Erin, the mother of 3 boys, is a 3-time entrepreneur as well.  With a background in real estate, finance and marketing strategy and implementation, Erin felt that the greatest gift that she possessed was one of connecting, specifically, small business owners and women with the resources that they need to succeed. In 2004, she started her first consultancy, Sales Advantage Marketing, which assisted financial institutions and start ups in developing and implementing a grass roots approach to their marketing to recruit and retain customers and employees.  After many year of success with this model and after moving to Denver, she chose to create a new organization that focused only on women business owners.   

In 2007, Boutique for the Soul was created to support and connect women in business through networking events in women’s homes or businesses.  In 3 years, Boutique for the Soul served all of the major cities in Colorado, with 12 Facilitators, and having 2 major events, The Festival of Women and the Amazing Women’s Speaker’s Series.  In 2009, Boutique for the Soul was chosen as the “Business of the Year” by the DTC-Colorado Business Women’s Network (CBW) which Erin is now the current President. Boutique for the Soul had successfully operated in Colorado for two and a half years and had over 650 businesses that it has assisted in growth, knowledge and connecting with resources. 

In January of 2009, Erin started yet another organization for women, one that would take the connection beyond events.  The Seed is an on-line organization to connect women and resources around the world.  The Seed is an advocate and educator for women, serving as a one-stop resource for small business owners.  Through its partners, The Seed offers the opportunity for business owners to find free and low cost resources to help build, sustain or grow their businesses, find or post a job, sell books or educational materials, find a non-profit to support, connect through social media, sign up for training or attend a networking event, educational seminar or fund raiser.

In 2010, The Seed announced its new Alliance Partners: American Business Women's Association-Downtown Denver (ABWA), Denver Tech Center Colorado Business Women (DTC-CBW), The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, MidChix, Living with Moxie, Hip Housewives, the SBDC office of Colorado and all of its chapters, The Colorado Association of Librarians (BizInfo Program), and The Alliance for Sustainable Colorado (The Green Job Pipeline for Women) to disseminate their training, education and information to its members. The Seed will assist its Alliance Partners in communicating opportunities through The Seed’s press coverage, newsletters, blogs, posts and feeds in order to reach a larger constituency with greater impact, drive usage of alliance partner tools and resources, and increase attendance at local events.

This year, The Seed is in the process of collaborating with many other local organizations to create an even larger network of women and resources to assist corporations, small businesses, resources, non-profits and the public in finding and connecting with their consumers, resources, financial opportunities and mentors.

Rachael West
President-Elect

Rachael is in her second year as a member of DTC-CBW and is honored to be serving on the board as Director of Programs.  Rachael owns and operates a voice over recording studio where she makes a living as a voice actor.  She is also an actress for theatre, television and film and can be seen as the spokesperson for various business websites on the internet.

Rachael is native to Colorado and has over 7 years experience as an on-air personality for Colorado radio at 100.7 KMOZ in Grand Junction and 98.5 KYGO in Denver.  Rachael graduated from Mesa State College in 2005, Suma Cum Laude, where she delivered the commencement speech to her graduating class.  She also received her B.A. in Theatre.

Rachael has recently appeared in Denver area independent feature films such as TEXT and Racewalkers.   She has also had the opportunity to work in Los Angeles as a cast member for a reality television show pilot for the CBS network.

When she’s not in the studio or on set, Rachael West is playing with her pug princess, Iris.

rachael@rachaelwesttalent.com
303.568.9492 studio 
970.270.0589 cell

Nina joined DTC-CBW in January 2009.  She realized quickly that the women in this organization are deeply committed to all members and guests alike and wanted to give back to the organization by serving on the 2009 / 2010 board.   

Linda was born and raised in the UK, not far from where the Beatles heralded from. She trained and qualified as a Veterinary Nurse at Liverpool University, where she spayed her own cat. She practiced animal nursing for several years.

In 1984 Linda became Financial Director of her own Home Improvement company in Chester. She was involved in the marketing, advertising, accounting, payroll and management for 16 years.

Before settling in Longmont, Linda spent 4 years in Marbella, Spain.

