At Women of Denver, we love featuring impact-driven leaders making moves in their career. One of our newest members, Taj Kattapuram, MD Radiologist at Radiology Imaging Associates, PC, certainly fits that mold with a passion for supporting women's health initiatives at the state and national level. Learn more about Taj and her inspiring work in the Q&A below.

What unique impact do you make on the world through your work? 
My specialty is breast cancer imaging. I'm passionate about women's health and a strong advocate for patients to receive appropriate and timely health services with as much access as possible. I support reducing barriers to obtaining healthcare.

Tell us about a recent accomplishment you're proud of? 
Every year I testify on several pieces of legislation at the state and national capitals. This year I'm particularly proud to have assisted in writing and testifying on a piece of legislation that made it all the way through to become an official bill.

What actions do you take to support and empower other women? 
The bill I helped push through this year was HB19-1301, a bill on breast health care. The reason we pushed this bill so hard is because we know a big barrier to patients receiving appropriate healthcare is cost. This bill "should" guarantee all women with private insurance will not have any co-pays or other cost sharing when it comes to breast cancer imaging evaluation starting in 2020. It's not perfect, but it's a huge step in the right direction.

How did your career take off, and what do you attribute your success to most?
My passion for advocacy took off while I was in training in Boston. One of my male colleagues said I'd make a good leader and recommended I join organized medicine.

How do you keep yourself passionate and driven regardless of how busy you are day to day?
My patients inspire me. Finding breast cancer early and helping guarantee women a higher quality of life and years to come means the world to me.

What do you see as the future of your industry?
It will be very interesting as artificial intelligence tries to make a play in medicine, but at the end of the day I feel nothing beats the humanism in medicine.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
There is no harm in asking.

What's been inspiring you lately?
My family.

What do you love most about Women of Denver? 
I am most excited about the opportunity to connect with women who are as passionate and driven as I am, but likely in different career fields. I'm looking forward to learning from different perspectives.

What else would you like our readers to know about you?
You can find me at any Invision Sally Jobe breast imaging center, Good Samaritan Hospital, and few other outpatient facilities should you ever have a breast concern.

Teresa Adams has forged a career in head hunting and search consultant in the Denver area, connecting her clients with careers in which they can seek and grow their passions. Below, she reflects on how changes in life and the experiences that go along with it have helped her to not only grow as an individual but also as a business woman.

Q: What inspired you to do the work you do today? Was there a particular moment or experience that led you to this career? 
A: Prior to starting my own practice, my first inspirational moment came from my work in the tech industry where I found myself constantly being recruited or advanced. “What an honor to be the person on the hunt for up-and-coming talent,” I thought. My second inspirational moment was leaving a big city behind for an 85-acre horse ranch after I got married. The move inspired me to look inward, self-assess, evaluate my strengths and passions, and use this self-knowledge to start my own business as a headhunter/search consultant and career coach. 

Q: Everyone has a special gift, that thing that many would call their superpower. What do you think yours is and how did you discover it? 
A: Listening intently, and the ability to connect are my superpowers. Each allows me to cut to the chase, which helps me to get to the heart of the matter in my career transition coaching with a passion and spirit of opening possibilities. Recruiting and coaching talented individuals is about solving a problem – it’s getting them into roles and companies that allow them to express and contribute their gifts and thrive. By listening and connecting, I allow the magic to happen, which is finding them the work that will set their hearts and souls on fire. “I connect people to their callings and companies to the right human solutions”. This is my calling! 

Q: There's a young woman reading this who is on a path to discover where she belongs and how she can make an impact in the world. What advice would you give her to guide her next steps? 
A: Know what you are gifted and skilled in, and what ignites your passions. Is there a company that has a mission/cause that you believe in so strongly that you want to be a part of? To help my clients determine this, I work with Science of Self workplace assessments which helps individuals’ hone in very quickly on their HOW, WHY, and WHAT they do. This is an excellent foundation to start any career path or transition, knowing yourself. 

Q:  What's the #1 key to earning our worth as women in business? 
A: Earning your worth starts with knowing your worth, so start with identifying three to five of your most marketable skills and reflect on what work you are naturally driven to do. Then, become your own number 1 advocate. Paint a picture of the career you want to see yourself in and sketch out your own ideal job template, and know the problem you can solve for that company/hiring authority. Finally, be able to articulate your skills and talents to the company or client you’re looking to attract. 

