Denver is home to an incredible community of women, and this year, we celebrate a select group of these remarkable individuals. Through the historic wet plate collodion photography process, we are capturing their legacies in heirloom images, ensuring their stories endure for generations. These women are making indelible marks across various industries, including creative writing, education, technology, fashion, and even football. They are shaping their fields and creating indestructible footprints for those who will follow.
Annie Geimer
Director of Special Projects and Curator, Denver Theatre District
Annie Geimer has held many creative roles, from volunteering at a Chicago experimental art
gallery/music studio to managing operations for Bonnaroo music festival to serving as an artist
liaison at Meow Wolf. She says the most rewarding part of her journey is contributing to the
communities she’s lived in by supporting creatives and connecting them to resources they need.
What you love most about your professional life.
Having a front-row seat to artists and their unbridled imagination. It’s like being dropped into someone else’s psychedelic dream. I get to be on the receiving end of wild ideas and help bring them to life. My work is never boring, and I’m grateful for the ongoing opportunity to collaborate with people who think in ways so different from my own.
Go-to power outfit or other confidence booster.
Singing in the car is my go-to mood booster! When I’m nervous, it helps me loosen up and release tension. It lets me feel big emotions and channel that energy into excitement for whatever I’m walking into.
Advice for a young woman entering your field today.
Don’t underestimate soft power. I believe you can advance in your career by balancing passion and drive with gentleness, kindness, and the wisdom to let others lead when it’s their turn. Consider what soft power looks like for you, and nurture it.
Claire Fontanetta and Erin Eastburn
As co-founders of digital marketing agency Metta Society, Claire Fontanetta and Erin Eastburn
help clients in beauty and hospitality optimize their digital presence through compelling content,
strategic social media, email marketing and more.
Claire Fontanetta
Co-Founder, Metta Society Digital Marketing Agency
Most rewarding part of your professional journey.
Building something of my own. With Metta Society, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with founders who trust us to help shape their brands and bring their visions to life. Seeing the tangible results of our work—whether that’s growing a brand’s digital presence, helping them connect more deeply with their audience, or scaling their business—is incredibly fulfilling.
Best career advice you’ve received.
To never be afraid of moving on to new opportunities, and to never burn bridges. Your reputation is everything, and the world is much smaller than it seems. I’ve also been reminded that life can’t be all work. You need to make space to live. Finally, one piece of advice I return to often: Look at the most senior person in your field at your company. If you don’t like the work they’re doing or the life they’re leading, it might be time to pivot to a different path.
Go-to power outfit or other confidence booster.
For me, confidence comes through music. It depends on the day, but I love everything from the grit of The Rolling Stones to the nostalgic, moody anthems of bands like Death Cab for Cutie that I’ve been listening to since I was 18. There’s something energizing about blasting music in the car, coffee in hand, and feeling that mix of nostalgia and motivation before starting the day.
Erin Eastburn
Co-Founder, Metta Society Digital Marketing Agency
Mentors who helped guide your path.
I’ve been lucky to have many incredible mentors, from teachers who encouraged me as a kid to my internship coordinator in college who connected me with opportunities that changed my life. That guidance led me to New York City for internships at Tory Burch and Women’s Wear Daily, which launched my career in fashion marketing. Each mentor, at different stages, gave me encouragement and access. That combination is everything.
What you love most about your professional life.
I love that no two days are the same. One day we’re on set at a photoshoot, the next we’re deep in strategy, pulling KPIs, or hosting a client event. The mix keeps it fresh, dynamic, and exciting. I thrive on that kind of variety.
One more thing …
Social media is designed to be addictive—it’s the business model. I honestly think there should be a warning label every time you open an app. My reminder is this: unplug. Disconnect. Step away from your phone and back into the world. Balance looks different for everyone, but finding yours is essential. As much as I love the digital space, nothing compares to living in the real one.
Alexis Samuels
Tattoo Artist, Top Mark Tattoo
It was her first job — a barista at age 14 — that helped Alexis Samuels learn a solid work ethic
and how to manage a business. Today, she applies those skills as a masterful tattoo artist at
Denver’s Top Mark Tattoo studio.
Most rewarding part of your professional journey.
The relationships I’ve built with my clients over the years. It’s a gift getting to experience life with people in this capacity. Another hugely fulfilling part for me is the constant pursuit of my best. The best tattoos I’ve ever made, my best business practices … it’s exciting to pursue that, and it gets me out of bed every morning.
Go-to power outfit or other confidence booster.
My favorite boots and a good pair of jeans. There’s nothing like it!
How you hope to see your industry evolve for women.
In the last five years, there have been so many more women entering the field. I hope to see more women owning who they are as artists and giving themselves the best chance they can at succeeding.