She has spent the last 6 years in Finance, employed by Premier Members FCU as a Teller, Member Service Specialist and finally in her current position in Business Development. Linda is a recipient of the GEMS award for her excellent member service and dedication to her job.

Linda loves her work as it involves meeting and helping people and playing an active part in the community.

Deb joined DTC-CBW in August 2009.  She discovered that the women in this organization are so diverse and powerful, always looking for ways to give back to the community.  So when she was asked to join the board, there was no way to say no to such a wonderful organization and an opportunity to make a difference. 

Deb’s career has been in corporate sales for 25 years, working for large companies such as Microsoft and IBM.  Her passion has always been around helping others with their health and well being.  As such, she opened a wellness center, incorporating massage and nutrition, utilizing Univera’s anti-aging, DNA changing products.  As an Olympic level athlete in gymnastics, Deb understands the importance of taking care of your body.  Having had 10 knee surgeries as a result of her sport, Univera’s products have reversed the damage, preventing knee replacements, and as a grandmother, is able to have the energy, focus and strength to keep up with them! 

Deb is married to Kevin, with two grown children, two grandchildren and enjoys riding horses, motorcycles, and is an accomplished artist in several mediums.

303-349-5150
deb@advancedrenewal.com
debdeaton.myunivera.com

As a Feng Shui practitioner and clutter clearing coach, Kathie joined the DTC chapter because she loves the ‘energy’ of the group.  She has been a member of CBW since February 2004. In that short time she held the position of President-Elect 2008-2009, Secretary 2007-2008 and in 2005-2006 she received the BPW/Colorado Power Woman Award and Plus One Award for membership recruitment.  Kathie currently leads DTC-CBW, the Board, and Leadership Team as the President.

Kathie started Simplified Interiors in 2002, offering classes, consultations, and certification in clearing clutter, simplifying, and Feng Shui.  She holds a Masters in adult training from DU and a Certified Practitioner of Interior Alignment in Feng Shui from Denise Linn Inc.  In 2007 she developed the Simplified Interiors© Certification Program offering professionals the opportunity to add feng shui value to an existing business and entrepreneurs to start a business in clearing clutter the Feng Shui way.

Kathie has delivered workshops in clutter clearing and office and residential Feng Shui to small and large corporations as well as privately.  She currently teaches Conquering Clutter and Paper Too! and Do-it-Yourself Feng Shui at Arapahoe Community College.   In addition to her teaching experience, Kathie has also been a featured speaker on radio programs, at the Colorado Garden and Home Shows annually since 2004, for the State of Colorado Department of Local Affairs, for businesses, in hospitals, and for numerous civic organizations. She is published in New Age Retailer, Inspired Retailer and YourHub com. 

Kathie believes strongly in volunteering, mentoring other women in their pursuits, and community involvement.  For six years, she was fund raising committee chair and sat on the Board for Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Denver whose mission is to provide housing and self-sufficiency programs for families experiencing homelessness. 

www.simplifiedinteriors.com
kathie@simplifiedinteriors.com 
Wk: 303-779-4717
Fax: 720-488-0474

Lauren Salyers
Deepen the Connection

Lauren Salyers recently joined DTC-CBW in 2008.  Anxious to get involved, she is now the VP of Membership!  Lauren loves making connections with the individual person and felt that membership would be a good way to do that.   

Lauren, a long time Highlands Ranch resident, entered the world of real estate in 2004.  After graduating from Colorado State University, she returned to Denver to pursue Real Estate.  During her first year in the business, Lauren was nominated for the Top 30 Under 30; a national honor from Realtor Magazine. Lauren helps people achieve their personal and financial goals through homeownership.  She provides the highest level of customer service through constant communication, client education and her own expertise.  She also mentors and trains new agents to succeed in running their own real estate business.  And Lauren is never too busy to help you, or any of your referrals, with all your real estate needs!

Lauren currently resides in her Highlands Ranch home and enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her dogs London and Chief.

720-300-4851
laurensalyers@gmail.com
www.LaurenSalyers.com

Polly has been a member of DTC-CBW since 2006. She was the Vice President of Programs for two years. Polly is the powerful woman who walked around the world. On August 1, 1999, Polly Letofsky left her home in Vail and headed west. She traveled across four continents, 22 countries, and over 14,000 miles, by foot. 

