2021 Ovation

Ovation 2021

A TRIBUT E TO I OWA WO MEN A N D GI R L S

Ovation 1. An occurrence in which a group of people at a play, speech, sporting event, etc., show enthusiastic approval or appreciation by clapping their hands together over and over.

—Merriam-Webster 2. A sustained and enthusiastic show of appreciation from an audience, especially by means of applause.

3.

—Oxford Dictionary An enthusiastic show of appreciation, or a ceremonial tribute.

—Your Dictionary Origin: Classical Latin ovatio; from ovare, to celebrate a triumph, akin to Classical Greek euazein, to rejoice, euai, a cry of Bacchic joy.

Ovation

A TRIBUTE TO IOWA WOMEN AND GIRLS

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Ovation A TRIBUTE TO IOWA WOMEN AND GIRLS Presented by the

Iowa Women’s Foundation

2021

The Iowa Women’s Foundation is committed to improving the lives of Iowa’s women and girls through a diversified mix of funding and action: research, grantmaking, advocacy, education, and collaboration. To achieve its goals and make the most significant impact, IWF brings together and invests in organizations across Iowa that make women and girls more successful. IWF is the only statewide organization working to enhance and improve women’s economic self-sufficiency. http://www.iawf.org

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CHAIR’S MESSAGE Chelle Lehman, Chair

Welcome to the 8th Edition of Ovation: A Tribute to Iowa Women and Girls! What a year it has been.

Jane Goodall said, “What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

Educators make a difference! As a former classroom teacher and current advocate for STEM education, I have tried to empower students to find a career path that not only provides economic independence, but also sparks their creativity, engages their minds, and feeds their souls. This past year has shown us heroic efforts by Iowa educators to continue to impact the lives of their students. We have seen educators pivot to learn new technology and connect with students remotely in their homes, teach in a hybrid model to students both at home and/or in school, and transition to teaching students in person who they may only know through a screen. The Iowa Women’s Foundation (IWF) recognizes our educators in the state of Iowa, and we celebrate you and the differences you make each day.

Ovation: A Tribute to Iowa’s Women and Girls is a celebration of women across the state of Iowa who are also making a difference. The stories of these incredible women are told through the voice of their family, friends, and colleagues. We know that you will be inspired by the big and small things these women accomplish each day. Congratulations to all our honorees!

Ovation is an annual publication by the Iowa Women’s Foundation paying tribute to Iowa’s women and girls. More than 750 Iowa women have previously been honored. The funds raised through the tributes celebrating diverse women across the state help to sustain the Key Strategies of IWF: Education, Collaboration, Advocacy, Research, and Grantmaking.

Grantmaking is at the heart of our mission to improve the lives of Iowa’s women and girls. Through the generous support of individuals, businesses, and community partners, IWF has awarded over $1.1 million in grants to more than 245 programs and impacted all 99 Iowa counties in Iowa. IWF is the only statewide organization working to enhance and improve women’s economic self-sufficiency.

Although this has been a glass-shattering year for women in our country, it has also been a year of economic setbacks due to COVID. These highs and lows affirm our endeavors at the Iowa Women’s Foundation. Thank you to our tribute organizers and sponsors for recognizing the importance of the work we are doing and the relevance of sharing these stories of women in Iowa. You make a difference!

Chelle Lehman

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DEDICATION – EDUCATORS We are honored to dedicate the 2021 edition of Ovation to the Educators throughout the state who pivoted on short notice, without much choice, to teach their students through online learning, for what was anticipated to be a short-term fix for students to stay engaged and not lose momentum to complete the last few months of their 2019-2020 academic year. The COVID-19 virus had its own vision of the year to follow, and a year later, we are truly grateful for the time and energy these passionate educators have given to their students well beyond the traditional classroom.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced educators to navigate new schedules and methods of teaching with various online tools. The classroom moved to the kitchen table, bedside desk, or family room, often using the only computer available in the household. Story time on the rug sitting in a circle with classmates became an interactive online screen. Lab experiments were either shown virtually with the instructor walking through the steps, or materials were sent to the students to try the hands-on projects at the kitchen table. Internet access become a top priority for many school districts and colleges, providing hotspots in parking lots as buildings were closed and remained closed for many months.

