Sabrina Wright-Hobart
Development Coordinator at Ember Center
Could you please share a little bit about your nonprofit?
Ember Center (formerly Crisis Center) exists to end domestic violence and sexual assault through therapy, advocacy, outreach and prevention. Our services are free, confidential and trauma-informed. They include a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter services, community-based advocacy, legal advocacy, therapy and community education. We serve Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties.
Where do you find inspiration?
I'm inspired by the brave clients that we serve. The courage to reach out for help in these situations is hard. Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault can find help and a safe place to process their trauma, access community resources, gain self-sufficiency and get free from violence. As a breast cancer thriver, I am inspired by those who have overcome challenges and use their journey to help others.
Who do you wish to empower through your life and actions?
Everyone, but particularly women and youth. Empowering other women is how to get by in this patriarchy!
What is your word of advice and encouragement for the women in our community?
"Whatever challenges you have, please remember that there is help. There is a wonderful network of caring nonprofits that often offer services for free, like ours. Let's lift each other up, and we all will thrive."
Gina Schreck
Founder/CEO at The Village Workspace
What inspires you each day?
Chatting with all of the entrepreneurs that are here each day at The Village. I love hearing their origin stories and how they overcome everyday challenges-- I just love when we can all learn from each other!
Who empowered you in your endeavors?
I've never been afraid of failing (although my husband wishes I feared it a little more--haha), and I would say my husband has always supported my "next big ideas," and that freedom has let me go bigger with my ideas than I thought I could. Having people around you who can feed your little fledgling ideas is so important to entrepreneurs. We need to surround ourselves with those who cheer us on, even when we are curled up in a little ball, wondering what we were thinking!
Who would you like to empower moving forward?
I hope to encourage and inspire every person who has had a dream stuck on that "back burner" waiting for the right time to bring it forward! I love seeing people step out with tremendous bravery to start something they believe in so strongly. I am on the balcony, cheering you all on!
What is your word of encouragement to those pursuing their dreams on a rainy day?
Whenever I'm feeling down, I go to my protective bubble, which includes a great pick-me-up playlist of music, a list of specific encouraging and inspiring podcasts and sometimes even a great e-book that is on a topic that I need to learn or be inspired by.
In my latest book, Changing Directions and Starting from Scratch, I talk about the three types of people in our lives:
- the balcony people
- the basement people
- and, of course, our ideal clients
We want to spend as much time as possible with our balcony people, and we want to go to our basement people only when we need someone to poke holes in our ideas or challenge our assumptions, so we can research further. That's what I do to ensure I don't stay out in the rain for too long on those down days.
Amanda Maughmer
Creative Director and Chaos Conductor at Pink Poppy Media
What inspires you each day?
Transformation and community. I’m drawn to the moment when someone goes from “I hate having my photo taken” to “Wait… that actually feels like me.” That shift in confidence never gets old, and I know how much it impacts how someone shows up in their business.
I’m also inspired by the community I’m part of, collaborating with local businesses and supporting nonprofits like Lifeline Puppy Rescue. Being able to use my work to elevate others while contributing to something bigger than myself is what keeps me coming back to it every day.
Who empowered you in your endeavors?
Empowerment hasn’t always come in the traditional sense. I’ve had a lot of people throughout my life who told me I wouldn’t succeed, whether that was in college or as a business owner. For a long time, that lit a fire in me. I was motivated by proving people wrong.
What’s changed is where that drive comes from. Today, it’s much more about proving to myself what I’m capable of and continuing to push my own limits.
I’m also surrounded by an incredible community of women business owners who show up, support and encourage each other in ways they probably don’t even realize, but it makes a difference every single day.
And I can’t talk about my journey without acknowledging my husband. He’s been incredibly supportive and has stepped in behind the scenes in countless ways, which has allowed me to focus on building and growing my business.
Who would you like to empower moving forward?
I want to empower people who feel stuck or uncertain about what’s next, whether that’s someone in corporate America who knows they’re meant for something different but is scared to make the leap, or a business owner who feels like they’re carrying everything on their own.
I’ve been in that space, and it can feel isolating, especially when you’re choosing a path that doesn’t follow what’s considered “normal.” There isn’t always a clear roadmap. That can make even the right decision feel risky.
If I can help someone trust themselves a little more, take that next step or feel less alone in the process, that’s what matters to me. Because once someone believes they can do it, everything starts to shift.
Jen Zhang
Co-Owner of Colorado Tinting
Could you share a little bit about your business?
My husband and I own Colorado Tinting. We started about 8 years ago, and my husband has been doing it for 25 years. We provide quality installation using exceptional materials. We are a true mom-and-pop shop, focusing mainly on educating people about the benefits of the products and services we offer. We want to build an honest and trusting relationship with our customers.
Our services include: window tinting, paint protection film, paint correction, vinyl and ceramic coating for vehicles. We also offer window tint and window film for homes and businesses, including frosted, printed vinyl, security film and graffiti guards.
Fun Facts:
Many people think window tinting is just for privacy. But the window tint we offer provides 99% UV protection, and our material is recommended by the Skin Cancer Society. It can also keep your vehicle, home and office cooler. Many people don't know that there are clear tints that can offer the same benefit without darkening your windows. This type of tint is very popular for older people and people who want a full windshield tint. Most trucks and SUVs come with factory “tint” in the back windows, which is just dyed glass. This offers privacy but provides no heat rejection or UV protection at all.
Where do you find your inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is my kids. They remind me why I push through hard days and keep growing. They inspire me to work hard and build something meaningful, not just for today, but for their future. I want them to see what dedication, kindness and resilience look like in real life.
Who do you wish to empower through your life and actions?
I hope to empower those around me: my family, team and community! To show up with confidence, resilience and the belief they can build lives they're proud of without losing themselves in the process.
What is your word of encouragement to our community in Centennial?
Let's keep supporting each other, lifting each other up and choosing to show up with kindness and resilience. Centennial isn't just where we live or work. It's something we build together.
Having people around you who can feed your little fledgling ideas is so important to entrepreneurs. We need to surround ourselves with those who cheer us on, even when we are curled up in a little ball, wondering what we were thinking!