Women-owned businesses: The backbone of Community, Innovation, and Impact
At Connects Workspace, entrepreneurship is more than business growth, it is community building.
Women-owned businesses in particular continue to shape Colorado’s economic landscape with leadership rooted in resilience, creativity, service, and collaboration. In honor of the women who power our coworking community, we’re highlighting several members whose work transforms lives well beyond their office walls.
Virginia Ortiz,
Executive Director of GoFarm
Virginia Ortiz is the Executive Director of GoFarm, a non-profit organization that trains and supports small local farmers and makes nutrient-rich, local food affordable and accessible to all Coloradans.
We asked Virginia what role does community play in how her business runs. She answered :
“GoFarm is developing the next generation of farmers in Colorado. We train and support small, family owned farms and make nutrient-dense, food affordable and accessible to children, families, and older adults who are challenged with poverty, disabilities, transportation, and other barriers to accessing Colorado’s most nutritious food. Community is the very reason that our organization exists. Community members are beneficiaries, mentors, supporters, and leaders in our mission.”
Additionally, she serves as the Interim Executive Director of the Native American Housing Circle, which provides affordable housing opportunities and direct services for Native American people experiencing homelessness and housing instability. For nearly 40 years, she has developed, directed, and sustained non-profit organizations. A graduate of the National Community Development Training Institute, she is skilled in affordable housing, community based economic development, and non-profit leadership. She has held executive level positions with Bayaud Enterprises, ACCESS Housing, Colorado Foundation for Families and Children, and NEWSED Community Development Corporation. Past mayoral and gubernatorial appointments include the Denver Zoning Board, Colorado Correctional Industries, and Denver Neighborhood Health Board. Currently she serves on the Denver Commission on Aging, the City of Golden’s DEI Taskforce, and the Jeffco Advocacy Network.
Shawn Teasley,
Marketing & Social Strategist, Owner of Social Tonic
Shawn Teasley is a marketing and social media strategist passionate about digital marketing, storytelling, and social media. As the owner of Social Tonic, she consults, trains, and mentors teams, helping businesses streamline marketing through done-for-you services or in-house training. Dedicated to supporting startups and entrepreneurs, Shawn offers strategic guidance and creative solutions. Inspired by her father’s entrepreneurial spirit, she loves helping brands establish their presence and grow with confidence. Her approach makes marketing strategic, sustainable, and low-stress, allowing business owners to focus on what they do best.
We asked Shawn where does she seek inspiration. She answered :
“For me, it’s always nature! I love hiking in the foothills of Morrison, often on the same familiar path. That rhythm allows me to be fully present and notice the newness around me, what’s growing, shedding, or changing.
On those trails, I’ve found countless analogies that connect nature to business. One of my favorites is how bees pollinate flowers; just like how engagement on social media helps ideas bloom and reach new audiences. Nature has a way of grounding me, sparking creativity, and reminding me to pay attention to the small details that make all the difference.”
Katie Gaebler,
Founder of AutismNERD
Dr. Katie is the founder of AutismNERD – The Neurodiverse Education Resources of Denver - where she helps families, students, and organizations successfully implement Neurodivergent learning accommodations and navigate transitions from high school to college and beyond. With 25 years of experience in higher education and as a parent of two neurodivergent children, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work. AutismNERD specializes in holistic college prep, planning, placement, and persistence for students accessing accommodations and social-emotional support. Through a personalized, research-driven approach, Dr. Katie partners with families, fellow consultants, and organizations to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive in their next chapter.
We asked Katie where does she seek her inspiration. She answered:
"My inspiration for starting my business in 2022 came from the many roles I play as a parent to my two sons and from reflecting on my 20-year career across five different colleges. Higher education is complex, and families—especially those with students who have unique learning needs—work with me to gain both objective insight and a clear guide for navigating toward program completion, graduation, and life launch. This is a niche where I’m uniquely positioned to provide a boutique service, personalized support, and along the way I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible people and building connections that also benefit my own kids. I’m deeply grateful for my clients, collaborators, and the opportunity to do this work!"
Anita Marchant,
Managing Member at Foothills Legal Solutions
“I am a 2000 (University of North Dakota) and 2003 (University of North Dakota School of Law) graduate and have been in practice since 2003 in North Dakota and 2011 in Colorado. I am also the mother of two amazing (now) adult children, and one amazing mini-golden doodle named Josie. I enjoy everything Colorado has to offer in the outdoors (nordic and alpine skiing, hiking, biking, etc.)
I became a member at Connects in February of 2024 shortly after I launched my solo practice firm. I was previously in practice with mostly male attorneys. Being on my own and starting a woman owned business has been the best thing to happen in my career. I am able to be my authentic self in a way I could not before. My favorite thing about my job is helping people with their legal issues, especially when the circumstances are overwhelming. It is gratifying to do my best to provide a calming influence during difficult life experiences. Being a woman, I think, helps tremendously in being able to provide emotional support to my clients, in addition to legal services. As the name of my firm implies, I focus on solutions for my clients. I especially enjoy being a member at Connects because I get to be around motivated and incredible people in many different fields every day. It is inspiring to be able to call Connects my office "home”.
Jen Thoemke,
Chief Connector and Creator at Connects Workspace
Jen Thoemke is Chief Connector and Creator for Connects Workspace, owner of Gold Mine Cupcakes LLC and partner in Café 13. She is a Colorado native with over 30 years of leadership experience ranging from non-profit, small business and Corporate America. In June 2015, she opened Connects Workspace, a 3000 square foot coworking space in Golden, Colorado and has since expanded to three locations comprising 23,000 square foot of coworking space and over 250 members. Connects Workspace has been a staple in the business community of Golden and won 2019 Business of the Year for the Golden Chamber of Commerce and was one of 50 Colorado Companies to Watch in 2023. Through her business ventures she has been able to bring the love of creating community through hospitality to Golden and beyond.
A message from Jen :
“My grandmother Florence Maxwell celebrated her 99th birthday just a month ago. She was a small business owner and the strongest woman that I know! She was a beautician that had her own shop and rented out spaces to others. My mom Judy was in leadership at Coors Brewing Company and faced challenges that I could not imagine. As I began my family and decided to step out into the workforce, I honestly had no idea how hard it was for the women before me. My grandma and mom never complained, got bitter or quit. It wasn't until I began going to industry events while in the mortgage industry that I realized the disparity women can experience. While I worked for two amazing men that showed me how to run a company with kindness and integrity, the mortgage industry in general is very gender biased. When I set out to start Connects Workspace in 2015, I didn't think much about the inspiration that I was creating for my daughters and granddaughter. But, as I sit here ten years later, I want my journey to inspire them to step beyond what they think they can do, into something that takes faith beyond themselves. I am truly grateful to have had women before me lead the way so that I can now do the same for future generations.“
The women of Connects Workspace demonstrate the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. They invest in people, create pathways to opportunity, and bring expertise shaped by lived experience. Their stories reflect why women-owned businesses are essential, not only to the economy, but to the heart of every thriving community.
At Connects, we’re honored to support and celebrate these leaders and all the women who build, innovate, and lead with integrity every day.