We applaud Educators who spent more time meeting their students where they currently were – managing the digital divide, social interactions, one-on-one learning, and supporting students who didn’t always have the structure at home to stay on task, while keeping their students engaged and on track.

Higher education faculty and staff found themselves doing more coaching, not only for classroom work, but career development and the emotional support needed as their students moved

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forward into adulthood. Not only did Educators provide assistance for social and emotional development, but they also figured out ways to provide physical support with meals and activities for their students in need. They also very quickly learned a limitless amount of technology overnight.

Despite the challenges Educators faced, there are some silver linings: • There is a new appreciation of limited screen time and scheduled ‘offline’ time with physical activities • There has been a deliberate focus on family and quality time spent together more than ever before • Students have learned to communicate their needs and advocate for themselves while growing in their independence • More parent participation has occurred in teacher conferences and supports for the school day • Employers better understand the role of working parents, and parents have shown that they are getting the work done, perhaps not in the traditional sense, but productivity remains • The public recognizes the importance of a quality and equitable education for all, and the need to expand broadband and digital access for everyone All teachers and educators deserve a standing Ovation this year. The appreciation for the teaching profession has grown exponentially, and we are proud to dedicate this edition of Ovation to you!

Tributes 2021

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LOIS J. GRAY Lois Gray is a ray of sunshine in the lives of all who are fortunate enough to know her. She radiates warmth and positivity with her kindness, beautiful smile, and sincerity.

As Director of the Office of Strategic Communications for the University of Iowa College of Education, Lois manages a multitude of tasks with grace and enthusiasm. She engages closely with colleagues within the college, across campus, alumni, students, and community. She provides exemplary leadership for the college’s communications, outreach, and events. No task is too big or small for this amazing woman and she excels at everything she does.

Lois has served in top leadership positions in communications at the University of Iowa since 1995. She holds an MA from the University of Iowa School of Journalism, a BA in Journalism from Grand View College, Des Moines, and is currently in the Tippie College of Business Professional MBA Program.

Lois comes from a large, close family and she is incredibly proud of her daughters, Jesse and Lauren, and her wife, Karen. She enjoys delving into novels and spending time with friends and family, including Snickers, their beloved Jack Russell Terrier. She has always led by example and has been a fantastic role model for all, instilling a sense of compassion, open-mindedness, and gumption. She has shown that being determined, having courage, and fearlessly pursuing your passions will get you far and build a strong community.

With love, respect, and gratitude from your friends and family.

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SASHA LINSIN WOHLPART Sasha Linsin Wohlpart has dedicated her time, talent, and vision to serving the Cedar Valley. She serves as the Vice President of the Cedar Falls Community School Board, a position that stems from her deep commitment to education.

As part of her responsibilities for the School Board, she also serves on the Legislative Resolution Committee at the state level. Sasha’s service to education began when she graduated from Eastern Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in geology and became a high school science teacher in Florida. She later completed a master’s degree in environmental science and taught at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Since coming to the Cedar Valley six years ago, she has connected deeply with the community. She serves on the boards of the YWCA and the Volunteer Center of the Cedar Valley, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the work of equity, to empowering women, and to elevating community engagement. She has also been involved in the Iowa Nineteenth Amendment Centennial Commemoration, serving on the organization committee. She sits on the UNI Women in Politics Bipartisan Scholarship Benefit Advisory Council and the UNI Imagining American Advisory Board.

Sasha is a bright light shining in the lives of those who she interacts with. She brings a constructive and collegial attitude to any situation and is always fully present with anyone who she interacts with. Her dedication and commitment to the work of education and equity have made the Cedar Valley a better place to live, work, and learn.

Photo Credit: Bo Studio 121

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HANNAH RAPSON Hannah Rapson is an engaged community member, skilled Financial Advisor, prolific gardener, talented artist, single mother, devoted daughter, loving sibling, supportive friend, and so much more. In her role at James Investment Group, she is my trusted partner and an invaluable member of the team.

While managing a difficult home-schooling schedule, working full-time, and juggling numerous other responsibilities, she still always finds the time and the words to make her colleagues and clients feel truly seen.

I see you too, Hannah!

I see you, slowing down to make time for genuine connections with clients who are struggling or grieving, despite having a million things on your to-do list. I see you, waking up early to put your morning brain on a puzzle you’re trying to solve. I see you, running full speed towards your passions and interests in your free time. I see you, bending over backwards to “make it work,” whether it’s a completely new way of working in a pandemic or making time for family and friends who need you.