Liz Richards and Deviree Vallejo
Experts in the luxury Denver real estate market, Liz Richards and Deviree Vallejo bring a wealth
of industry knowledge, unparalleled dedication and extreme attention to detail to each of their
clients, many of whom are repeat or referrals.
Liz Richards
Real Estate Agent, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Denver
What you love most about your professional life.
It’s never boring. You are continually challenged and always learning.
Advice for a young woman entering your field today.
Find a good mentor. Work hard. Realize that achieving success is a long game and that there will be setbacks. Tenacity, grit, and consistency will take you far in real estate.
Next big personal goal or aspiration.
More world travel. It’s important to be multifaceted—I love the work I do, but it doesn’t define me. I just got back from seeing gorillas in Rwanda. It was a spiritual experience. My next big trip will be to Namibia. Africa is an incredible continent to explore.
Most rewarding part of your professional journey.
The friendships I’ve made with clients and fellow brokers.
Deviree Vallejo
Real Estate Agent, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Denver
Mentors who helped guide your path.
Two legends in Denver real estate. Dee Chirafisi, whom I worked with at a downtown brokerage when it was the place to be. I used to go running with her on the Platte River Trail and soak in everything she told me about real estate. Also, Barbara Henderson, a Denver real estate icon. She is in her late 80s now, actively sells homes, and still meets us regularly for happy hour. She took up painting at 85 years old. She’s an inspiration.
Go-to power outfit or other confidence booster.
Heels. I rarely wear them post-COVID, but I always feel like they are a power move.
A surprising fact.
I have run 11 marathons. I should use the word “jogged” over “run” — “run” implies speed, which is not my strength. However, I always finish and never walk.
How you hope to see your industry evolve for women.
We’re in a female-dominated industry, and I think it will continue this way. I’m fortunate to be in a supportive environment with many strong women. Because it is becoming more tech-heavy, we need to stay on top of trends and continue to evolve with the industry.
Erin Lindstone
Sommelier, Barolo Grill
Erin Lindstone, wine director at upscale Italian eatery Barolo Grill, started at the restaurant as a
server 15 years ago on the recommendation of a mentor, sommelier Kevin Arndt. “Becoming a
wine professional is not a solitary endeavor,” Erin shares. “The more you surround yourself with
curious, passionate people, the more you will learn.”
How your first job influenced you.
Working in a French bakery influenced my love of working in a guest-facing role. I loved interacting with people and developing relationships with regulars. It also influenced my preference for working for small businesses. It feels so much more personal. There are opportunities to contribute ideas and have more autonomy, and I love the feeling of making an impact.
Best career advice you’ve received.
To surround yourself with people who you think are smarter than you. My dad gave me this advice. There is always more to learn, and if you continue to approach your career with this mindset, you will never be bored. You will continue to grow and improve.
Go-to power outfit or other confidence booster.
I feel most powerful with my hair pulled back and an oversized blazer with my sleeves rolled up. If I’m dressed practically for my job—no frills—I feel I can focus on what I do. If I'm focused, I'm confident.
Your next big personal goal or aspiration.
To learn to speak Italian fluently. I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t made it a priority, despite having the privilege of attending Barolo Grill's annual staff trips to Italy for so many years. While most everyone we meet speaks English, I would love to fully converse with Italians in their native language.
Kilee Hughes
Founder, Six One Public Relations Agency
Beauty industry veteran Kilee Hughes now manages her own public relations firm, Six One (an
homage to her height!), with clients including Flawless by Gabrielle Union, Black Radiance, and
JB Skrub (from actress Julie Bowen). Next up: launching Six One Labs, a creative incubator for
brands that don’t always fit into a traditional agency model.
How your first job influenced you.
One of my earliest roles was at Saks Fifth Avenue. I saw how fashion and beauty shaped confidence by how people were presented and treated. Later, at Nike and helping launch Net-a-Porter’s beauty business, I discovered my true passion: building things that didn’t exist before. Those experiences taught me that I’m not just drawn to the glamour of an industry; I’m driven by the thrill of creating and leading.
Most rewarding part of your professional journey.
Building Six One. I don’t come from an entrepreneurial family, so starting a business wasn’t in my DNA. But I saw a need for multicultural stories and perspectives to take their rightful place in beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. I wanted to create an agency rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and cultural impact. Watching my team thrive and seeing our clients break new ground has been incredibly rewarding. It reminds me that I built a platform that reflects the values I care most about.
How you hope to see your industry evolve for women.
I want to see more women of color not just entering the field but leading it. Representation isn’t symbolic—it shapes culture, shifts perspectives, and creates lasting impact.
One more thing …
PR is often misunderstood as smoke and mirrors, but it’s the opposite. It’s about truth, trust, and storytelling that resonates. It’s about connecting brands to values that matter and audiences that care. That’s the work that excites me, and it’s the legacy I hope to keep building.
