Send us a text

On this episode of WIRED: Stories of Impactful Women, hosts Kimberly Downs and Heather Luce sit down with the inspiring Cyndi Garza - entrepreneur, business coach, boutique owner, and mentor who has built her career by helping women find their purpose and success across industries. Cyndi shares her journey from mortgage banking to launching her own businesses, overcoming personal loss, and making bold pivots that honor her passions.

Tune in for honest conversations about leadership, the power of pouring into others, the importance of personal boundaries, and how carving out time for yourself pays dividends. Cyndi, Kimberly, and Heather offer practical advice on mentorship, building a supportive “tribe,” and embracing change, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned leader, or anyone seeking to connect more deeply with your purpose.

Don’t miss this episode full of wisdom, laughs, real-world strategies, and an inside look at what it means to live - and lead - with authenticity.

Subscribe to WIRED to hear empowering stories of women shaping the future of business, real estate, and beyond—every other Wednesday!

Send us a text

In this inspiring episode of WIRED: Stories of Impactful Women, hosts Kimberly Downs and Heather Luce sit down with Cheryl Hartel and Jenny Vergara—two Kansas City powerhouses making waves in both the culinary world and commercial real estate. Jenny shares the inside story behind her famed underground supper club, Test Kitchen, and how her deep connections in Kansas City's restaurant scene led her into commercial real estate specializing in hospitality spaces. Cheryl discusses her journey from longtime restaurateur to real estate developer and her leadership as president of Les Dames d'Escoffier Kansas City, an organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting women in food, beverage, and hospitality.

Together, they explore the value of community, mentorship, and building supportive networks for women entrepreneurs—plus, they offer candid advice for anyone dreaming of starting their own restaurant or business. The conversation also highlights their upcoming collaborative event for women interested in breaking into the industry, and shines a spotlight on exciting new food spots around the city.

Whether you’re passionate about food, curious about career pivots, or looking for advice on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, there’s something here for everyone. Join us for actionable insights, heartfelt stories, and a celebration of women shaping Kansas City’s culinary and real estate landscapes!

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of WIRED: Stories of Impactful Women.

Send us a text

In this inspiring episode of WIRED: Stories of Impactful Women, hosts Kimberly Downs and Heather Luce sit down with Katie Ramos—Kansas City native, commercial real estate agent, and partner at DLM Commercial. Katie shares her unique journey from working with the Kansas City Royals to finding her true calling in commercial real estate, laying down roots, and eventually becoming a business owner.

Listen as Katie reflects on her path to partnership, the power of mentorship, and the challenges of being a young woman in a competitive, commission-based industry. She offers invaluable advice on embracing growth, building resilience, and seizing opportunities, even when they're outside your comfort zone.

Katie also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the "POD Project"—a collaborative, women-powered commercial real estate investment that brought together 24 female investors to raise nearly $1 million. Discover how a vision from a fellow WIRED leader turned into a thriving project, thanks to teamwork, tenacity, and a belief in the power of women supporting women.

Whether you're a seasoned professional, aspiring entrepreneur, or just love hearing stories of women breaking barriers, this episode offers connection, actionable insights, and a dose of Kansas City spirit. Plus, hear Katie’s top advice for women considering their own commercial property journey—and the importance of saying “yes” to showing up.

Don’t miss this episode packed with wisdom, mentorship, and authentic conversation about growth, grit, and the future of women in real estate and beyond.

Subscribe now and join the WIRED community—where bold, brilliant women shape the future, together.

Send us a text

Welcome back to WIRED: Stories of Impactful Women, the podcast where we spotlight bold, brilliant women redefining business, leadership, and the world of real estate. In today’s episode, hosts Heather Luce and Kimberly Downs invite Melissa Martin, president and owner of Kansas City Realty, to the mic for an inspiring and candid conversation.

Melissa opens up about her unconventional journey from social work to real estate, the personal fears she overcame to step fully into leadership, and how she’s working to build an agency—and a community—where women and independent voices thrive. From lessons in authentic leadership and supporting local businesses, to advice on building up confidence in the next generation, Melissa shares her experience creating a collaborative, women-led company culture that goes far beyond just buying and selling property.