I see you, and I’m so grateful for your dedication to our practice and for your un-hurried interactions that always leave everyone feeling better than before.

Jeremy D. James, Principal James Investment Group

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LORI TOMASEK Lori Tomasek is First Vice President, Private Banking with Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust (CRBT). Since joining CRBT in 2017, she’s quickly become a valued asset to our clients and to CRBT. Lori’s commitment to personal service, combined with her vast understanding of banking solutions, allows her to build trusted relationships with clients.

Lori is committed to giving back and generously shares her time and talent with others. She’s a member of the CRBT Women’s Network Committee and is a mentor for others at the bank.

In addition, Lori serves on the boards of Trees Forever and Friends of Czech Village, and also the Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Committee for the American Heart Association.

ANGELA HARRINGTON Angela is a self-described serial entrepreneur. An individual who creates an epicenter of vitality and economic growth through all she does. She’s a powerful force for driving positive change within communities and her organizations. When Angela begins a new project, she wants that hotel property to celebrate where they are in the world and for guests to be immersed in an experience outside of a traditional hotel stay. While balancing the roles of President and CEO of Catalyst Development, Hotel Grinnell, and The Highlander Hotel, she instills the qualities of leadership, creativity, enthusiasm, tenacity, and courage in her staff.

Angela’s life mission is to leave buildings, communities, and people better off than they were before her. We are fortunate to have Angela in our community!

We are proud to recognize Lori for her “can do” attitude, professionalism, and service to our community

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LAURIE WAHLERT When we talk about leading with heart, Laurie is the first person to come to mind. She is a mentor, connector, and leader for our team. She has been recognized two consecutive years for our highest honor with U.S. Bank for achieving Legends of Possible. These individuals are recognized for commitment and core values, going above and beyond every day, putting people first, and drawing strength from diversity. Laurie exudes our core values every day. Laurie gives back to our community as well in volunteering with Boy Scouts of America Pack 37 Den Parent and the Steering Committee Eastern Iowa Arts Academy Golf Outing. Laurie currently serves on Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Board, Hawkeye Area Council Executive Board, and is a member of Cedar Rapids Downtown Rotary. Laurie has previously served on Corridor Women Connect, ASAC, and Leadership for Five Seasons Boards.

Laurie, her husband Paul, and their children live in the Fairfax Community.

It’s an honor to be able to recognize Laurie for all she does and gives to her clients, community, and teammates.

Kind Regards, Jackie Berst and the entire US Bank Team

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CANDI EVANS Candi Evans is a courageous, compassionate leader motivated by love for her neighbors and a strong desire for justice. As co-founder of the Golfview Residents’ Association in her North Liberty neighborhood and leader of the newly formed Iowa Manufactured Home Residents Network, she is a prominent public voice for affordable housing and fair treatment for Iowa manufactured homeowners. Faced with steep lot rent increases and harsh rule changes when new out-of-state owners took over her mobile home park in 2019, Candi organized her neighborhood, researched state laws, and reached out to community leaders. She has since gone on to become a powerful media spokeswoman and coordinator of statewide legislative advocacy.

While she often says, “I never planned on doing anything like this,” her ability to rise to new challenges is not a recent development. When she lost her husband to cancer, Candi took over management of the roofing company they owned until she retired. She’s known for always being ready to spring into action to care for neighbors, friends, and family in need. She’s passed her resolve, her passion for justice, and her sense of humor to her three strong children and two grandchildren.

Candi is forthright and steadfast, resolute and righteous. She has a huge heart and a soft spot for people whose voices aren’t always heard, whose power sometimes isn’t yet felt, and whose ideas are seeking outlets for action. We’re lucky to have her in our lives and to have her fighting for fellow Iowans.

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GWENNE CULPEPPER BERRY Gwenne Culpepper Berry is a Waterloo native who continually gives back to the greater Cedar Valley. A gifted and determined student, Gwenne graduated from Waterloo’s East High and Iowa State. She received her master’s degree from UNI while working full time and raising her daughter. Her first job out of college was as a reporter for the Waterloo Courier. She was then hired

by UNI’s University Relations Department before becoming the university’s Chief Diversity Officer. In that role, President Mark Nook notes, “She’s raised awareness of fundamental issues of diversity and equity that impact both the university and community. She seeks to bring people from both together to engage in collaborative approaches to addressing those issues.” Gwenne’s community contributions are far too numerous to list, but include serving as a Waterloo Airport Commissioner, co-chair of the Cedar Valley Economic Inclusion Network, leading UNI/community book reads on understanding and overcoming discrimination, and as a cofounder of 24/7, a local effort to improve professional skills, employment opportunities, and networking for Blacks.

