People

Gal About Town

February 8, 2026

In a neighborhood powered by introductions as much as taste, few people move as effortlessly between boardrooms, city halls, and cultural front rows as Esther Lee Leach. As Founder and Principal of The ELL Network, she’s built a career around strategy and connection by advising leaders on partnerships, civic engagement, and external affairs with the steady confidence of someone who’s been on every side of the table. Her current roles read like a snapshot of Colorado’s momentum: a governor-appointed member of the Colorado Economic Development Commission, Chair-elect of the Board of the Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce, and a board member of Biennial of the Americas and CherryArts. Most recently, in the Office of the Mayor for the City and County of Denver, she led citywide board recruitment and appointments and helped shape community partnership strategy, representing the City on major economic and cultural initiatives, including the Outside Festival and the Sundance Film Festival. Add to that an early career in television as a journalist, producer, and host—and later, the founder of a digital fashion and culture magazine—and you get a woman fluent in both message and momentum. Esther is the one you want in the room when the goal isn’t just a great gathering, but a lasting alliance.

Esther Lee Leach is our Gal About Town.

What’s one thing you must do every morning before the world can have you? I try to think of one good thing that is happening today and hug my son Hunter. It sets an optimistic tone for the day and prepares me to handle whatever comes my way.

If your wardrobe told a story about your life right now, what would the chapter be called and what piece defines it? Simplicity and Ease. I do a lot of monochromatic looks, so my black St. John dress with a leather jacket thrown over my shoulders. I copy this look regularly in brown and navy tones as well.

What’s one little local spot that totally embodies your favorite Cherry Creek energy? It’s so hard to choose one! I am a regular at Le Colonial. I love the vibe, decor and the food is always spot on and delicious. The best part of visiting is the incredible team at the restaurant. They are exceptional!

You grew up on the island of Saint Lucia. What part of that upbringing still shows up in your everyday life here in Denver? Being from Saint Lucia and the Caribbean gives you a natural love of community and cultivating spaces that welcome everyone. I always bring that to my life here in Denver.

You’ve done everything from media to consulting to civic leadership. What’s the pivot you look back on and think That was a turning point? Launching my online magazine, Cherry Creek Fashion, was definitely a turning point for me in Denver. This is how I built my community here and how people got to know me. I did a lot in magazines, tv and film in the Caribbean but this was my first media project in Colorado.

Who are your five dream dinner party guests and what are you eating? The meal would be catered by my favorite Caribbean restaurant in Colorado, The Reggae Pot. Guests would be Rihanna, Emma Grede, Melody Hobson, Jamie Dimon and Andy Cohen. A dynamic and entertaining bunch!

What are three things you can’t live without? Plantains, oxtail and my son’s kisses.

As Chair-Elect of the Cherry Creek Chamber and a board member of multiple civic groups, what’s a misconception about community leadership you’re on a mission to change? One misconception is that you have to be a senior leader to participate in board service. There is a place for everyone and all voices on boards and civic organizations. Everyone has something to contribute because of their unique experience and life.

When you think of legacy (not just success) what are you building that matters most to you? One thing that matters to me is leaving a legacy of kindness, being welcoming and wanting everyone to win! There is so much negativity in the world, I always try to be a bright spot. Life is not always easy but there are so many things to be thankful for on a daily basis.

You’ve reinvented yourself across careers and creative projects. What’s your best advice for someone who wants to do it all without burning out? I turned 45 last year and I have learned that rest is also productive. I love doing it all but it’s necessary to have downtime and enjoy life with family and friends. Having my son taught me to slow down and enjoy simpler things without thinking about what’s next.

What does your ideal Friday night in Cherry Creek look like…from dusk till late? I would start with a cocktail at the bar at Broadway 10, then dinner at Le Colonial or Quality Italian. Ending the night at Ay Papi is always a good idea!

You’re stuck somewhere tropical (like Saint Lucia!) What three songs are on repeat? She’s Royal by Tarrus Riley; So Mi Like It by Spice; Creme De la Creme by Teddyson John

If you had to pick a totally different dream job, unrelated to what you do now, what would it be? I would be St. Lucia’s ambassador to the United Nations.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? Keep believing and going! You are on the right path and you know exactly what you are doing.