The Why: why do you do what you do? Why are you passionate about your work and/or community contributions?

I’ve spent my entire professional career working to advance equity and access in public educational institutions. This passion and commitment is a direct result of growing up in desegregating schools in Denver Public Schools From kindergarten to my senior year, I saw the potential for tremendous strides in equal opportunity, and yet just like today, significant barriers remained for far too many people. As we know, these societal inequities will only be eliminated if we are working together to address them.

What is one of the biggest challenges that you have overcome, and how did you overcome it?

Paying for college. During my second year, I did not have enough money to continue paying for tuition and had to withdraw until I could save enough money to re-enroll. After working four jobs and receiving an anonymous scholarship to apply for housing costs, I was able to return to school and ultimately graduated with honors. It is a continuing reminder to me of our obligation to ensure that public institutions are affordable for all students.

What is your personal motto or favorite quotation?

My CU teams would laugh as they would immediately tell you what I always say:  “One step at a time” and “This is an opportunity for growth.” These phrases perfectly describe my philosophy of breaking down challenges into manageable pieces and my deep optimism that everyone can contribute to making positive and sustainable change.

What is the most interesting/strangest job you ever had and what did you learn from it?

I co-founded and operated a law firm for seven years. Running a small, profitable business with some of my favorite professional colleagues was one of the most interesting, rewarding, exciting, and honestly scary experiences I have ever had. I had no idea I had an entrepreneurial spirit and it was wonderful to nurture it.

Advice for others in business based on what you have learned on your journey?

Seek out change and new opportunities and don’t be afraid to be a beginner (again). My career has spanned an incredible diversity of experiences:

• I’ve litigated on behalf of the United States in multiple states enforcing federal civil rights laws
• I’ve represented the best interests of children in state court
• I’ve helped create a new law firm within an educational advocacy organization
• I run a small law firm
• I created the first Equity Office at CU Boulder
• Now I’m the first Chief Compliance Officer at the University of Colorado, overseeing four campuses.

I believe that my current role is a direct result of seeking out new opportunities and gaining a wide variety of skill sets and experiences as a result.

What are you most proud of during the last year?

My daughter and son and their respective graduations from high school and college this last spring. And relatedly, my extended family’s ability to go to my daughter’s graduation in Denver on a Thursday evening and be across the country 36 hours later for my son’s college graduation on Saturday morning. We had a ridiculously ambitious itinerary that left no room for error, including flight or weather delays, but it all went perfectly. My children are now successfully “adulting” and the rest of us are still trying to catch up on sleep!

The Women on Colorado Boards State of the State Report, formerly managed by Boardbound, has been a leading resource for advocating greater representation of women on corporate boards across Colorado. With this transfer of ownership, CWCC is poised to further amplify the initiative’s impact and drive inclusivity in the boardroom.

Boardbound was renowned for its comprehensive research, insights, and resources that address the barriers women face in breaking the glass ceiling and securing seats at the corporate board table. The report provides valuable data, best practices, and strategies for creating more inclusive and diverse boards.

CWCC, dedicated to advancing women in work and promoting equity in the workforce, is the perfect steward for the Boardbound report. This new partnership leverages the strengths of both organizations to champion the cause of gender diversity in corporate leadership roles. CWCC’s commitment to advocacy, networking, and education aligns perfectly with the goals of the Board Bound initiative.

With the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce at the helm, the report is expected to reach even greater heights in terms of impact and influence. CWCC is committed to expanding its reach, engaging more stakeholders, and actively encouraging change in corporate boardrooms throughout Colorado.

For more information about the Board Bound report and the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.cwcc.org/.

About the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce
The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) is a prominent organization dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of women in business. CWCC provides resources, advocacy, and opportunities for women-owned businesses and professionals across Colorado.

About the Women on Colorado Boards State of the StateThe State of Women on Boards, formerly managed by Board Bound is a pioneering initiative designed to promote greater gender diversity on corporate boards. It offers comprehensive research, insights, and resources to address the challenges women face in securing board positions and advocates for inclusive and diverse corporate leadership.

A stroke is sometimes called a “brain attack.” Like a heart attack, a stroke results from a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel, which stops blood flow to an area. In the case of a stroke, this blockage or rupture is preventing blood flow to an area of the brain.

Many awareness campaigns have been made to educate people about the signs of stroke, including the BE FAST program.

• Balance: Sudden loss of balance
• Eyes: Sudden vision changes
• Face: Sudden facial drooping
• Arm or leg: Sudden arm or leg weakness
• Speech: Sudden slurred or garbled speech
• Time: Time is critical—call 911.

Receiving appropriate and timely stroke care gives patients the best chance of recovering with fewer lasting effects. However, successful stroke treatment doesn’t end with initial treatment. Because the teams at our HealthONE hospitals understand the steps a stroke survivor takes with dedicated stroke coordinators.