Linda Hampsten Fox
Chef and Owner, The Bindery
Chef and restaurateur Linda Hampsten Fox, owner of acclaimed restaurant The Bindery, drew
inspiration from her mother (“I was fascinated with everything she made, everything she grew,
everything she bought … especially from local farms”) and a Tuscan chef, Isa Guargalini (“She
took the time to teach me. Her recipes had been passed down by generations of women before
her. She made a rabbit porchetta I’ll never forget.”)
Most rewarding part of your professional journey.
This summer, we opened [our second location of] The Bindery in Terminal A West at Denver International Airport. To find my food on flights heading to Tokyo, Rome, New York, Mexico City and elsewhere has been an unbelievable feeling. I am so grateful to represent the city of Denver on both a local and international level.
Best career advice you’ve received.
Less is more. Cooking is an art, and when working in a creative field, there can be a tendency to do more, add more … that somehow, more is more. I always reference the fashion designer Coco Chanel, when she said that before a woman leaves the house, she should remove one accessory. With new dishes, I make a long list of ingredients and then slowly remove items until the dish feels focused.
Next big personal goal or aspiration.
I have dreamed of creating a vocational hospitality school in Mexico. Many young women in different countries don’t have the opportunities growing up that I had. Exposing them to a career in food and hospitality is a goal I have.
London “LoLo” Robinson
9-Year-Old Running Phenom, Granddaughter of Glenda Strong Robinson
At just nine years old, passionate runner London “LoLo” Robinson has a list of achievements
that put her on the fast track (pun intended) to the successful career she desires. LoLo comes
from a long line of hardworking family members, including her grandmother, Glenda StrongRobinson, also featured this month in Boulder Lifestyle.
Recent Accolades: 2025 Amateur Athletic Union 9-Year-Old 100m & 200m Regional Champion; 2025 AAU 9-Year-Old National Qualifier in the 100m & 200m; Two-Time Colorado State Champion (2024: 200m and 400m; 2025: 100m and 200m)
What you love most about running.
It makes me feel strong and free. I love challenging myself, having fun, and doing my best. I show up, give it my all, and always reach for first place. My favorite races are the 100-meter and 200-meter.
Go-to confidence booster.
I love the song “Imma Be” by The Black Eyed Peas.
Mentors who help guide your path.
Coach Kevin Franklin of Kulture Performance gym, and my mommy and daddy. They always remind me to not give up.
Most rewarding part of your running journey so far.
The medals I’ve earned and worked hard for, my trip to Arizona for the USATF Region 10 track and field championships, and earning the 2024 USATF Colorado 8 & Under Athlete of the Year.
Biggest personal goal.
My ultimate aspiration is to run track professionally and be featured on TV.
Sarah Ortega
Founder and CEO, Sarah O. Jewelry
Sarah Ortega, founder of her namesake jewelry company with two Denver showrooms, loves
designing meaningful engagement rings and fine jewelry pieces for her clients. Creativity is what
drives her: “I’m surrounded by an amazing team of women, and I get to collaborate with them to
create something truly magical.”
How your first job influenced you.
The first job I ever had was merchandising the jewelry in my mom’s Santa Fe store. It gave me the opportunity to tap into my creative side and get valuable constructive criticism. I used those skills when I opened my first jewelry store in Denver.
Most rewarding part of your professional journey.
Finding the perfect engagement ring or piece of jewelry for my clients is such a rewarding experience. I pride myself on providing a wide variety of styles, price ranges, and unique gemstones because jewelry is meant to be personal.
A surprising fact.
I’m an avid gardener. I’m lucky enough to have a beautiful garden in my backyard where I grow veggies, flowers, and herbs. I’ve also taken up beekeeping, which has been such an exciting adventure. The hive is right next to my lavender plants, which makes for some delicious honey.
How you hope to see your industry evolve for women.
When I first started working in the jewelry industry 25 years ago, it was dominated by men. Since women are the primary wearers of jewelry, I was excited to be the one designing the pieces for a change. Women have such a unique, creative, and fresh perspective on jewelry design. I love seeing more female founders and designers entering the industry. I’m excited for women-owned jewelry businesses to become household names.
The images created for this feature were made using the historic wet plate collodion process. A photographic process dating back to the Victorian Era (1851).
Nicola Huffstickler is a wet plate collodion photographer based out of Denver, Colorado. She has almost 2 decades of professional photography work on her resume with the last 5 years dedicated to wet plate collodion and other various forms of alternative photographic processes. Nicola is very passionate about analog photography and helping keep all historic forms of it alive.
Nicola can be contacted through her email nicola@nlphoto.co for business inquiries. Her portfolio is available at nlphoto.co.