At Bridgewater Bank, we have the privilege of partnering with some of the Twin Cities’ most dynamic and driven women leaders, individuals who are achieving goals, breaking barriers, and redefining what success, leadership, and entrepreneurship look like today.
For this special Women in Business Spotlight, we sat down with three inspiring professionals, Kristin Dennewill of Denamico, Wendy Ethen of Guaranty Commercial Title, and Katy Burke of TeamWomen, to hear their stories, lessons, and advice for women navigating business ownership and leadership.
Whether you’re building your career, growing your business, or leading from the top, you’ll benefit from their honest insights on resilience, growth, and creating lasting impact.
Now, let’s hear from these remarkable women who are shaping the Twin Cities business landscape:
Kristin Dennewill, Co-Founder & CEO, Denamico
About Kristin
As Co-Founder and CEO of Denamico, Kristin helps mid-market and enterprise organizations drive digital transformation through smart CRM strategy, process design, and technology. Her entrepreneurial journey has brought her across four continents, from cosmopolitan cities to the African desert. Her vast experience and global perspective shapes the way she leads, learns, and collaborates. Kristin is passionate about helping growing businesses align people, process, and platforms so they can scale intentionally and sustainably.
Q&A with Kristin:
How do you define success at this stage in your journey?
“Two things come to mind: Impact, and knowing that I'm making progress in the areas of my life that are important to me, such as family, relationships, health and wellness, and professional growth.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
“Sales. I was an accounting and international business major in college, and the thought of selling terrified me. But entrepreneurship is about having a growth mindset and leaning into the things that scare you most. So, I hired a sales coach, studied, read, trained, and eventually learned to enjoy it. Today, speaking with clients is one of my favorite parts of what I do.”
What advice would you give to other women looking to grow their business or step into leadership?
“Don't underestimate the impact of a good hire (or a bad one). Like sales, hiring isn’t easy, and it's worth investing in learning how to do it well sooner rather than later.”
What do you appreciate most about Bridgewater Bank?
“I value Bridgewater’s flexibility and their willingness to think outside the box. Most entrepreneurs are rule-breakers, not followers, and Bridgewater truly understands how to work with them. I also appreciate being able to call someone who knows me and my business when I have a question or need support.”
Wendy Ethen, President & Visionary, Guaranty Commercial Title
About Wendy
Wendy Ethen is the President and Founder of Guaranty Commercial Title, as well as an attorney and Certified Real Property Law Specialist. With nearly two decades of experience helping clients navigate complex real estate transactions with clarity and confidence, her expertise spans multifamily, affordable housing, senior, office, industrial, and retail properties. Beyond the closing table, Wendy champions affordable housing across the Twin Cities, serving on the boards of SPEDCO and Rethos: Places Reimagined to promote economic development and community revitalization.
Q&A with Wendy:
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Don’t get stuck on comparisons. When you’re negotiating with a client or partner, focus less on what you are getting compared to what they are getting. Instead, ask yourself, “Are you better off in or out of this deal?’”
What is one thing you would tell your younger self?
“Just keep swimming! Showing up and working hard really is a major key to success. If you just keep going when others give up, you win.”
What’s one resource, book, podcast, community, or tool you always recommend?
“I always encourage people to really dig in and do the work to understand themselves and their unique abilities. We’ve used the StrengthsFinder books and test for many years, and more recently have added Kolbe testing, coaching, and team building. I spent much of my life trying to be all the things I wasn’t capable of being. Once I really understood myself and was able to celebrate my strengths, I found much more satisfaction in my work. I want that for everyone.”
How do you build and maintain a strong network?
“Early on, just say yes. Take every opportunity you have to explore and listen to those around you. And as you grow, keep saying yes, but to a more focused set of opportunities. Once you start to understand where you’re going, spend your time and energy in places where your goals are more likely to be achieved, not in random rooms where you may bump into someone extraordinary. Plan and use your time wisely. And remember: networking is a give-and-take. You’ll be invited back if you do an equal amount of sharing and listening.”
What’s something you wish more people understood about entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurs aren’t born without fear; we simply learn how to push through it. By listening to our instincts and emotions, we find the courage to make thoughtful, forward-looking decisions. I also don’t think most people realize just how vital entrepreneurs are to our economy and to everyday life. Together, we employ nearly half of the American workforce and generate 43.5% of the nation’s GDP. And we’re the ones who test new ideas and technologies before they’re widely adopted by larger companies.
