Influential Woman · Non profit
Ingrid Cortez
Executive Director, Think Positive Club
Colorado Springs, CO
Her Story
About Ingrid
I am the founder and executive director of Think Positive Club, a 501c3 nonprofit that focuses on making mental health resources and education accessible through community-based programming. I specifically lead the strategy, partnerships, and program development. My journey into this work comes back to my youth and younger days when I was raised with a really negative mindset. There was a point in my life where I discovered the power of positive thinking, and I started to go to college for it. I made it my whole degree because I was amazed by how much power our thoughts have. I changed my degree to focus on the power of positive thinking at a college where we were really focused on consciousness and wellness. After I graduated, I started working at a nonprofit called The Realm of Caring, where I was an educator on the science of cannabinoids. I loved the mission and everything they were doing. When Covid hit, I moved into storytelling and UGC content for TikTok and other products, but there was something missing. It was like a full circle moment when I realized that if they had a nonprofit, maybe I could make a nonprofit where I teach people the power of positive thinking. In 2024, I threw my first vision board party at a local coffee shop. It was sold out and completely full, and just seeing the energy in the event reassured me that this is needed in the community. That first year, I started pumping out events and programs and trying to raise enough money and gather board members so we could get to our 501c3 status. We got our status, and this year I wanted to make it more of a consistent thing to the community where they get these programs every month. Building something from nothing and building Think Positive Club has been my most notable professional achievement. We were in the newspaper, and I'm seeing the community really needs this and comes back to our events.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ingrid
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mindset and my willingness to take action before everything feels perfectly figured out. I’ve learned how to stay rooted in a clear vision while allowing the process to unfold. I don’t wait for certainty—I move with intention, trust, and consistency. That combination has opened doors, attracted aligned people, and created momentum.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Stay flexible with the process, but hold the vision. Don’t get stuck trying to control every step or needing to know exactly how things will happen. Start where you are, take the next step, and trust that clarity will come through action. When you stay committed to the vision, the right opportunities and people naturally align.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Own your voice early. You don’t need to wait until you feel “ready” or fully qualified to take up space. Start now, learn as you go, and trust that your perspective has value. Surround yourself with people who expand your thinking, not limit it. And most importantly, don’t shrink to fit into spaces that weren’t built for you. Create your own.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is cutting through the noise, there’s so much information, but not all of it creates real transformation. The opportunity is in bridging the gap between inspiration and real, tangible change. People are craving tools that actually shift their lives, especially when it comes to mental health, mindset, and nervous system regulation. There’s a huge opportunity to create experiences that are both accessible and impactful
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Positivity, faith, and growth are at the core of everything I do. Positivity isn’t about ignoring challenges, it’s about choosing a perspective that empowers you to move forward. Faith is what keeps me grounded, especially when things don’t make sense yet, it allows me to trust the vision even before I see the results. And growth is non-negotiable for me. I’m always evolving, learning, and expanding, and I bring that same energy into the spaces I create for others.
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