Meet the inspiring women of Arvada, nominated by our community for their impact and heart. We asked each of them two simple questions and their answers shine with wisdom, purpose, and passion. These voices reflect the strength and spirit of women making a difference right here in Arvada.
Katie Sorensen, NP-C
Tell us about yourself and how you inspire others in Arvada.
I’m Katie Sorensen, Nurse Practitioner and founder of Weight Loss NP, where we help people lose weight and regain confidence through a science-backed, sustainable, and personalized approach. Seeing patients transform their health and lives is incredibly rewarding! Beyond my practice, I strive to uplift our Arvada community through volunteer work, helping others have the resources to thrive.
What advice do you have for women who hope to inspire others?
Women naturally inspire those around them. At Weight Loss NP, we love helping moms because when her health improves, her whole family benefits. I admire and encourage anyone who bravely pursues their dreams—especially women, whose impact ripples far beyond themselves.
Julia Walker
Tell us about yourself and how you inspire others in Arvada:
I'm a proud single mother of two amazing kids, and my journey in Arvada has been all about public service. Starting from humble beginnings, I've dedicated the last five years to building a charity that now serves thousands of people each year. It's been a rewarding experience, and I hope my story inspires others to take action in their communities.
What advice do you have for women who hope to inspire others?
For women looking to inspire others, my advice is simple: just do it! Whatever your passion or goal may be, take that first step. Yes, it can be tough, and there will be moments when you feel like giving up. But trust me, every success, every setback, and everything in between will be worth it. Your journey can light the way for others!
Maggie McEachern, LCSW
Tell us about yourself and how you inspire others in Arvada:
At Fireside Therapy, I wanted to create a cozy, inclusive, and neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic space. My biggest hope for our community is that people feel they have a space that’s designed with them in mind; a space they can feel inspired and able to connect to themselves and others.
What advice do you have for women who hope to inspire others?
We live in a disconnected time and being in community with others is a way to stay inspired. I’ve been incredibly fortunate in life to be surrounded by amazing, supportive women who have been my friends and mentors. Ultimately, that’s what therapy is about too, supporting people in building strong community.
Lynette Kotsay Beard
Tell us about yourself and how you inspire others in Arvada.
I believe we were made to make a difference, and everyone is a leader to someone, even if it’s only yourself. Once a journalist and then in a communications career, I decided to help my skin condition of acne by going to esthetics school. Now I inspire people daily to be the best version of themselves. A friend in Cuba felt so transformed after a treatment here that she asked me to help her launch a studio in Havana last year.
What advice do you have for women who hope to inspire others?
To inspire others, become the most encouraging person you know and then start encouraging others. See the gold in yourself and other people too. See what you do as valuable. WE all have something that we bring to our communities. Do what you have in front of you well and it will lead to more.
Halee Lesch
Tell us about yourself and how you inspire others in Arvada.
As a dentist in Arvada, I’m passionate about promoting both oral and overall health in a compassionate, welcoming environment. I educate patients on the vital connection between oral health and well-being, empowering them to make informed decisions. My goal is to inspire a proactive approach to self-care, encouraging healthier, happier lives.
What advice do you have for women who hope to inspire others?
For women hoping to inspire others, embrace both your professional and personal passions. Lead by example, continuously learning and providing excellent care. Challenge stereotypes, show resilience, and empower others to pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination.
Stephanie Parker
Tell us about yourself and how you inspire others in Arvada.
As a healthy movement enthusiast and Pilates instructor, I enjoy finding fun opportunities to stay active and well. My job provides me the privilege of inspiring people to be active and care about WHY they are doing the exercises they are doing! When I can show you how Pilates footwork might relieve your plantar fasciitis, your perspective on routine exercises will change and suddenly you'll enjoy those long walks without foot pain again.
What advice do you have for women who hope to inspire others?
We've all heard it– take care of yourself first! The self-care struggle is real. The guilt creeps in, or life gets busy, and suddenly our self-care vanishes. But when we nurture our wellbeing, we naturally become a source of positive energy and inspiration.
Alana M. Anzalone
Tell us about yourself and how you inspire others in Arvada.
Being a trial lawyer means being a counselor, providing a shoulder to cry on, and being the voice for injured victims who get taken advantage of. I strive to make our community a safer place by holding people accountable for their negligent conduct.
What advice do you have for women who hope to inspire others?
I am a mom and a spouse with a high-level job. The only sure thing in life is change. Just as I think I have my footing, something changes. Adaptability is a learned skill and is honed through experience and time. Give yourself grace as you evolve and adapt with each changing season.
Erica Millard
Tell us about yourself and how you inspire others in Arvada.
I love to help inspire women to find their best selves. I encourage women to take up space and embrace who they want to be. So often we feel pressure to fit into a mold that isn’t right for us, and I find so much joy in helping women on their journey.
What advice do you have for women who hope to inspire others?
The best way to inspire others is to be your authentic self! When we embrace who we truly are, it helps others embrace who they are, which is the first step to help them find the best version of who they can be.
Laurel Mura
Tell us about yourself and how you inspire others in Arvada.
I am a native Coloradan. After corporate life, I wanted to do something meaningful. From a previous back injury and experiencing the benefits of Pilates myself, it was an easy transition. Everyone can benefit from Pilates and it’s exciting to see its positive effects on people’s lives. Both physically and mentally. Reformer Pilates is a versatile exercise that can help everyone from top-tier athletes to true beginners—not many people can say that about the work they do.
What advice do you have for women who hope to inspire others?
If you're waiting for the perfect time to start something new, it's never going to be completely perfect. Life will always get in the way if you let it. If you want something, just go for it and that's the perfect time for you!
Jennifer Hess
Tell us about yourself and how you inspire others in Arvada.
As a family and business owners in Arvada for over 20 years, we are deeply involved in supporting local schools, recreation centers, fundraisers, festivals, business associations, and organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Children's Diabetes Foundation. Giving back is at the heart of what we do, and I hope my ability to balance business, family, and community inspires others to make a meaningful impact in Arvada.
What advice do you have for women who hope to inspire others?
True impact comes from taking action—supporting causes, uplifting people with fewer opportunities, and staying engaged in the community. My advice? Stay active, keep your eyes open, and ask, who needs help? Whether it’s a school needing volunteers, a fundraiser seeking sponsors, or a community project in need, step up—or connect the right people who can.
Nicole Poel
Tell us about yourself and how you inspire others in Arvada. My name is Nicole Poel and I am the owner of Hydrate IV Bar Westminster. I have been a registered nurse for 18 years. I opened Hydrate IV Bar (alongside my husband) in October 2023, and it has been so rewarding to watch others benefit from our services. Each quarter, Hydrate IV Bar gives a portion of our revenue back to a local nonprofit. I am 100% committed to helping people improve their health and wellness while also giving back to the community.
What advice do you have for women who hope to inspire others? Being your true, most authentic self is really what inspires people. The ability to be vulnerable around others, own your mistakes when you make them, and then always striving for growth are the characteristics that inspire me, and I want to inspire in others.
Jana Royer-Morian
Tell us about yourself and how you inspire others in Arvada.
My name is Jana Royer-Morian, I am a Doctor of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, and the owner of Inspired Wellness Center. I've been specializing in fertility and oncology for almost 20 years. To be a provider, a confidant, a cheerleader, a shoulder to cry on, or the one that makes them laugh is the best way I know how to add some inspiration to a person's life in their craziest of days.
What advice do you have for women who hope to inspire others?
In a world where all we see is everybody's highlight reel on social media, don't be afraid to show others the authentic you. The more real I am, the more successful I have been personally and professionally.