Welcome our new leader, Simone D. Ross!

[DENVER, COLO.–December 16, 2021]–The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) announced today the appointment of Simone D. Ross as its new president and chief executive officer, and executive director of the Colorado Women’s Chamber Foundation.

Ross has served as interim CEO since August, during which an extensive national search was conducted. The CWCC Board of Directors unanimously selected Ross for the role; she will be the first Black woman CEO of the organization.

A proven executive leader with unique and diverse experience in entrepreneurship, startups, sales, and within large corporations, Ross is expertly positioned to advance the CWCC’s mission to support and empower all women in business.

“Simone is a skilled leader who possesses the rare combination of passion, connections, and operational excellence. She is exactly the right choice to lead this organization into the future with a focus on making CWCC an inclusive advocate for women in business across the state,” said CWCC Board Chair and CEO of Girl Scouts of Colorado, Leanna Clark.

Ross is a Denver native who brings extensive insight and perspective on integrating equity into the workplace and has a unique focus on operationalizing equity and inclusivity.

“I look forward to growing this community of talented and successful women in business and allies,” said Ross. “As women continue to navigate the lasting impacts of the pandemic and experience inequities, it is essential we work harder than ever to ensure women at all intersections are promoted, supported, and empowered to continue to break barriers to reach the highest levels of success.”

According to the latest McKinsey & Company report on Women in the Workplace, women have left the workforce in record numbers in the past 18 months and are experiencing burnout levels at much higher rates than men. The report also notes that women of color continue to be dramatically underrepresented at high levels.

In an effort to catalyze change and elevate opportunities for women and people of color, Ross founded Simone D. Ross, LLC, a consulting firm, in 2018 with the vision of catalyzing human thriving. In addition, she uses her more than 16 years of corporate experience to bring voice to the importance of creating equity within business enterprises and creating a sustainable community rooted in equity.

Ross holds a master of arts and master of business administration from Colorado State University. She has been recognized by the Denver Business Journal as an Outstanding Woman in Business and “40 Under 40” young business leader; the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce as one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women; the Association for Corporate Growth as a David Sloan business scholar; and was recognized by the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce as a community service champion. She is a graduate of the Denver Metro Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Denver program, the Colorado State Chamber of Commerce CACI Executive Leadership Program, and is an Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado Chamber Connect alumnus. She currently serves on the board of directors for Girls, Inc. and Centura Parker Adventist Hospital with past experience with the Aurora Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors.

Ross is a trusted thought leader, international speaker, and facilitator, business executive, and community servant with an unbridled passion for operational development and workforce equity, the Colorado business community, and the advancement of women in work.

ABOUT CWCC

CWCC is one of the largest women’s chambers in the US and has achieved vast market recognition as a thought leader and influencer for the advancement of women in work. CWCC adds value to its members through networking and programming opportunities. The organization amplifies women through signature events, recognizing the accomplishments of the state’s top women in business, and companies driving for workplace change. To become a member or learn more, visit www.cwcc.org.

ABOUT CWC Foundation
The Colorado Women’s Chamber Foundation is the 501(c)3 organization and part of the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. The organization’s goal is to create meaningful and sustainable change in our culture through the development and growth of women leaders and women-owned businesses in all fields of industry in Colorado. Learn more and get involved at www.coloradowcf.org.