How Woman Owned Businesses Are Reshaping Colorado

Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs and Their Impact on Mental Health

Women-owned businesses are transforming Colorado’s economy, workforce, and healthcare landscape. With more female entrepreneurs stepping up to lead innovative companies, we’re witnessing a shift toward more inclusive, compassionate, and high-performing organizations. Nowhere is this more evident than in the mental health sector—where women-led businesses are not only driving economic growth but also saving lives.

Axis Integrated Mental Health: A Woman-Led Success Story

At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we know firsthand the power of women-led businesses to make a difference. As a woman-owned and locally operated mental health clinic, we were recently named ColoradoBiz Magazine’s Top Startup of the Year, recognized not only for our rapid growth but for our deep commitment to transforming mental healthcare.

Our cofounder—who spent 20 years in marketing before launching Axis with her husband—saw firsthand how toxic workplaces contributed to burnout, depression, and anxiety. Together. they built Axis with a vision to create a better mental health system—one where patients could get psychiatry, therapy, and cutting-edge treatments like Spravato and TMS under one roof, all covered by insurance.

Women in Mental Health: Closing Gaps, Saving Lives

The contributions of women in mental health go far beyond business ownership. Research shows that women are more likely to pursue careers in psychiatry, psychology, and therapy—often filling critical gaps in mental healthcare access. Women-led mental health clinics like Axis also bring a more holistic, patient-centered approach, focusing not just on treatment but on long-term recovery, equity, and community support.

At Axis, this means advocating for paid mental health leave, breaking stigma around depression, and making advanced treatments more affordable and accessible.

Gender-Diverse Companies Perform Better—And Save More Lives

Studies consistently show that gender-diverse companies outperform their peers, generating higher revenue, making better decisions, and fostering more innovation. A report from McKinsey & Company found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability.

But in healthcare, this impact goes beyond financial success—it translates into more lives saved.

This is where our mission aligns with the 266K Project—an effort to prevent 266,000 Coloradans from dying by suicide. At Axis, we believe that every life saved from depression, suicide, and untreated mental illness is a testament to the power of inclusive, values-driven leadership. Our success proves that when women lead, we don’t just grow businesses—we create a healthier, stronger, and more resilient community.

Supporting Women-Owned Businesses Means Investing in a Better Future

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s crucial to recognize the power of women entrepreneurs in shaping Colorado’s future. By supporting women-led businesses—whether by choosing them as service providers, advocating for their funding, or amplifying their impact—we invest in economic progress, innovation, and life-changing solutions.

Axis Integrated Mental Health stands as proof that when women lead, we don’t just build companies—we build hope, healing, and a better mental healthcare system for all.

Join us in celebrating the women reshaping Colorado. Let’s continue making mental health a priority, fostering inclusive workplaces, and ensuring that no one has to suffer in silence.