The Colorado Women’s Chamber recently announced the departure of its CEO, Kristen Blessman, and the appointment of Interim CEO, Simone D. Ross.
Simone is a Colorado native who grew up in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood. Simone’s upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of the importance of community, family, and building through investing in the success and dreams of one another.
In an effort to catalyze change, elevate and add visibility to issues of workforce equity, and operationalize inclusivity in business. Simone founded Simone D. Ross, LLC, a consulting firm with the vision of catalyzing human thriving through effective and integrative change management. Simone uses her 15+ years of corporate experience to crystalize business operations strategy, and bring voice to the importance of creating equitable and sound enterprises. Simone also brings a refreshing voice and insight to many events as CEO of SDR Events. She facilitates inspiring experiences, content, and presentations, to “ignite the light” in the participants at the events she hosts. She is also the Founder and CEO of Youth United University, an anti-racist education program for kids grades 6 – 8.
Throughout Simone’s extensive corporate career she has led expansion and operations in Denver and Minneapolis for The Riveter; worked in mergers and acquisitions as Director of Strategic Business Initiatives at SCL Health; founded and operated the SpringRock Dental oral health corporation, a subsidiary entity of Delta Dental of Colorado; and pioneered Kaiser Permanente’s business development and market expansion efforts. Simone holds a Master of Arts, and Master of Business Administration degree from Colorado State University. She has been recognized by the Denver Business Journal as an “Outstanding Women in Business” honoree, and a “40 Under 40” 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 Leadership Denver, the Colorado State Chamber of Commerce CACI Executive Leadership Program, and is an Urban Leadership Foundation Chamber Connect alum.
Simone is most proud of her two amazing children. She is motivated by watching them grow, thrive, fearlessly create, and explore the world.
Share this article:
Other Articles