#WomenCrushingWednesday with Reseena Cowan

Name: Reseena Cowan

Organization: Haselden Construction

Title: Sr. Project Coordinator

Community Work
Eureka! STEM Advisory Board for Girls, Inc. and volunteer, Advisory Board Member for the Haselden Lean In Group and community volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, High School volunteer for girls sports – Volleyball, along with other misc. volunteer activities. I am always adding myself to something!

CWCC Involvement
Reseena has been an active member with the CWCC for almost 2 years through the Haselden WIC Group membership. She attends several events and has served as a panelist and moderator.

The Why: why do you do what you do? Why are you passionate about your work in our community?
I learned many lessons in my teenage years, but one that really stuck with me was we should not look at our lives through a lens of limits or regrets. I taught my daughter that regardless of what you look like, believe in who you are, not what everyone else says you should be and tap into your gifts. This will become a foundation of strength when you lack confidence or doubt yourself. I want all young women to know they can accomplish anything. Go above and beyond what people expect of you based on stereotypes and assumptions. You are more than their perception. I was raised to believe that and I feel it is essential that I pass that on to future generations.

What is one of the biggest challenges that you have overcome, and how did you overcome it?
Speaking in front of groups! I wouldn’t say I have overcome it, but I have gotten better at it. I have learned that in order to get my message out or do what I need to do, I have to look outside of myself, get over it and get it done!

What is your personal motto?
We either make ourselves miserable or make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.

Advice for others in business based on what you have learned on your journey?
Step outside of your comfort zone and take a chance. A lot of worry is based in fear of a nonexistent result to a situation. Don’t spend a lot of time worrying about what will happen (since it hasn’t) or if it doesn’t work out. Fear of failure is real and not insignificant, but changing the negative association of the word to a positive meaning in your life will be a huge stepping stone in designing your life. It’s definitely a cliché, but a powerful one, focus on your moment and move forward. Trust yourself and know that you will overcome any obstacle. Take a class, do some research, talk to people and network to find out what you need to get you to the next level in your career or personal life. And always keep in mind your priorities and check in with yourself and see if what you are doing aligns with those goals and principles. If not, maybe it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate your journey.

What are you most proud of from the last year?
Being able to establish the new Culture of Care Task Force within our company despite the challenges we faced last year. I received support from within the company and guidance outside of the company encouraging me to take the idea and run with it. I could not have done that without the support of my peers and my family.

Thank you, MSU Denver for sponsoring the #WomenCrushingWednesday Series!