Q: What are your predictions for the future of Denver's business environment? 
A: It’s a great time to be a woman in business, and it’s an even better time to be a woman in business in Denver. Our economy is one of the strongest in America. US NEWS ranked Denver as the #13 best place to find a job and #2 best place to live in America, and we’re constantly rated as a fast-growing start-up community, strong in venture capitalism and a healthy housing marketing. Because we’ve sustained such growth for many years now, Denver has solidified its reputation as a business haven for years to come. 


​Learn more about Women of Denver membership.

Mary Grothe is the CEO of Sales BQ and also serves as a Sales Keynote Speaker and Sales Trainer. Early in her career, Mary discovered that she had a passion for sales, and enjoyed coaching and training newer sales representatives. She shares her keys for success below.

Q: What inspired you to do the work you do today? Was there a particular moment or experience that led you to this career?

A: I fell into sales. I was 22 years old, and eager to find stable employment to escape working multiple part time jobs. A staffing agency helped me find Paychex, Inc. and I started as a sales admin at $13 an hour where I supported a mid-market sales team of eight reps and one manager. I fell in love with sales, the mechanics behind a high-performing sales team, and the potential opportunities it could afford me. My sales manager mentored me for two years and I eventually earned a spot on the team. I became the #1 representative in 30 days, broke records, and sold millions in revenue. During that time, I was asked to coach and mentor other sales representatives, and I discovered my passion for sales training and coaching. In addition to crushing my quota, I was able to help representatives across the country crush theirs. After nearly eight years with Paychex, I began my own firm and now we coach and train reps across the country in multiple industries.
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Q: Everyone has a special gift, that thing that many would call their superpower. What do you think yours is and how did you discover it?

A: My super human power is sales messaging. In any role play, in any training or live prospect situation, I always find the words to progress a sale. Whether I am developing an outbound message, addressing an objection, or getting creative while trying to solve the prospect's problem, I always find the words. Our training participants love trying to stump me with their sales challenges, but it hasn't happened yet.

Q: There's a young woman reading this who is on a path to discover where she belongs and how she can make an impact in the world. What advice would you give her to guide her next steps?
​
A: Dress the part. Speak the part. Be the part. Conduct yourself in a manner that will earn you the spot you desire. Don't know enough yet? Learn. Not sure how to get there? Get a mentor. Not hitting your metrics? Wake up earlier, and pour everything you have into it. Distracted with negativity, doubt, and fear? Put your head down and work... let the naysayers fuel your motivation to crush your goals.

​Find out if Women of Denver membership is right for you.

A member of the Board of Directors for the Women’s Industry Network and marketer for Axiom Accident and Hail Repair, Kim Frasher has identified and carved out a critical niche in the autobody industry. Utilizing both her previous experience and unique position, Kim has created a warm and welcoming experience for fellow women at her autobody and collision repair shop with her husband. Below, she details how her experiences in design, sales, and marketing have led her to where she is today.

Q: What inspired you to do the work you do today? Was there a particular moment or experience that led you to this career?

A: After years of traveling with my husband to auto collision repair centers, I realized that auto body shops, despite having a large percentage of their clientele being female, aren’t designed to be accommodating to women. When my husband and his partners started creating a new chain of body shops for the Denver metro, I saw this as my opportunity to both help my husband grow his new business and to help create an auto body repair shop that I would be proud to send my friends, family, and fellow female Denver metro residents to. I knew with my background in design, sales, and marketing that I would be able to help our leadership team create something completely different. 

Q: Everyone has a special gift, that thing that many would call their superpower. What do you think yours is and how did you discover it?

A: I have a firmly held belief that you don’t need to try hard to sell an idea or a concept if you “do it right the first time.”  Listen to the client and identify their “pain points.” If you ask them enough targeted questions about their goals, they’ll share their pain points with you. Tailor a solution for them based on those points, and show them how their life will be easier as a result, and the business relationship is born. You don’t need to overload someone with information,or try to persuade or convince someone if you simply listen and offer a solution. I’ve always been able to do this and as a result, business relationships come naturally. 

Q: There's a young woman reading this who is on a path to discover where she belongs and how she can make an impact in the world. What advice would you give her to guide her next steps?      
    
A: I would tell her to think of her priorities, her non-negotiables, and then to identify her skills. Reach out to anyone she’s admired in her past careers for an outside perspective on what type of field/career she may excel at. Once she finds her place, network. Find other women in this career, find groups like Women of Denver, find volunteer opportunities, and stay engaged and involved. As long as she has passion, is genuine, and works hard, she will make a mark. 

