Last year author and motivational speaker, Tricia Downing, spoke at the DTC CBW luncheon and was truly awe inspiring.  I had met “Trish” briefly a few weeks before at a book signing party and was impressed by her story but more so by her presence…actually by her essence!

Her story is that “In one instant, on September 17, 2000, Tricia went from being a competitive cyclist to a paraplegic requiring a wheelchair for mobility. Her life was changed forever, but Tricia’s competitive spirit and zest for life continued on” but doesn’t even begin to describe the absolutely wonderful woman that I have come to call my friend.

Trish is a competitor to her very core and uses the fuel of her fire to inspire and motivate abled-bodies and challenged-bodies in ways one could only imagine.

This year Tricia invited me to speak about goal setting at Camp Discovery, a retreat she created for women in wheel chairs “who have disorders of the spinal cord redefine themselves to live strong, productive and happy lives by, building self-esteem, creating a personal network and support system, inspiring a positive body image, and encouraging physical fitness.”

As you can tell, this Camp was created by one POWERFUL and AMAZING woman for powerful and amazing women.  I was honored by the invitation and was truly inspired and transformed by the women that attended.  These women shared with me their goals for Camp as well as their personal stories.  We laughed and enjoyed each other’s company and dug deep to find those things that hold us back – fear, lack of confidence, in accurate self perception and the list goes on.  Some women had been in chairs for years and some months.  One woman was in her 70’s and doing the zip line again!  I know…Inspiring right?!!!

I am working on putting into words my experience at Camp Discovery and will share with you all when I do.  But until then, check out Tricia Downing at her website and better yet, hire her to speak at your company or organization.  I assure you that the individuals that you work with, know and love will be inspired, motivated and transformed in ways you can’t begin to imagine.

Learn more about Tricia Downing at www.trishdowning.com and Camp Discovery here.

DTC-CBW is an organization whose “mission is to promote full participation, equity and economic self-sufficiency for Colorado’s working women.”   It is an organization that I became part of over 2.5 years ago and have truly become passionate about.  My love for DTC CBW is not only because of its mission, but the caliber of women (and men) it attracts.

It is the energy of the 120+ people in the room at each monthly luncheon.  It is the other non-profit organizations we support.  It is the opportunity to “Deepen The Connection” throughout the month at smaller more intimate venues.  It is the volunteer board members who are creative, intelligent and wonderfully committed to serving the organization.  And much, much more.

The type of people that come to the luncheons are business owners and corporate professionals who desire connection and to be part of something bigger than themselves.  They know that DTC CBW supports other organizations with like missions both in service and financially.  These people know that each month they will not only hear an amazing speaker talking on relevant business topics or of truly inspirational and motivational stories AND that DTC CBW makes a donation to a charity with like mission in the speakers name.

The attendees also know that this is the place to make real, long lasting and deep connections with other professionals who are supporters of their business via referrals, connecting them with possible venture partners, and true friendship.

If you haven’t checked out a luncheon, I highly recommend it.  Come be among some of the most amazing people in Denver!  Check out DTC CBW at www.dtc-cbw.org.