Why is having the right banking partner important?
“Having the right banking partner is an essential component of running a business. I need a bank that knows me and understands how I make decisions in my business. They need to trust my system as much as I do. Entrepreneurs are all different, and our metrics may not easily fit into standard banking practices. That’s why it’s important to work with a bank that can analyze the nuances of your business while also comparing it to best practices and risk tolerances of other businesses.”
What do you appreciate most about Bridgewater Bank?
“Bridgewater is incredibly user-friendly. Their systems and people are all about getting things done. They care about my business and my team, and they go above and beyond, providing us with important industry information, tools to help run and protect our business, and networking opportunities to help us grow.”
Katy Burke, Executive Director of TeamWomen
About Katy:
As Executive Director of TeamWomen, Katy Burke is known for sparking growth, building purpose-driven communities, and empowering women and girls to reach their full potential. With a career spanning media, manufacturing, and mission-driven leadership, she brings a blend of creativity, strategy, and connection to every room she enters. Katy is a sought-after speaker, mentor, and advisor who leads with authenticity and heart. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Relate Counseling Center, the Advisory Boards for Twin Cities Film Fest and Merevie, and is a member of the Minnesota Women’s Economic Roundtable and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Bizwomen Leadership Council.
Q&A with Katy:
What inspired you to lead TeamWomen?
“I discovered TeamWomen during a major turning point in my life: going through a divorce, becoming a single parent, moving homes, and restarting my consulting business. In that season, I was surrounded by women who lifted me up and helped me rebuild my path forward. TeamWomen’s mission to inspire women and girls resonated deeply because I had lived it. I joined the board in 2015, and when the opportunity to lead the organization arose, it felt like a natural fit. Since then, our membership has grown from 250 to 675, and we’ve expanded our programming to reach women and girls at every stage of their journey. Most importantly, our impact is measurable: in our 2024 member survey, 26% reported an increase in compensation, 13% changed jobs, and 10% received a promotion. We’ve also paired more than 595 mentors and mentees and reached over 2,800 youth through our Empower Leadership Academy, building confidence, leadership skills, and future economic mobility.”
How do you define success at this stage in your journey?
“At this stage, I define success as alignment, living, and leading in a way that matches my values. It’s about using my gifts to create opportunities for others, making space for women and girls to grow, and continuing to grow myself along the way. Success isn’t about perfection or titles; it’s about progress, resilience, and leaving behind stronger leaders, stronger teams, and stronger communities.”
How do you build and maintain a strong network?
“Networking has never been about transactions for me. It’s about genuine curiosity and connection. My parents instilled in me the value of learning people’s stories, and over time, that’s created a beautiful mosaic of relationships that fuel ideas, confidence, and creativity. To maintain those connections, I dive deeply into a few professional and personal groups at a time, contribute fully, and surround myself with people who challenge me to grow. A strong network isn’t built overnight; it’s nurtured through consistency, authenticity, and generosity.”
What’s something you wish more people understood about entrepreneurship?
“Entrepreneurship is often seen as a path to freedom, but in reality, it’s one of the loneliest and toughest journeys you can take. It requires wearing every hat... revenue generation, team building, stakeholder management...and flexing muscles you didn’t know you had. I grew up around entrepreneurs and have been one myself, and I know it’s not for the faint of heart. While freedom may be the long-term reward, the day-to-day is about grit, resilience, and relentless problem-solving.”
What do you appreciate most about Bridgewater Bank?
“What I appreciate most about Bridgewater Bank is that they truly live their values. From senior leaders to emerging professionals, every interaction is grounded in service, partnership, and heart. Whether they are supporting high-growth businesses or nonprofits like ours, they bring both savvy and sincerity, making them an invaluable partner in driving success.”
We’re continually amazed by the women entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders making their mark on the Twin Cities business community. And, we're proud to come alongside them as dedicated partners and maximize their success.
Does this sound like you? Discover how we can meet your needs and exceed your expectations>>> https://bridgewaterbankmn.com/commercial-banking/banking-for-women