Q: What are some of the things you do to support other women?  

A: I serve on the Board of Directors in “Women’s Industry Network”, a network of professionals in the auto collision industry that seeks out, helps advance, and provides educational scholarships and networking opportunities to women in the field of auto collision repair. My husband and I also started “Women’s Wednesdays” at our shops, Axiom Accident and Hail Repair. We offer simple services for women at no cost like filling up tires, changing out head or tail lights, and simple scuff or scratch removal.  I’m also raising a kickass daughter. 

Q: What's the #1 key to earning our worth as women in business?

A: Demand it!  Know your accomplishments and how they have impacted businesses, hone your skill set, seek any certifications or affiliations within your field that you can, and don’t let someone tell you what you are worth. Become the biggest expert on yourself. No one can dictate your worth if you know what your worth is, so study up on your contributions and be confident in your accomplishments and abilities. Keep track of your efficiency, awards, and sales numbers so that you have data to back yourself up. It’s always worked for me.

​Learn more about becoming a Women of Denver member.

Katie Wafer is a proud fifth generation Colorado native who is deeply involved in the Denver community. At the age of 26, Katie founded Hydrate IV Bar, which offers vitamin-infused IV therapy treatments with three locations in the Denver Metro Area. Read on to learn how Katie has achieved success, with Hydrate IV Bar recently being nominated as 2017 Cherry Creek Chamber Business of the Year! She now has plans to expand to additional locations in 2019.

Q: What inspired you to do the work you do today? Was there a particular moment or experience that led you to this career? 

A: I took a huge leap to follow a lifestyle I was passionate about - both personally and professionally. I was never afraid of failing because I knew I could pick myself back up. When I was stuck in a profession I didn't love, was working for someone else that didn't share my vision, and I lacked flexibility in my personal life, it was scarier than failing in my own start-up. I knew I could create an environment and an experience that both clients and employees would enjoy, while promoting health, wellness, and caring for others, which is important to me every day. There was never a particular moment that led me directly to starting my own business. I've always known I would create "something" and I trusted the timing when it began to fall into place.

Q: What are some of the things you do to support other women? 

A: I have always been a member and leader of female groups, and still donate time to mentoring others. I was president of my sorority and continue to work with college chapters, as well as serving as a captain of female teams throughout my life, and I am still involved with alumni groups. I have two younger sisters and seven younger female cousins who I am extremely close with. My business has 28 females on our team who are powerful, like-minded, kind humans. Surrounding myself with women of all ages and backgrounds is uplifting. 

Q: There's a young woman reading this who is on a path to discover where she belongs and how she can make an impact in the world. What advice would you give her to guide her next steps?

A: Embrace being a woman! Be confident in your own skin and don't apologize for any predisposed female personality traits that you may have. I have been called emotional by male colleagues, and I am not ashamed. I am emotional, passionate, and care deeply, and all of these traits have made me successful. Don't limit yourself by blaming others or feeling sorry for yourself. Put on blinders and be a doer. Focus on the good and work your ass off.
 
Q: Tell us about the worst leader you ever worked for and how that experience helped you become a stronger leader for the people in your life. 

A: Oddly enough, the worst leader I had was a female manager. Rather than lifting up and supporting fellow females in a male dominated profession, she would threaten and belittle others. Women need to lift each other up!

Q: What's the #1 key to earning our worth as women in business? 
​
A: Make it happen! Be a doer. 

Learn more about becoming a member of Women of Denver.

​Small businesses and the passions that fuel them are the root of American dream. Makisha Boothe, founder of Sistahpreneurs, has made it her life's work to enable women of color to succeed in their own small business ventures. Read on to find out how she creates an open and welcoming community, her keys to success, and more!
 
What unique impact do you make on the world through your work? 
I create safe spaces for black women to grow as entrepreneurs, and tools and support to help them move from bootstrapping business mode to established and playing big.

Tell us about a recent accomplishment you're proud of? 
Our recent mention in Ebony Magazine covered our "Business Breakthrough Brunch on Cannabis". We plan for 25-30 at these brunches - 60 showed up and it was an amazing time.

What actions do you take to support and empower other women? 
I wake up every day with service to women of color on my heart and mind. I coach, mentor, train, and develop black entrepreneurs daily. I create discussions, collaborative structures and programs that give them a safe space to evolve and grow as entrepreneurs. I work daily to connect them to the mainstream business networks and resources.

