The Centennial State is home to an abundance of badass women with Boulder as the epicenter. From female entrepreneurs to adventure athletes, and everything in between, our city continues to attract inspired, intelligent women driven to make a difference in the world, starting first with their own communities. Here are just some of our city’s awesome SHE-E-Os.
Leah Nickie
Leah Nickie came to Boulder and was immediately attracted to the healthy, organic-focused lifestyle, which she had always prioritized. She put her years of experience in the skin care industry to use and worked for a Boulder med spa for a short while before opening her own business in 2010. Advanced Aesthetics offers superior skin care services to Boulder residents. Leah selects only the best products that use environmentally-friendly, sustainable ingredients and packaging. Her team’s gentle yet effective products and practices help Boulderites look and feel their best.
In addition to providing an invaluable service to Boulder, Leah gives back to the community through charitable donations. She supports nonprofits that focus on environmental stewardship and uplift women and children.
Maëlle Gavet
CEO Techstars
Techstars is a people-focused company that celebrates and encourages innovation and entrepreneurialism by connecting individuals from all walks of life. For over a decade, Techstars has been leading the charge in growing small businesses, redefining corporate culture, and changing the way we use technology to make a living, grow a business, and run a company. Maëlle Gavet recently became CEO, following David Brown. The company has invested in over 2,500 businesses and its total portfolio net worth is approximately $185 billion dollars.
Sheryl Hadley
CEO Organization & Relocation
After a fateful encounter in which Sheryl Hadley helped a friend organize his home in order to move, she realized there could be a business in this. Since 2005, Hadley has been helping people change their lives a bit more seamlessly. Her business, Organization & Relocation, comes into clients’ homes to set them up for a successful move. Regardless of whether clients are moving out or in, Sheryl and her creative team love to be there, every step of the way.
Cheryl Liguori
CEO of Z2 Entertainment – Boulder & Fox Theaters
Both the Boulder and Fox Theaters have had long storied histories in Boulder, Colorado. Cheryl Liguori came to the scene in 1992 as the General Manager of both theaters, growing their presence in the music and entertainment industries, landing larger and larger acts. In 2010, she merged the competing theaters into Z2 Entertainment, which she now runs. This boss business woman continues to inspire women and girls to take charge, dream big, and love what they do.
Jennifer Mendelson
Partner/Principal – Leap Interior Design
Co-Founder of Leap Interior Designs found her way to Boulder, Colorado by way of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Upon arriving, she decided to make this place home. Since then, Jennifer Mendelson has co-founded a superb design company along with partner, Chelsea Brown. They’ve designed apartments, residences, and retreat centers from here to California. Mendelson’s luxury design firm has landed many accolades, including recognition from Architectural Digest.
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’ll be highlighting local ladies with drive, talent, and passion. Stay tuned to meet the next formidable batch.