Ageism is rarely discussed in the repertoire of workplace discrimination. In our youth-driven culture where every other 20-something white guy in a hoodie is considered a genius, and 50-something white men racing to space are upheld as gods, we have forgotten the indelible value of wisdom, age, and experience. 

Enter Denver-based SecondActWomen, founded by Barbara Brooks and Guadalupe Hirt. Together they are championing the professional ambitions of women 40 & 50+.Their mission? To support the careers, ventures, and big ideas of women over 40 through a curated collection of business and lifestyle events and programs, online community, and connections.

SAW is a sisterhood of “middlescent” women reimagining their lives even when corporate, society, and others say they’re over. Nothing is further from the truth. 

SecondActWomen is one of 31 North American communities selected from more than 13,000 submissions to be part of the 2021 Facebook Community Accelerator, an eight-month-long program that provides selected community leaders with training, mentorship, and funding for an initiative that extends their community’s impact.

We sat down with Barbara and Lupe to get the lowdown on what makes these two women keep up with their quickly growing community in a constantly changing world.

Barbara Brooks

What was your last “aha” moment? 

Learning there’s a new term for what we do at SecondActWomen. It’s called Age Tech. Finally! There’s a name for ‘us.’

What can you not stop thinking about right now? 

Membership program pitch to Facebook and Founder Gym to help more women over 40 advance themselves in business (and life).

What book do you think every founder should read? 

Start With Why, Simon Sinek 

Describe a time when you ‘failed forward’. 

Not getting hired back in corporate. I started a company instead and fast forward 3+ years and our message is getting heard. #womendontexpire 

What is your most persistent internal dialogue and why? 

I’m unstoppable no matter the ups and downs. Keep going, Barbara.

 What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to that’s inspiring you on the daily? 

Erin May Henry, YouTuber/Instagrammer 

Guadalupe Hirt

What was your last “aha” moment?  

When you downplay your talents, play small or try to be like someone else, you’re basically telling God he didn’t do a good enough job creating you.

What can you not stop thinking about right now? 

How am I going to create a positive impact in at least one person’s life every.single.day. 

What book do you think every female founder should read?

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Describe a time when you ‘failed forward.’ 

I didn’t set out to co-found SecondActWomen. In fact, I started off earmarking only 20% of my time – lol! But as I delved more into it, I became more curious about the realities, shared experiences, and challenges of this life stage. The learning hasn’t stopped!

What is your most persistent internal dialogue and why? 

Receive and give from the heart. Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.

What are you currently reading, watching or listening to that’s inspiring you on the daily? 

The 35-day challenge through Flatirons Community Church.