Whoo. Hoo!
Happy you’re here! I'm Barbara Brooks, your age-positive speaker, moderator, entrepreneur, media contributor, and the woman behind SecondActWomen.
Nearly 40% of the U.S. workforce is over 45, but you wouldn’t know it from the way most companies talk—or don’t talk—about age.
I am changing the way the world sees age
Breaking barriers and building bridges
Rewriting the rules on age
I go hard on the idea that age isn’t a limitation, it’s our secret sauce. I’ve shared stages with trailblazing women pushing boundaries in business, life, and reinvention.
As the founder of SecondActWomen, I united a powerhouse community of 21,000+ 40‑plus women (and allies) because let’s face it, society still undervalues experience.
My mission? Kickstart real convos about age bias and give women and others the tools to go big[ger].
Through keynotes, interactive workshops, media interviews, my YouTube channel, and digital [age-friendly] content, I’ve helped thousands rethink what success looks like at 45, 55, 65, and beyond.
I’ve been recognized as a thought leader and Influencer in Aging by PBS’s Next Avenue and featured in Forbes, MarketWatch, and Fast Company. I’ve spoken at Denver Startup Week five years running and was named one of Denver’s Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business.
But here’s what truly drives me: I believe age is an asset. We’re not expiring like a carton of eggs. We’re just getting started!
That’s why I’ve dedicated my second half of life to challenging outdated narratives and creating spaces where women feel seen, heard, and unstoppable.
So, let’s start a conversation.
Together, we can change the way the world views age and, more importantly, the way we view ourselves. Really. That’s no woo kind of thing! We can.
Let me tell you about
What I’ve done
In 2018, I co-founded SecondActWomen to inspire women over 40 to thrive in their professional and personal lives.
Today, as the sole leader of this inspiring initiative, I’m proud of how it has grown into the voice of and for women in middlescence, offering workshops, signature events, and content to challenge ageist stereotypes and imposter’ism to take hold of life and live it in full color. Through social media and email community, I’ve connected with over 21,000 people who are inspired by this mission.
If you’d like to learn more, I’d love for you to check it out!
Visit SecondActWomen
Highlights from my career
Over the course of my career, I’ve built a reputation as a dynamic leader, collaborator, and champion for change. Here are some of the highlights that showcase the breadth and impact of my work:
Career milestones
I founded SecondActWomen in 2018, a groundbreaking social enterprise supporting women 40+ in their professional and personal lives. Today, the community has grown to over 10,000 women and allies.
I was named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Business by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce and a Leader in Diversity from the Denver Business Journal.
I hold a degree from Colorado State University and am proud to be an alumnus of Sigma Kappa Sorority.
Professional experience
As an award-winning marketer, I’ve led impactful campaigns for Park Meadows Retail Resort (Denver), Fashion Show Mall (Las Vegas), Trolley Square (Salt Lake City), and Sundance Square Entertainment District (Fort Worth).
My sales career spans roles at iHeartMedia, Gannett, and CBS Radio, where I honed my expertise in sales and customer relationships.
From leading impactful events to rolling up my sleeves to serve directly…
I’m dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Speaking & media features
I’ve been recognized as an Influencer in Aging by PBS’s Next Avenue and featured in media outlets including Forbes, MarketWatch, Fast Company, Denver Post, CBS Colorado, PBS12 and Colorado Public Radio.
I’ve spoken at prominent venues and online, including Hyatt, Microsoft Denver HQ, Frontier Airlines, and Denver Startup Week, where I’ve presented five years in a row.
My company, SecondActWomen, achieved a major milestone by graduating from Facebook’s Community Accelerator Program.
As a podcast guest, I’ve shared insights on age inclusion, the power of women over 40, and ‘aging is living’ on platforms like Pfizer’s Menopause UnMuted, the UK’s Ageism is Never in Style, and Second Act Stories.
Community impact
Dedicated Service
I’ve always been passionate about giving back to my community and have served as a board member, gala chairperson, and volunteer for several non-profit organizations.
Key Contributions
I represented the Colorado Firefighter Calendar, helping raise funds for children at the burn center.
I’ve planned gala events for the Friends First Foundation and supported the Sense of Security Foundation, which provides financial assistance to breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.
I’ve proudly served as a two-time gala chair for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital events in Denver, contributing to their mission of advancing medical research and saving children’s lives.
My volunteer efforts include preparing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House and mentoring youth, helping to inspire the next generation.
Inspiration That Sparks Action
I don’t do fluff. My sessions combine humor, data, and real stories to spark the kind of tough conversations that lead to transformation. AND, depending on the event, they’ll do a little work inside the session and potentially have ‘homework’ to continue their learning.
Know that every keynote, every workshop, and every YouTube episode opens with one goal: to get you thinking and making actionable change. It’s just how I roll.