Gwenne is devoted to her husband John, daughter Janae, and granddaughter Brynnleigh. She helps her 99-year-old grandmother continue to live independently. Janae sums up what all of us who are friends and coworkers of Gwenne know, “My mother is fierce, courageous, fun, loving, understanding, and supportive. She does everything she can for this community and world through her career, as well as networking and building relationships.” Gwenne is an incredible asset to UNI, the Cedar Valley, and the state of Iowa!

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KATY BROWN Katy Gordon Brown, through the years, you have been known as KGB, pKaty, MommyMishMash, Squirt, and Small Fry, to name a few.

Your community knows you as a marketing and collaboration genius.

Generous with your time, talent, and treasure. You are supporting local businesses so well that your “gift bins” are fully stocked for any holiday or occasion. Your last-minute marketing campaigns and free advice have saved local businesses. You are resourceful, talented, and respected.

Your coworkers know you as the life of the office. Your positivity and energy are contagious. You are a do-er, the one who gets stuff done and makes it look easy. You lead by example and with integrity.

Your friends know you as the “Cruise Director”, someone who will show up with food and beverages if someone needs you or for any reason. Your taste in charcuterie boards and wine is a gift. You live life out loud and unbridled. You are positively hilarious with a remarkable sense of humor, and the ability to work movie one-liners into any conversation.

Your family knows you as: A beautiful daughter who has made her parents proud.

A devoted sister and forever friend.

A loving wife who makes life fun every single day.

A compassionate mom who is full of exuberance and great advice.

You laugh easily, especially at yourself, and have endless joy for the simple things in life. You are loved, and we are all grateful to know you. Xoxo

Photo Credit: Rebecca Sanabria Photography

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MARY JANE MCWILLIAMS As a nurse’s aide at the Palo Alto Community Hospital, Mary Jane became “hooked” on nursing. This little farm girl left Emmetsburg to pursue her education at the Cook County Hospital School of Nursing, serving a primarily indigent population in innercity Chicago. Returning to Iowa, she worked several professional nursing gigs before becoming a volunteer at the Community Free Clinic in Cedar Rapids. Named one of 100 Great Iowa Nurses, her skill is only surpassed by her empathy. She loves the diversity and serving the needs at the Clinic, bringing her professional life full circle.

Always smiling, Mary Jane exudes caring, empathy, and understanding.

A “grand” grandmother, loving mother, wife, and loyal friend. Mary Jane is a gift to the people she loves and serves.

KARA PARK Kara Park, Senior Associate Director for Student Development/Events for the University of Iowa Athletic Department, organizes student-athlete recognition events, coordinates all events/programs within the Hawkeye Life program, and serves as a liaison to the Iowa Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (ISAAC).

Kara’s commitment to student-athlete excellence in and out of the classroom is unparalleled. She’s a team leader who sets high standards, resulting in student-athlete success. Her commitment is felt within athletics, on campus, and state-wide.

Kara is a jack-of-all trades, and master of ALL. She pushes beyond the status quo as an innovative leader, visionary, trusted advisor, and mentor.

Her dedicated work ethic fosters excellence, inspiring all to do and be better. She’s thoughtful, funny, and selfless. She gives everything to all aspects of her life.

Thank you, Kara, for being a role model for all to look up to.

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JESSICA ALTFILLISCH Jessica Altfillisch, Founder/Executive Director of Harmony School of Music, is an accomplished performer, passionate educator, and active leader in arts education for social change. Mother of Holly and Brian, and spouse of Justin, her dedication to every aspect of her life is unwavering and demonstrates levels of intellectual and emotional energy most of us would never attempt, let alone achieve.

After twenty years of Suzuki violin and viola teaching, Jessica founded Harmony School of Music to bring high-quality music education to families with the greatest need. In addition to her work delivering music programs for under-served youth in Cedar Rapids, she maintains an active private lesson studio. Jessica is a facilitator for the El Sistema USA Small and Emerging Program Network and a featured speaker in the National Guild for Community Arts Education Small Schools Network webinar series.