How did your career take off, and what do you attribute your success to most?
I started working at the SBA in 1998. I fell in love with small business then and I've always been an entrepreneur at heart. I attribute my success to being grounded in a spiritual practice that helps me to combat fear, ego and pride, things that can deter your success. Also, because I am committed to growth and life-long learning, an insanely intense work ethic and passion for serving and walking in my purpose is important. Finally, a lot of GREAT women and men have mentored and supported me over the years.

How do you keep yourself passionate and driven regardless of how busy you are day to day?
I don't do anything that I'm not passionate about. I'm typically decisive and committed to my decisions. Whatever I do - I go hard, I go big, and I'm all in. It's just in my DNA. I'm always just trying to do the very best I can. My grandmother always told me that she wouldn't ask me to be better than the person to the left or right - but she expected me to always do Makisha's best. Everybody dies, but not everybody lives. To me living is about finding your passions, purposes and living your best life.

What do you see as the future of your industry?
I see small businesses having to find new ways to thrive in the global and internet economy by being agile, more collaborative, and by constantly finding new David and Goliath strategies to compete with big businesses.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
I don't know if I'd call this advice but it was a compelling reflection that changed my life. A coworker once told me she was in deep reflection and study regarding the practice of grace. I began to do the same and it allowed me to forgive and be more compassionate toward myself and everyone around me. It softened me in a good way. I tend to be all business in business - this helped me show my heart more in business. It helped me to lighten up and enjoy the hills and the valleys more.

What's been inspiring you lately?
Women all over the world speaking out, finding our voice, taking names and kicking ass.

What do you love most about Women of Denver? 
I love the accessibility. I feel the community is welcoming, authentic, diverse, and deeply inclusive. That means a lot to me.

What else would you like our readers to know about you?
I deeply believe in the movements in this country right now. People of color, immigrants, and women are fighting for voice and equity. I believe activism comes in many forms. I plan to continue to be a contributing voice and action-taker for my people, in my own way, using my gifts, during this historical time.

Get in Touch:

Twitter Handle: @sistahbiz
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sistahbiz/
Instagram Handle: @sistahbiz
Website: http://www.sistah.biz

Life can be extremely challenging at times, surprising us with obstacles, events, and tests that may seem impossible in the moment to overcome. As a cancer survivor and an author at Falling Into Fabulous, EmpowerMentor & Sprinkler of Fabulousness at Trisha Trixie and Company, and Public Relations Manager for District 26 Toastmasters 2018-2019 Year, Trisha Trixie Hunter-Merrill is well acquainted with the unforeseen tribulations and trials of life, and has chosen to not only remain positive but to spread this joy and fabulousness in those around her as her mission in life. Below, she shares how she stays focused and uplifted in the face of everything life has to give.
 
What unique impact do you make on the world through your work? 
I help men and women overcome the obstacles in their lives to be the fabulous people they were meant to be...themselves! I help others to be brave, be bold, be fearless, and be fabulous. I help others see the silver lining of life. In the sharing of my life, my obstacles, and my triumphs, I am able to give hope to those who may have lost their hope in the world around them and to give meaning to the lives of those who have none.

Tell us about a recent accomplishment you're proud of? 
My book Falling Into Fabulous: A Phoenix Rising just launched and I want to squeeeeeeeeeeeeee from the top of the rooftops to the world all about it and hopefully help the world in the process.

What actions do you take to support and empower other women? 
I empower other women in many ways, including through love, kindness, compassion, empathy and support. I also empower women through my group "The Good of Sisterhood". "Women who understand how powerful they are do not give into envy over meaningless things, instead they fight to maintain the beautiful bond of the sisterhood. These are the real women who know that we need each other's love and support to survive in this world. Love is the essence of being a woman. We must be that light of love that seals the bond and unique beauty of our sisterhood." -Bindu

How did your career take off, and what do you attribute your success to most?
I am the reinvention queen. I think being flexible with life and allowing myself to live and fulfill my passions is a huge part of it. I mostly feel that my attitude about the power of positivity (aka fabulousness) is contagious, infectious, and yet wonderful like a moth drawn to a flame. I burn so bright, you can't help but be drawn to me.

How do you keep yourself passionate and driven regardless of how busy you are day to day?
I overcame cancer. That fact alone keeps me going. Why was I saved? Why am I still here on this earth? Because I was meant to be here. I have a mission to help others overcome the obstacles in their lives and to give people hope.

