter, and had zero business experience. This is when I found my first professional mentor in a new career: a gifted translator and interpreter who took me under her wing and gave me feedback and encouragement so that I could become a good translator and interpreter myself. On the business side, I read as many books as I could, and I found free counsel at the local Small Business Development Center.
The company grew over 100% the first year I had it and continued to grow at a fast pace. After about 3 years, I had to make a decision. I could no longer run a translation company, teach 40 flute students and be a freelance musician. I gave my students to a colleague while keeping my playing career going for a couple more years, but after a while, the company took all my professional time. I discovered that I loved translating and interpreting, and that I was not too bad at running a business.
A little before finishing my master’s degree, I met my husband and we married (twice!), once in Uruguay surrounded by my side of the family and friends and once (now officially) in Houston at the Rice Chapel surrounded by the other side of the family and our U.S. friends.
Our daughter was born in Houston, and with our son on the way, we decided to move to Colorado to put down roots in a place we love. We moved to Centennial in 1995 and then to Highlands Ranch in 2009. We love our neighbors and really enjoy the open spaces and the rec centers – where I continue to play tennis year-round and made a lot of tennis friends.
After moving to the Denver area, we kept our Houston operation, but over time, we changed our company name and formed a Colorado corporation: Syntes Language Group, Inc. which I continue to run. We closed our Houston office after a few years of traveling back and forth and as technology advanced.
My two adult children are still in Colorado, and my only grandchildren so far are two cats. My husband has retired, and we spend a fair amount of time traveling both in Colorado and around the world.
Tell us about someone, professionally or personally, who inspires you, or who you draw inspiration from.
My mentors have all inspired me over the years both in music and in my professional life, but I am also inspired by many of my colleagues and friends, who not only have strong professional careers but also find the time to have strong families and to give back to our community.
I participated in the Leadership Denver program, and I have met so many inspiring leaders through the Denver Leadership Foundation and this program, along with organizations and boards I have been privileged to serve. When we work for something greater than ourselves, it’s not hard to find inspiration.
I currently serve on the boards of Water For People and the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, and I find the work those organizations and their staffs do every day incredibly inspiring.
What advice would you give your younger self, your daughter, and/or a younger woman entering the workforce/profession/just starting out.
Believe in yourself, be empowered, work on things you believe in. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and who will help you grow. Don’t listen to the naysayers. Be willing to take risks and try new things. Give back.
Describe a time you experienced failure, and what you learned or the upside/blessings that grew from that.
In running my businesses, I have made many mistakes and had many setbacks, many caused by my failure to make the right decisions in a timely manner. I have often kept employees that were not strong contributors or managers and have made many wrong hiring decisions over the years. It was a lesson that took a very long time to sink in, but I have gotten better at hiring more slowly and firing more quickly when things don’t work out and the employee is not a good fit. Running a business requires ongoing learning!
Do you have any goals or future plans you are working toward?
I am working on ways to continue to have a healthy company while finding more time to travel and be with family and friends. Having family over 6000 miles away is sometimes a challenge! And I will continue to serve on boards and otherwise help organizations whose mission I believe in and who are making the world a better place.
What do you do in your free time? How do you unwind or provide self-care?
I play tennis and ski, and I try to work out at home regularly. I love to garden and can’t wait to get my hands dirty again this spring. There is nothing like just picked produce from my own garden, and I just love seeing things grow. I also like to read, go to concerts and the theater, and hang out with friends. And of course, travel!
What makes you laugh?
Good comedy, friends. And, sometimes, I laugh at myself.