As a performer, she has appeared as a soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician in Russia and across the US, including the Des Moines Symphony, Orchestra Iowa, and Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestras.

Jessica’s dedication to the community does not end with the work she does as a performer and educator. She also serves on the Boards of the Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success and Cedar Rapids Opera. A positive force on behalf of every commitment she acquires, she is also a dedicated friend who, despite her relentless pursuit of art and justice for those in greatest need, never hesitates to make time to share a laugh or lend support.

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ANGELEITA FLOYD The Silken Tent She is as in a field a silken tent…. (with) its supporting central cedar pole, That is its pinnacle to heavenward And signifies the sureness of the soul….

But strictly held by none, is loosely bound By countless silken ties of love and thought To everything on earth the compass round…

Although Robert Frost’s beautiful poem was published before Angeleita Floyd was born, “The Silken Tent” might have been written for her. “The sureness of her soul,” “the countless ties of love and thought,” such generous confidence and gracious strength of spirit describe her perfectly.

A dynamic musician and a respected conductor and educator, Angeleita has received many honors and awards throughout her illustrious career. Professor of Flute from 1986 until 2019 at the University of Northern Iowa, her students sing her praises, as do members of the National Flute Association.

Passionate as Angeleita is about her work, being a world-renowned musician is certainly not all there is to her. She is also a world traveler, a fashion icon, a fantastic cook, a wine connoisseur. And let’s not forget fun-loving; she can be absolutely zany!

Magnificent and many as her accomplishments are, what sets Angeleita apart is her zest for life. Her joie de vivre is a similar phenomenon to the experience of hearing her play her flute. You know only years of disciplined study and practice could ever yield such results, yet her beautiful music feels spontaneous, a celebratory expression of her essence and the joy she exudes. With dedication and passion, she radiates that sparkling joy all “the compass round.”

Gary Kelley, commissioned for Angeleita’s retirement celebration

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Amy Lockard

“Angeleita manages to fix whatever seems unfixable, from out-ofstate tuition issues, to visa snafus, to bringing students back from the musically dead. I’ve seen her work miracles with students who had all but given up on their playing. Nothing stops her, so eventually nothing stops them.” — G. Scott Cawelti Angeleita Floyd, dynamic musician, respected conductor, educator and Professor of Flute at the University of Northern Iowa since 1986.

With her unique flair for insightful teaching and sensitive musical interpretation, Dr. Floyd has mentored prize-winning students.

She serves as master teacher and conductor at flute festivals and residencies throughout the United States, South and Central America, Sweden, and Europe.

Dr. Floyd holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Stetson University, studying with Geoffrey Gilbert, and Master of Music Ed. and Doctor of Music degrees from Florida State University, studying with Charles Delaney.

The Gilbert Legacy: Methods, Techniques, and Exercises for the Flute, Floyd’s acclaimed flute method, is in its third printing. Founder and director of Winzer Press Publishing, she edited and published Trevor Wye’s Marcel Moyse: An Extraordinary Man (1993) and Sheryl Cohen’s Bel Canto Flute: The Rampal School (2003).

Her contributions as a flute teacher, performer, and author have been honored by the National Flute Association, 2013 Distinguished Service Award (UNI), James F. Lubker 2014 Faculty Research Award and the Board of Regents (State of Iowa), and 2015 Regents Award for Faculty Excellence Service Award.

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CAROL HIBBS “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:27 Guided by her faith and dedication to serving others, Carol Hibbs has been a transformational leader for both the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA and the communities it serves for more than 25 years.

As CEO of the Marshalltown Y, Carol has guided the organization as a strong community collaborator. She effectively rallies staff and volunteers around important initiatives to bring positive outcomes for those involved.

Carol is the epitome of a servant leader. She is dedicated to the support and development of others. Her door is always open for those who need her advice or just a listening ear. She encourages staff and volunteers to take on leadership opportunities through training and experiences.

Carol doesn’t just serve the community; she is part of the community. She has been generous with her time and talent outside of the Y, serving on many boards and providing leadership to other organizations. She has earned the respect of her colleagues and community with a history of taking on difficult assignments and bringing together different points of view to reach consensus.

We are proud to pay tribute to our mentor, leader and friend.

Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA Board of Directors and Staff

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MICHELLE EHLINGER

LORI LACINA

Michelle Ehlinger is the Director of The Referral Center in DeWitt, Iowa. Under her leadership, The Referral Center assists foodinsecure residents by operating a food pantry; offers emergency assistance to those needing financial help with housing, utilities, or medical expenses; and ensures the children in the community have school clothes and supplies, winter gear, diapers, formula, and even Christmas gifts.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought even more community members to their doors in their time of need, Michelle not only rose to the occasion but also helped launch a successful fundraising campaign for a new Referral Center building that will allow the organization to better serve the community. Michelle’s service, advocacy, and dedication make a daily impact on the DeWitt community.

Lori Lacina loves words. An avid reader since childhood, Lori has channeled her thirst for knowledge in many ways throughout her life. Lori took many experiences from her banking career, substitute teaching for Solon schools, being a wife, mother, and grandmother and wove them into stories and recently published not one, but two books. An Iowa City native, Lori has captured in her words all that is good about living in the Heartland.

Her legacy will live on through her writings as you will learn to wring every drop of life out of every day. Simply put, you will find joy and inspiration through her words, not just the written kind but those also spoken.

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IOWA-BASED, WOMEN LEADERS OF MEDIREVV We are Women. Iowans. Leaders.

MediRevvers.

Jenn Bleil Vice President, Human Resources

Nicki Brick Director, Total Rewards

Michelle Elizondo Director, Corporate Communications

Dana Gratton Director, Brand

Melissa Huston Director, Solutions Support

Erika McElhinney Director, Physician Audit and Education

Leslie Schwarting Director, HR Business Partners

Cynthia Sherman Director, Compliance

Rachel Trevizo Vice President, Revenue Cycle Services

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Liz Urdahl Senior Director, Client Delivery

MediRevv honors all ten of our female, Iowa-based leaders who live and lead to our values every single day. Each demonstrates grit, determination, and drive within her areas of expertise, yet finds balance in authenticity, kindness, and the wisdom to discover wonder, opportunity, and even humor in unexpected places. These women create change and challenge the status quo, all the while gaining consensus and garnering support. They build, inspire, and motivate teams through cohesion and collaboration. They will be the first to tell you they do lead together, supporting a family of nearly 1,300 (85% female) employees who span 42 states.

JENNIFER PRICE I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this tribute for the work that she has done with empowering women in their life choices. Jennifer was committed to this work during her tenure at the clinic as Co-Director of the Emma Goldman Clinic and continues in her role as Membership Sustainability Officer for the Abortion Care Network. – Francine Jennifer exemplifies the saying that “people will never forget how you made them feel.” After a conversation with Jennifer, you walk away feeling inspired, supported, and better for having interacted with her. The world is a much better place because she has chosen to focus on working for reproductive rights.

– Regenia B. Jennifer is exemplary in everything she does. I appreciate her ability to earn respect and not demand it. I am so glad I got to witness what excellence looks like within a clinical setting. Thank you for being such a wonderful mentor to me. – Kathryn E. My aunt, Jennifer, has devoted her life to this work. She has been and continues to be such an empowered role model in my life and has been the biggest inspiration for me to pursue this work as well. – Stella

With encouragement and guidance, Jennifer inspires confidence and empowers those around her. She creates leaders through her leadership and allows people to be their best selves. I am forever grateful for the years I have been able to work with and learn from her. – Dana Thank you, Jennifer, from all of us at EGC!

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KATIE SHATZER In her role as Brand Manager of our largest brand, Simply Organic, Katie leads the Simply Organic Giving Fund, which is dedicated to supporting organizations fighting food insecurity across the US. Over the last year, as the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic rippled across the country, these nonprofit partners faced a staggering increase in need, and limited volunteer resources due to social distancing and safety measures.

Katie has been a fierce advocate for these non-profit partners and the important work they do. She’s fought for additional funding, and has shaped our marketing strategy to share these partners’ stories with our consumers. In doing so, she has helped drive awareness of food insecurity in our country, and shared ways others can help in their own communities.

FELICIA SMITH NALLS Felicia Smith Nalls loves her community and gives freely of her time and talents to make the Cedar Valley a better place to live. She is a selfless community leader who lends creative energy to countless individuals and community initiatives.