Whether you’re growing a career, building a business, or looking for real-world inspiration, this episode offers connection, mentorship, and the reminder that yes, we all have the power to “do it ourselves.” Plus, you’ll hear how groups like WIRED are bringing women together to invest, rise, and celebrate each others’ wins—one honest conversation at a time.

So pour a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive in!

Have episode suggestions or questions for us? Email us at WIREDPODKC@GMAIL.COM.

Send us a text

Welcome to the relaunch of the WIRED podcast— Stories of Impactful Women. A dynamic space where bold, brilliant women come together to shape the future of business, commercial real estate, leadership, and beyond. Hosted by Heather Luce and Kimberly Downs, this podcast is all about honest, empowering conversations that go way beyond buildings.

In this inspiring premiere, Heather and Kim introduce themselves—not just as leaders in Kansas City real estate and mortgage, but as lifelong learners, business owners, team builders, and passionate advocates for women’s empowerment. They dive into their journeys from residential real estate and mortgages to commercial ownership and business coaching, sharing lessons learned about leadership, self-care, personal growth, and the power of mentorship.

Discover how authentic connections and a community like WIRED have transformed their careers, given them the courage to pursue new goals, and become a launching pad for women eager to learn, share, and own their role in business and real estate. Whether you’re building a business, growing in your career, or seeking a supportive network, you’ll find connection, mentorship, and real-world wisdom in every episode.

Tune in every other Wednesday for stories, insights, and unfiltered truths from women of influence, innovators, and changemakers. This is the podcast where women uplift women—and where anything is possible when you find your tribe. Join us as we launch the WIRED Podcast and begin a new chapter of women empowering women.

Have episode suggestions or questions for us? Email us at WIREDPODKC@GMAIL.COM.

Send us a text

Join us for a very special episode, as Heather Luce and Nooshin Shahlari chat with Diane Botwin, founder of Botwin Commercial Development. For 36 years, Diane has been a key player in Kansas City's commercial real estate scene, transforming neighborhoods through small-scale, mixed-use developments. She founded Botwin Commercial Development in 1986 with her parents, starting as a property management company and evolving into a family-run business that now handles development and leasing. We will discuss the recent WIRED KC development and investment led by Diane Botwin!

Diane shares her passion for creativity, discussing how she integrates the arts into her projects by collaborating with local artists for installations and exhibitions. Her mission is to provide neighborhood-sensitive commercial developments while mentoring small businesses and entrepreneurs along the way.

In addition to her real estate work, Diane is a strong advocate for the arts, affordable housing, and immigration. She has helped found organizations like reStart, regularly teaches citizenship classes, and volunteers at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Diane has also served on numerous nonprofit boards, making a lasting impact in her community.

Want to connect with Diane? Reach her at Botwin Commercial Development:
Email: dbotwin@botwinrealestate.com
Phone: 816-444-4414 ext. 1#

Subscribe now to hear about her journey, creative approach, and the role of women in real estate. For episode ideas or questions, email us at wiredkcpodcast@gmail.com.

Send us a text

In this exciting episode of the WIRED KC podcast, we're thrilled to introduce our brand-new co-host, Heather Luce! Heather is the proud broker/owner of the #kclocalhomes real estate team, and she's bringing her passion for Kansas City, her deep community ties, and her unique perspective to the show. A KC native, Heather loves to foster meaningful relationships and support local makers, doers, and businesses.

As a "people's agent," she believes in kindness and connection in everything she does—whether it's helping you buy or sell a home or through her nonprofit, SELF (Sustainable Empowerment Leadership Foundation), based in Honduras. Outside of real estate, Heather enjoys playing on two rec softball leagues and exploring KC's unmatched art scene.

Want to get in touch with Heather? You can reach her at 816.437.1817 or email her at heather@kclocalhomes.com.

Tune in to hear Heather’s story and her take on all things KC! Have episode suggestions or questions for us? Email us at WIREDKCPODCAST@GMAIL.COM.

Send us a text

Join as we discuss real estate from a legal lens, we are joined by Andrea Young, an attorney and VP of Legal at Grayson Capital. Please reach out to Andrea Young at Andrea@graysoncaptial.com for further questions or collaboration opportunities.