Start your day with Heather McDaniel! Heather McDaniel is a trailblazer in the world of land development, known not only for her sharp engineering mind but also for her genuine passion for mentoring the next generation of leaders. With over 18 years of experience navigating the complexities of civil engineering, infrastructure planning, and tribal development, Heather thrives at the intersection of technical expertise and people-first leadership. 

In 2024, she took a leap and co-founded Kampfire Partners, an engineering firm built on collaboration, creativity, and community. As Principal Owner, she leads with a "gather-around-the-campfire" approach—believing that the best ideas, boldest solutions, and strongest teams come from open conversations, mutual respect, and a bit of fun along the way. Heather is a firm believer that no one rises alone. She credits her journey to a network of mentors, colleagues, and strong women who’ve supported her growth, and she’s committed to paying it forward. Whether it’s providing guidance on technical challenges, navigating leadership roles, or finding your voice in the industry, Heather is passionate about helping others break barriers—and keep climbing. 

Leadership Connections is a program planned by the ULI Colorado's Women's Leadership Initiative and provides opportunities for leading women in business to candidly share their career story, lessons learned, and advice for future women leaders.