ABOUT US

What’s the Women R.I.S.E mission?

Our Mission

We are dedicated to empowering local women in business through community engagement, education, and networking opportunities.

Our Goals

  • Build a Strong Network: Facilitate regular networking events to connect women entrepreneurs.

  • Create Online Community: Establish a digital platform for members to share resources and experiences through our Facebook Group

  • Host Educational Workshops & Featured Speakers: Offer workshops and Guest Speakers on key business topics to enhance business, skills and knowledge.

  • Encourage Cross-Industry Connections: Host events that bring together entrepreneurs from diverse fields for collaboration.

  • Provide Referral Opportunities: Engage members in events so they can foster their own referral opportunities

  • Create A Sisterhood: We are more than just a networking group, we are a sisterhood of amazing women who also happen to be entrepreneurs

Meet the Women R.I.S.E Leadership Team

  • Laura Penner

    Women R.I.S.E Founder & CEO — Business Coach, Brand & Retreat Photographer, Somatic Guide

    Meet Laura – the Visionary Behind Women R.I.S.E.

    Laura lit the spark that became Women R.I.S.E. in Fall 2023, launching the movement through a powerful Facebook group that quickly evolved into a thriving community of 1000+ ambitious, heart-led women. As the mastermind behind the scenes, she’s the engine that keeps everything running — from curating monthly networking events to managing the Facebook group, website, guest speakers and organizational structure. Laura doesn’t just keep things moving — she’s driving the vision forward with fierce clarity and purpose.

    A Brand Strategist, Brand & Retreat Photographer, and somatic guide, Laura is on a mission to help women break free from imposter syndrome, burnout, and overwhelm — and rise into the full expression of their power. Her work is rooted in deep support, strategy, and soul — empowering women entrepreneurs to stop playing small and start owning their brilliance.

    Living Potential LLC

  • Kris van Genderen

    Women R.I.S.E Social Media Manager — Legacy Filmmaker & Healing Arts Practitioner

    Women supporting women creates a ripple of empowerment and connection, and through social media, she helps us spread awareness to amplify our impact and build community.

    Kris is a legacy filmmaker, EOL doula, and breathwork facilitator who also loves holding cacao and breathwork sessions to inspire connection and healing. With a background in journalism and over 15 years of filmmaking experience, she blends storytelling, mindfulness, and sacred rituals to help individuals and families preserve their legacies. Through her heartfelt work, Kris celebrates the beauty and sacredness of life’s journey.

  • Natalie Elghossain

    Women R.I.S.E Volunteer Coordinator — Ayurvedic Health Practitioner

    Natalie joined the RISE Leadership Team after feeling deeply inspired by the community’s energy and impact as she attended events regularly and served as a guest speaker. She now coordinates volunteers to foster deeper engagement and support within this growing community. 

    An Ayurvedic Health Practitioner and Coach, Natalie supports women and men facing burnout, mental and emotional stress, digestive, metabolic, and hormonal imbalances, and relationship challenges. She helps clients cultivate balance, vibrant energy, mental clarity, emotional regulation, and deeper connection—so they feel nourished, empowered, and aligned in all areas of life. 

    Explore her Ayurveda Workshops, Online Program, and Private Coaching Services at:  

    Ayurveda Wellness

  • Korinne Akridge

    Women R.I.S.E Project Manager - Retreat Leader & Coach

    Korinne is a seasoned entrepreneur, facilitator, and former school founder who’s spent the last 25+ years helping others create meaningful change, from the classroom to the boardroom to the backcountry.

    After building a thriving private school and navigating her own journey through cancer, burnout, and reinvention, Korinne shifted her focus to what felt most alive: helping others build businesses that are both powerful and deeply aligned.

    Today, she leads Take Your Mind Outdoors, a retreat and coaching experience that combines nature, movement, and inquiry, and Take Your Mind Into Business, a course and coaching workshop for service-centered entrepreneurs ready to grow without sacrificing themselves.

    As a member of Women RISE, Korinne is committed to fostering community where clarity, courage, and real conversations lead the way.

    She’s based in Boulder and believes your next breakthrough might just be waiting on a trail.

  • Gabby Rivas

    Women R.I.S.E. Event Manager – Somatic Psychotherapist, LPCC

    Gabby is a witchy somatic psychotherapist who supports women navigating the challenges of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Her clients often experience anxiety, difficulty feeling safe in their bodies and relationships, struggles with setting boundaries, fear of rejection, emotional instability, and low self-worth.

    With a deep passion for helping others find steadiness, self-connection, healing, and wholeness, Gabby brings her vibrant Gemini energy into an integrative, soul-centered approach. Her work weaves together menstrual cycle awareness, body-based therapy, parts work, ritual, experiential practices, tarot, and AcuDetox (ear acupuncture) to support holistic transformation of both mind and body.

    You can learn more about Gabby and inquire about a consultation here: https://prosopontherapy.com/about-gabby/

  • Amanda McCool

    Women R.I.S.E Email & Promo Marketing - Heyy McCool Marketing

    Amanda is a copywriter and content strategist who specializes in crafting email campaigns, blog posts, and newsletters designed to help small businesses grow with clarity, connection, and purpose.

    She is currently working on launching her passion project, Adventures with Doug and Jane—a children’s book series inspired by her grandparents. The series blends travel, curiosity, emotional growth, and storytelling to encourage kids to explore the world around them.

    Outside of her professional work, Amanda is a single mother of two and a dedicated dog mom to Apple, her energetic pup, and Mickey, her sweet 16-year-old companion. As a neurodivergent and creative individual, she is committed to building a life of freedom, impact, and meaning—one word (and one project) at a time.

    Being part of Women’s Rise holds deep significance for Amanda, as she believes that doing this work in community is far more powerful than going it alone.

Interested in volunteering at one of our next events?

We are looking for volunteers to support our networking events including set up, cleanup, greeting, and providing snacks or non alcoholic drinks. All volunteers will receive a special shout out in addition to a flyer featuring their name, photo, and business info at the event you work at.