When you’ve breathed your last breath, how do you hope people will remember you? Whose lives will you have indelibly improved? What will you have done with what you were given? Our answers to these questions dictate how we spend our time, talents, and treasures. These four ladies share their special gifts in ways that care for, assist, and delight their neighbors. May they inspire and encourage you to do the same!
Sabrina Skiles: Ambassador Coordinator for Know Your Lemons Foundation. Author of Read That Again: Surviving Breast Cancer with Courage, Candor, and Community.
Sabrina Skiles lives her passion by helping women through their journey with breast cancer. Inspired by her mother, Sabrina penned and published her memoir addressing topics often not touched on by medical professionals. The yoga-loving mother of two writes with humor and candor, and shares practical tips that help other young women weather the same storm. But her influence doesn’t end with publishing her magnum opus. While receiving dozens of fuzzy socks from well-meaning loved ones during treatment, Sabrina also got a bag of truly helpful items like essential oils that help with chemo-induced headaches and nausea, and honey ginger candy to combat the metallic taste that chemo leaves in your mouth. The brilliant young woman recognized the need for practical gifts for cancer patients and went on to create Mauka Wellness Kits. The kits are filled with curated items that are pragmatic and helpful to those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. Through both her writing and her work, Sabrina endeavors to normalize conversations about breast health. She empowers women to be their own best advocates. Sabrina dreams big about being on the Today Show to share her book and Mauka Wellness Kits. “Life is hard. But we aren't meant to do it alone. I want to continue to create this beautiful community of women who build each other up and celebrate all milestones, big or small.”
Lauren Robydek: Owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes.
Broomfield Rotarian. Broomfield Chamber. 100 Women Who Care.
“It’s not life or death, it’s just cake!” can often be heard within the cozy walls of the Nothing Bundt Cakes’ bakery, as Lauren Robydek and her teammates keep things in perspective. It’s a good motto to live by in the outside world too, when we let small things dominate our lives. The good-humored owner of the Westminster and Wheat Ridge bakeries got into the cake business while looking for something more fun and fulfilling than her previous careers as a stock/real estate broker. Nothing Bundt Cakes was co-founded by the mother of a childhood friend, and after meeting this friend for coffee, Lauren uprooted her family and moved to Colorado to own a bakery. Lauren loves being part of a community that “steps up like no other to take care of its people.” Lauren plays a big part in serving Broomfield. She gives back to us both as a Rotarian and as a member of 100 Women Who Care. While being active in our community, Lauren manages to find time to play with and snuggle her one and five-year old children. She dreams of someday getting adequate sleep. In the meantime, Lauren delights in bringing joy to her neighbors through sharing cake!
Kukis Moran: Owner of iFOAM
Kukis spent a quarter of a century in the corporate world, where she saw very talented people go unnoticed and passed over for opportunities due to their gender or race. Seeing all that wasted potential fueled her passion for developing leaders and advocating for the inclusion of women and minorities in technology fields. The owner of iFOAM grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico, graduated from Regis University, and went on to earn her Masters at the University of Denver. After a highly successful corporate career, Kukis launched her own business in the insulation industry. She loves the convergence of science, technology, and environmental stewardship in spray foam insulation. Kukis also gets deep satisfaction from helping others solve problems, especially in offices and living spaces. Kukis’s experience owning a small business makes her an exemplary role model for her entrepreneurial daughter. Even with her long list of professional achievements and accolades, Kukis says, “It’s the little things that I am able to do for people that are my most satisfying accomplishments.” When she’s not innovating and mentoring, Kukis loves hiking, watching movies, and traveling with her wife. You also might find her creating her own science in the kitchen with her sisters.
Beth Gustin: Therapist & Owner of Transitioning Through Change
Beth Gustin was made for counseling. Well acquainted with personal loss and grief, Beth feels not only comfortable but also deeply privileged when people let her walk alongside them in the midst of a painful season. “Vulnerability takes courage,” Gustin remarks, “and I am honored to hear about the courageous steps people take when in their grief and realizing they can do the thing they’d not thought possible!” From an early age, Beth’s friends sought her out to talk about their problems. She became a peer counselor for younger students in the 8th grade, and went on to volunteer in hospice grief and homeless shelters. Now, as a licensed professional counselor, Beth continues to help people process their grief. Whether dealing with the loss of a pet or family member or the sudden loss of physical abilities, individuals find a safe space with Beth. Manolo, Beth’s service dog, adds to the warmth of the environment at Transitioning Through Change. Together they help members of our community move from hopelessness to a place of renewed purpose. In her free time, you might find Beth ziplining across the Royal Gorge, belting out karaoke tunes, or playing games with friends. She loves humor and kindness, and endeavors to make a positive difference in the lives of each individual whose path she crosses.