Suzanne Clausen, NP-C, SCRN, serves as one of the HealthONE stroke coordinators at The Medical Center of Aurora and Centennial Hospital. A nurse for more than 20 years, Suzanne previously worked in the emergency department.

The Women’s Leadership Lab is a program of the Colorado Women’s Chamber Foundation (CWCF) that is designed to help emerging female leaders influence their community, develop skills to support advancement, and expand their understanding of the current business architecture impacting women in work.

We’re proud to say that 50% of graduates of this year’s cohort received a pay raise and/or change in job title after completing the program.

The 2022-2023 cohort of the Women’s Leadership Lab, as part of their program, also engaged in a year-long exploration of the following six common issues that influence and impact the advancement of women in work and recommendations for action.

• How organizations redline women from C-suite roles
• Pay Equity
• How to value and reward soft skills in the workplace
• A culture of sponsorship supports women in career growth
• Workplace flexibility increases equitable engagement for women
• Intentional recruitment and retention tactics to diversify the C-suite

Read The Full Whitepaper

Explore Each Topic

Redlining From C-Suite

Pay Equity

Rewarding Soft Skills

Culture of Sponsorship

Workplace Flexibility

Recruitment + Retention

As recent as 1980, women were still required to have a male cosigner on a business loan. Fast forward four decades later and half of the working population is still challenged to advance to the highest levels of leadership. Today, women make up only 17% of C-suite executives and remain underrepresented at every level.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the workforce lost two million women during “The Great Shecession.”It became painfully apparent that workplace policies were not equitably sufficient to sustain working women who tend to also be caregivers to others. Companies are trained to stay afloat amid a health crisis and experts say these deficits will be felt for many years.

For employers to make up for decades of unequal treatment in the workplace and the entrepreneurial field, it’s necessary to evaluate the specific and often nuanced challenges that women – and in particular women of color – face in the workplace.

Diversity initiatives represented with a variety of weighty acronyms (DEI, DEIB, JEDI, IDEA) have been an intense focus of many organizations in recent years. However you spell it, evaluating diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice is not only the right thing to do to address generational inequities, but it can also drive critical business outcomes. These outcomes include increased market share, increased revenue, and other competitive advantages in the market, which often support talent recruitment and retention.

The Colorado business landscape has an opportunity to thrive with a renewed dedication to making business work for all. Now is the time to evaluate past inequities, enact new equitable policies, and promote diversity in a thoughtful, meaningful way to benefit individuals, businesses, and society.

The CWCC PC will identify and monitor public policy that MEMBERS OF THE CWCC PC impacts women in business, to serve as an informational resource to CWCC members, elected leaders, and community stakeholders, and to positively influence policy outcomes.

1. The CWCC PC provides a forum for its membership to discuss, become educated, and establish formal chamber perspectives on public policy issues.
2. The PC will meet regularly to discuss and execute on priorities that align with the CWCC mission, policy pillars, and key PC issues.
3. The CWCC PC will look for external opportunities for the CWCC to engage as a thought leader on important issues of the day through the media, task forces, legislation, and coalitions.
4. The CWCC PC will support members, and the business community by providing guidance and instruction to individuals who wish to participate in the legislative process by presenting their views and opinions on proposed bills or legislation during public hearings.

Businesses today need flexible options that help manage health care costs and include tools and resources that empower employees to be healthier.

A different kind of health care provider

Kaiser Permanente helps businesses address the health of their employees early, consistently, and effectively — all while helping to keep costs more manageable.

As one of America’s leading nonprofit¹ health plans, we offer care and coverage together. Our value-based health care benefits your workforce because it…

• Is personalized and less complicated.
• Emphasizes preventive health care.
• Helps patients recover from illnesses and injuries more quickly.

Instead of rewarding clinicians for the volume of care they provide, value-based care incentivizes them to keep people healthy. For example, helping patients better manage their high blood pressure or chronic conditions like diabetes and kidney disease. Kaiser Permanente pioneered many value-based care programs in the U.S., and here in Colorado, our care model has helped keep Coloradans healthy for more than 50 years.

To support Colorado employers in providing their employees access to high-quality, affordable care, Kaiser Permanente offers:

• Disruption-free enrollment and a New Member Connect team for smooth care transitions, even for complex cases.
• A variety of plan designs to fit employee needs, with a range of deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums to help control costs.

It’s easy to choose from one of Kaiser Permanente’s 1,300 world-class doctors across 46 specialties or our network of more than 14,000 affiliated providers². With Kaiser Permanente, your employees benefit from being able to:

• See a doctor, fill a prescription, and get a lab test or X-ray at most of Kaiser Permanente’s 30 medical offices along the Front Range.
• Change doctors at any time, for any reason.
• Get prescriptions delivered by mail³.
• Access 24/7 virtual care options⁴.
• Find convenient in-person options for routine preventive care, or specialty, urgent, emergency, and hospital care.