What do you see as the future of your industry?
Speaking engagements, workshops, media, newspaper, magazines, TV, and who knows - maybe one day a movie about me, my life, and my journey. I choose Sandra Bullock to star as me.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
My trials do not define me. I define me.

What's been inspiring you lately?
Besides my life? Overcoming cancer? Hmmm, life in general inspires me because I am still here. I am alive.

What do you love most about Women of Denver? 
How much time do you have? I just simply adore Krystal. She is the embodiment of WOD as well as the driving force. She is powerful, passionate, and pretty, but duh. I love the women I meet, the relationships I have made, and the opportunities WOD allows me in sharing my message with others. I love hearing other women share about their lives, their messages, and their successes! We all are fabulous because we are Women of Denver!

What else would you like our readers to know about you?
My mantra is "When given the option of being fabulous, why would you choose anything else?" I developed that mantra years ago to help me have my own mantra and motto to get through the obstacles of my life. Because we always have the option of choosing the positive and fabulous, so why choose the negative? #ChooseFabulous #BeFabulous

Get in Touch:

Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/TrishaTrixie
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FallingIntoFabulous/
Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/trishatrixie/
Website: http://www.fallingintofabulous.com

Women of Denver is excited to spotlight Jayne Sanders, a Purpose Coach & Scientific Hand Analyst at Purpose Wisdom. Jayne helps her clients discover their innate life purpose, special gifts, and blind spots in their careers through Hand Analysis, and shares below what keeps her motivated and inspired.

What do people often thank you for?
Friends thank me for my sense of humor, unwavering support, and love.  Clients thank me for these as well, along with helping them love their lives more, get on track with their life purpose, and changing their lives so they are filled with more joy, fulfillment, and success.  I am so blessed by the amazing people in my life!

What's been inspiring you lately?
Many things! My friends, who supported me through a personal challenge.  My clients, who are committed to making the difference they are meant to make in the world.  This is so inspiring to me! My horse as well, who lost his best friend a few months ago and is grieving while trying to carry my grief. And nature always inspires me!

What do you love most about Women of Denver?
I love the quality of the organization that Krystal has created. I love the variety and quality of the other members. I love all the different networking, educational, and promotional opportunities WOD provides.

What unique impact do you make on the world through your work?
I help people identify and live their innate purpose so they can make the difference they are meant to make in the world. I help them move from feeling stuck, unfulfilled, off-track, or like something is missing to living in alignment with their purpose, legacy, and loving their lives and work.

Tell us about a recent accomplishment you're proud of?
Two coaching clients recently told me they got their investment back and more when less than half-way through my program! They are now on fire and rockin' their lives. This is MY purpose...to help people live theirs.

What actions do you take to support and empower other women?
I love to help women step into their power and love their lives and work. I do this personally by listening, loving, and being a good role model. I do this professionally through my Purpose Coaching and the neurological tool I use, Scientific Hand Analysis. This technology reveals your innate life purpose, special gifts, and blind spots. It changed my life and I'm using it to change others' lives. It is freaky accurate, comprehensive, and profound. I am so passionate about it!

What else would you like our readers to know about you?
I am a horse freak! I got involved with horses later in life, my late 30's. They have changed me and made me an even better person. Riding my horse Darby, loving him, grooming him...this is my sanity, my escape, my grounding.
 
Get in Touch:

Website: https://precisionwisdom.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/precisionwisdom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HZwpjBwZJA&feature=youtu.be
 

In this Member Spotlight, get to know Erin Cell, the CEO & Founder of Socially Powered.

What do people often thank you for?
Connections.

What's been inspiring you lately?
Amazing people helping & giving back to others.

What do you love most about Women of Denver?
The community, engagement & relationship building.

What unique impact do you make on the world through your work?
Bringing people together.

Tell us about a recent accomplishment you're proud of?
Helping make the Social Media Marketing World Live Stage a success!

What actions do you take to support and empower other women?
Always giving back to women entrepreneurs - building them up & helping them see their true value!

What else would you like our readers to know about you?
I seriously love helping others & I do that by creating events to bring our community together.
 
Get in Touch:

Website: https://www.sociallypowered.com
Twitter Handle: @sociallypowered
 Facebook Page:  https://business.facebook.com/sociallypowered/?business_id=351889081812379&ref=bookmarks
Instagram Handle: @sociallypowered
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI9SaR-J2i8&list=UUAHvI_EH3BVrOAy-69-3_Bg