Meet Molly Soderstrom | Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Molly Soderstrom and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Molly, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
One of our main values is: People over platforms. We are in the business of people, and don’t want to uplift ourselves as the main leaders or figure heads of The Brook, but want to equip and empower others to be leaders as well. So many organizations are based around one person, so when something happens to that person, the organization dies. Our desire is that our vision will continue on because we are building in to others to be leaders in their own life and community. I always tell people, we give away leadership quickly.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the executive director of a non profit, The Brook Denver. I have always liked working in a local capacity where I can creatively mentor young adult women who are hungry to grow, and want to have an impact on the world. I love that our past is never wasted, and that it is used to build upon for greater impact in the world in the future. I never planned on starting The Brook in the middle of a world wide pandemic, but my husband always said “what if we started a movement online before in person”. When COVID hit, it seemed like the perfect time to give it a try. We now have a large online platform, but our 3 main avenues of involvement are our: online personal coaching, digital meet up groups, and in person happy hours. We are a group of dynamic young leaders in Denver, investigating how to have a great life, great relationships, and know God. Everyone chases after a great highlight reel; we live it! We are a collection of young leaders in Denver unifying under the belief that life is meant to be a series of great relationships and experiences. We investigate how God intersects our life and brings a new perspective that ignites our passion and purpose. Starting The Brook was a risk for me, because previously I was not a huge fan of social media and online interactions. Through the Brook though,  I have seen that technology when used for good can be a great networking and connecting tool that can also provide real connection that leads to authentic community. Most of the people we connect with find us on Instagram, then we build relationships and connect with them personally.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would most definitely show them downtown Denver and the art district, taking them on a tour of the amazing street graffiti art all around. The colors and creativity in the city are amazing. The perfect day would of course start off with taking a barre class at my local spot, then going to my absolute favorite neighborhood gluten free bakery and coffee roaster. River ands Roads is by far the best gluten free bake shop, and has a gluten free sausage cheddar biscuit that will rival any gluten option. Following that, we might take our electric bikes on a ride downtown along the river. Then for a little pampering go to base coat nail salon which is a non toxic salon, to get a gel manicure and pedicure. For an afternoon pick me up we would go to brew culture, which is a local kombucha room and is so lovely.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Jason! He has been so supportive and encouraging of me in this new endeavor. He has seen potential and has called me up to leadership when I was tentative of it.

Website: Thebrookdenver.com
Instagram: Thebrookdenver
Facebook: The Brook Denver

Image Credits
Ivywild visuals