Expanding our offerings

Kaiser Permanente is excited to bring more value-based health care to more Coloradans with the launch of our new PPO health plan: the Kaiser Permanente Choice PPO.

This is an all-in-one solution for Colorado businesses with more than 100 employees that are interested in offering a PPO alongside one of Kaiser Permanente’s traditional health care plans. Uniquely, the Choice PPO features a blend of Kaiser Permanente’s integrated health care and coverage with an extended network of leading doctors, hospitals, and health systems across the state.

The new plan’s complementary offerings will provide additional flexibility and convenience for Colorado employers seeking high-quality, affordable health care options. It includes coverage for employees who live inside and outside of our Front Range footprint and the ability to work with one insurer to provide care and coverage for all workers.

The Choice PPO is available during open enrollment this fall starting with January 1, 2024 effective dates.  

This news follows an announcement we made earlier this year about significant investments that are in the works to better care for current and future Kaiser Permanente members. We’re building and upgrading medical offices in eight communities across the Front Range, including new, state-of-the-art facilities in Lakewood, Parker, and Pueblo.

With many plan options and Kaiser Permanente’s nationally recognized value-based care, you and your employees can access health care when, where, and how you need it.  

Take a fresh look at Kaiser Permanente.

1. Kaiser Permanente Colorado is composed of the nonprofit Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado and the for-profit Permanente Medical Group.

2. Affiliated providers who work outside Kaiser Permanente medical offices may or may not have access to a member’s electronic medical record

3. Must have a valid prescription on file with a Kaiser Permanente medical office or through the Mail Order Pharmacy. Some prescriptions are not eligible to be mailed, and we are not able to mail them to the following states at this time: Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina and South Dakota.

4. When appropriate and available. If you travel out of state, phone appointments and video visits may not be available in select states due to licensing laws. Laws differ by state.

September is Chiari Malformation Awareness Month, and HealthONE continues to work to provide education to patients and families.

At HealthONE’s Medical Center of Aurora, Chiari (khee-AH-ree) malformation is close to our hearts as we are home to the Colorado Chiari Institute (CCI). Chiari malformation occurs when the brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. While normally present at birth, most people don’t develop symptoms until early adulthood and these often include difficulty with concentration, finding words, swallowing; headaches; hoarseness; muscle weakness; poor balance; trouble walking, and vision impairment. The good news is Chiari malformation is most often treatable.

For some patients, symptoms are mild, and we can help them find relief through medications, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle adjustments. If symptoms do not improve, we may recommend surgery such as posterior fossa decompression surgery. This procedure relieves crowding between the bottom of the skull and the upper cervical spinal canal.

A related condition is called syringomyelia (sih-ring-go-my-E-lee-uh). Often associated with Chiari malformation I, syringomyelia occurs when a fluid-filled cyst develops within the spinal cord. As the cyst enlarges, it may damage the spinal cord, causing pain, weakness, and stiffness. If symptoms are bothersome, surgical intervention can bring relief.

During Chiari Malformation Awareness Month, HealthONE’s The Medical Center of Aurora and the Colorado Chiari Institute continue spreading the word about this diagnosis and treatment available right here in our area.

To find a physician who specializes in Chiari malformation, please call our Find a Physician line at 303-575-0055 or click here for more information on their website.

For more than 20 years, the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce has presented the ATHENA Leadership Award in Denver. The ATHENA Leadership Award is awarded to a Colorado woman or man who demonstrates the qualities embodied in the ATHENA Leadership Model and who:

• Has achieved the highest level of professional excellence.
• Contributes time and energy to improve quality of life for others.
• Actively assists women and historically marginalized people in realizing their full leadership potential.

Please submit nominations and required supplemental materials by 5pm on October 20, 2023. Nominations will be reviewed by a committee of CWCC members and previous winners.

Previous ATHENA Winners

2022: Lauren Casteel, Women’s Foundation of Colorado; 2021: Kelly Brough, MSU Denver, 2020: Michelle Lucero, Children’s Hospital Colorado, 2019: Christine Benero, Mile High United Way, 2018: Donna Lynne, Former Lt. Governor, Colorado, 2017: Jean Galloway, Prosono, 2016: Dr. Dorothy Horrell, University of Colorado, 2015: Pat Cortez, Wells Fargo

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE A DESERVING LEADER!

Plus, Join Us for the Celebration: December 7th, 2023 @ 5:30pm 

The ATHENA Leadership Award will be presented at the last Powerful Voices Conversation Series, presented by Bank of America, on December 7th! Join your CWCC Community to honor the 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award winner. 