Polly is now a full time motivational speaker and author of “3 Miles per hour”. 

Sally has been a member of DTC-CBW since 2005. She currently serves on the board as V.P. Membership. She loves being involved with DTC-CBW because of the alliance with powerful women that want to make a positive impact in the world. This focus on contribution ties in with the work that she does which is bringing health to children and families through health education and the nutritional support, Juice Plus+. Sally also volunteers her time primarily with 2 humanitarian/educational organizations, Elan Vital and The Prem Rawat Foundation.

www.jpsally.com
jpsally@comcast.net

Deiadra Dissen Swartz
Legislative Liaison

Deiadra is a lawyer, writer, adjunct professor, associate editor, and professional speaker; yet somehow she still finds time to be a single mom.  Deiadra joined DTC-CBW in 1999; her service contributions include numerous committees as well as the office of President (2000-2001), and she was honored as Woman of the Year (2003).  Her vast and varied experiences in entrepreneurship, law, public office, business, and education have culminated in a passion for sustainability which Deiadra shares with local and international audiences.  Whether working within the law department of a global company, volunteering for a non-profit organization, or researching water issues, Deiadra is always striving for gender equality.  Among her affiliations, Deiadra is a member of the Universities Council on Water Resources, American Association of University Women, Gender & Water Alliance; and she serves on the Board of Directors for the Cherry Creek Project Water Authority.  Deiadra earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Newcomb College of Tulane University, and her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Denver College of Law. 

LeftBrain1@comcast.net

Anya has been a member of DTC-CBW since November 2008 and is excited to serve on the board as Web Master. She looks forward to working with this group of powerful women.

As the owner of Kreative Keystrokes, a graphic design and web design agency in Denver, she is able to contribute her skills and experience to the maintenance of the DTC-CBW website. Kreative Keystrokes provides a wide array of services that include print collateral design, branding, and web design and development. When it comes to her business, her focus always remains the same: Providing excellent service, producing outstanding creative, and delivering what she promises.

A German native, Anya has lived in the US for 14 years and found a second home in Colorado. She received her translator certification for English and French from the Euro Language Institute in Germany and holds a BA in Communication from The Women’s College of the University of Denver. In addition, she is an avid painter and writer. Her articles have appeared in the University of Denver Magazine, in Voices published by The Women's College of the University of Denver, At-Home Mother Magazine, and other magazines and newsletters nationwide. Her paintings are showcased in her Kreative Keystrokes office/gallery and can be purchased through The Art Connection.

www.kreativekeystrokes.net
anya@kreativekeystrokes.net
303.368.4522

Melissa celebrates 16 years with DTC-CBW in 2010. She has served in several capacities on the Board including: Membership, Programs, Voice Mail, Member at Large, CWEE Liason, Chair Woman for the 30th Anniversary Celebration in February 2008, 2009 Woman of the Year Committee and the 2009 Board Nomination Committee. Melissa was the recipient of the 2008 Woman of the Year award from the chapter.

Fourteen years ago she was instrumental in connecting CWEE: Center for Work Education and Employment to DTC-CBW as a community outreach program. DTC-CBW members are active in working on site with CWEE class participants through interview preparation, class speaking engagements, dressing for success, professional clothing donations and the holiday gift program. CWEE named DTC their 2008 Community Partner of the Year: www.cwee.org

Professionally, Melissa utilizes her business background and non-profit service to assist individuals and companies increase their profitability, employee productivity and branding.  Services offered include retail
lease negotiations, customized employee training programs and target market campaigns.

In addition to CWEE, Melissa is also active with Project Cure, is an Ambassador with the Greenwood Village Chamber of Commerce, proudly serves her community as a Board Member for her Parks and Recreation District, is an Arapahoe County Election Judge and a Board Member for The Seed - a professional and social network connecting and uniting women with technology and resources.  Melissa is the 2010 Chair for the Taste of Greenwood Village:  www.tasteofgv.com

Office: 303-694-4764
melissa-wilson@msn.com
www.gvchamber.com
www.cwee.org
www.projectcure.org
www.theseedconnection.com