Hear from a special keynote Powerful Voice – Molly Bloom, Subject of the Oscar-nominated film, “Molly’s Game”, Bestselling Author, U.S. Ski Team Alum, and Host of Award-Winning Podcast, “Torched.”

When it comes to resilience, reinvention, and re-setting mindsets to achieve your vision, Molly’s life storytelling provides a playbook for success that is as actionable as it is inspiring.

Event Highlights…

• Special Keynote Address by Molly Bloom, subject of the Oscar-nominated film, Molly’s Game – she’ll share her story of triumph, ruin, and redemption!
• Fireside chat with Simone Ross and the 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award winner
• Festive Drinks, Appetizers, and Music
• Community and Conversation
• Spectacular vistas from the 38^th Floor of the Grand Hyatt Hotel – Pinnacle Club

Just think of all the bright lights…we’re talking about the views, the speakers, AND the company!

Sponsorship are available! Contact Meaghan at MCarabello@cwcc.org for more details!

How she’s crushing it…

• The Why: why do you do what you do? Why are you passionate about your work and/or community contributions?

I can’t think of a role that I would enjoy more. I strongly believe in our mission, and I have the unique opportunity to have a positive impact, via our partnerships and events, on the lives of our patients, their families and our team members.

In the midst of some of the hardest days they may have, the work we do can offer a glimmer of positivity and joy. I love that my team also provides education and resources to the community to help families be as healthy and happy as possible. And I enjoy the opportunity to work with some of the most respected and brilliant minds in the state and region through our hospital board of directors.

• What is one of the biggest challenges that you have overcome, and how did you overcome it? 

The loss of close family members and friends has been devastating yet also taught me to hold on that much more to those you love.

• What is your personal motto or favorite quotation?

Be humble and kind.

• What is the most interesting/strangest job you ever had and what did you learn from it?

I was a reporter for two newspapers writing about everything from feature stories to crime. I covered some disturbing stories as a young college graduate and learned that the crime beat wasn’t for me!

• Advice for others in business based on what you have learned on your journey?

I treat every day as if I am still interviewing for my role. Respond within 48 hours. Be reliable and loyal. Be kind but firm. Always keep learning and growing. Ask questions.

• What are you most proud of during the last year?

 I am most proud of building a team that crushes it every single day. They have a can-do attitude and always get things done, no matter the task at hand. I am proud of each event and activity that our team does that makes a difference, big or small. And I am proud of my two teenagers at home, who continue to accomplish so many wonderful things and are two amazing humans.

In an exciting and progressive move, the Governor of Colorado, Jared Polis, has officially proclaimed the month of August as “Women in Business Month.” This groundbreaking proclamation aims to recognize, celebrate, and empower the invaluable contributions of women in the world of business and entrepreneurship. As we embark on this month-long celebration, we are poised to shine a spotlight on the achievements, challenges, and boundless potential of women who have been driving innovation and growth in Colorado and beyond.

Women in Business Month is About Recognizing Achievements

Women in Business Month is a time to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of women who have defied odds, shattered glass ceilings, and established themselves as pioneers in various industries. From tech startups to eco-conscious ventures, women-led enterprises have been at the forefront of redefining success and inspiring future generations. This month offers us the opportunity to learn about their journeys, celebrate their milestones, and amplify their voices.

Women in Business Month is About Celebrating Diversity

Diversity fuels innovation, and Women in Business Month highlights the diversity of thought, perspective, and experience that women bring to the business landscape. Colorado has always been a melting pot of ideas, and women entrepreneurs add a unique and vital dimension to this mix. By celebrating diversity, we encourage collaboration, broaden horizons, and pave the way for more inclusive and creative business practices.

Women in Business Month is About Empowering the Next Generation

One of the primary objectives of Women in Business Month is to inspire and empower the next generation of women leaders. By showcasing the stories of successful women in business, and celebrating women who are committed to supporting the advancement of other women,  we hope to foster a sense of possibility and determination among young women who are considering careers in business. It’s not just about breaking barriers; it’s about building bridges to a future where gender equality is the norm rather than the exception.

Women in Business Month is About Supporting Women-Owned Businesses

This month is also a call to action for individuals, organizations, and policymakers to rally behind women-owned businesses. Supporting these ventures isn’t just an act of goodwill; it’s an investment in economic growth and resilience. As consumers, we can make conscious choices to prioritize women-led businesses when making purchasing decisions. As investors, we can contribute to leveling the playing field by financially backing women’s entrepreneurial endeavors.

Women in Business Month is About Activation

Join the women’s advancement movement. Let’s remember that gender should never limit one’s potential. The stories of women in business in Colorado are a testament to the fact that determination, resilience, and innovation know no bounds. Join us this August as we celebrate the women who are shaping the future of business in Colorado and beyond. Together, we can empower excellence and foster a more inclusive and prosperous business landscape for all.