Felicia’s passion for the performing arts, youth development, and social justice led her to organize and direct community events that provide underrepresented youth with opportunities to share their talents. She serves on numerous boards and committees, sharing her insight and commitment in serving others. Through her work as Waterloo’s Neighborhood Services Coordinator, she has inspired many citizens to appreciate and become more involved in their neighborhoods and city.

Felicia has touched the lives of many as an incredibly loyal coach, trainer, mentor, and friend.

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JULIE KARRER We are pleased to honor Julie Karrer as wife, mother, business owner, volunteer, community leader, generous heart, and opinionated lady. On this her 70th year, it’s wonderful to reflect on the decades of positive impact she’s had on the lives of others.

As a wife, Julie’s been my partner in raising our family and building a successful farming operation on our beautiful country homestead. She keeps the home fires burning while staying home in the kids’ tender years, later when reentering the workforce, and now in our retirement. For more than 40 years, our strengths have complimented each other’s.

As a mom, she imparted some of life’s most important lessons in her own, unique way. Always our supporter, she taught us from an early age to be advocates for ourselves. She built in us a sense of connection with family by hosting countless reunions, showers, and celebrations. Finally, she showed us that love does conquer all. Through every peak and valley, the love we share as a family is a safety net that we all trust.

As a community leader, Julie has dedicated countless hours to making the world a better place. She has served as Lawton-Bronson School Board President, Girl Scouts Leader, Concord Township Trustee, Community Involvement Coordinator, Sunday School Teacher, and member of Willing Workers, Booster Club, and Ladies Aid. Her philanthropic nature is a source of pride and inspiration for us.

Thank you, Mom, for everything you’ve given. Your 70 years deserve a standing ovation indeed!

Ron, Angelia, TJ, Andrea, Brian, Kai, & Cameron

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MARSHA WOLFF When Marsha first joined the Credit Union in October of 2018, we had approximately 485 staff and $5.2 billion in assets. In just a few short years, we are now 637 employees strong and $7.1 billion in assets, over a 30% increase in both!

Marsha’s exemplary leadership, foresight, vision, initiative, and adaptability have played a very important role in both our inorganic and organic growth over the course of the last couple of years. Marsha is decisive and quick to act, and any initiative led by Marsha is implemented with great success.

We are so thankful to have had Marsha leading the HR and IT teams every step of the way. Additionally, through her short tenure with the Credit Union, Marsha has had a significant and positive impact on numerous staff.

Her generous and caring nature means she is always ‘at the ready’ to jump in to help one of her staff, a peer, or anyone.

Marsha is not only a fantastic leader, but an amazing colleague and simply a ‘good human’. Thank you for all you do, Marsha, and congratulations on the well-deserved Ovation Award!

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JOY BRISCOE Joy Briscoe truly lives up to her first name. From early childhood, she’s brought joy to all people she encounters. After graduating from Waterloo’s West High School, she enlisted in the Air Force. Joy received the prestigious John Levitow Award in 2010, the highest honor presented to a graduate of the Air Force Enlisted Professional Military Education. After becoming bilingual and serving for 16 years, Joy “retired” to Waterloo. Joy quickly completed her BA in Graphic Design from Upper Iowa and was selected as one of the Waterloo Courier’s “20 Under 40” rising leaders. She’s the Talent Acquisition & Outreach Specialist for the Waterloo Community Schools. In addition, she’s the part-time Executive Director of 24/7, a Black leadership advancement consortium in the Cedar Valley. Joy is quick to volunteer for causes she believes in, including improving the image of her hometown.

In addition, Joy’s doing a wonderful job raising three children, largely on her own. Her eldest, Jasmine, is a graduate of NYU, now doing Covid-19 research in NYC. Her son Bryonne recently graduated from high school, while daughter Nevaeh is in in the sixth grade. Joy’s fiancé, relatives, and friends describe her as exceptionally caring, giving, and able to manage a million things at once.

She’s particularly good at coming up with ideas and putting together the team needed to make them a reality. We all wonder if Joy has time to sleep, but we also know what an amazing asset she is to Waterloo and this state!

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AMY JENNINGS “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou “The world is run by those who show up.” — Robert Johnson These two quotes are ones that you will frequently hear from Amy Jennings.

They speak to who she is and what she believes. She constantly challenges herself to broaden her knowledge, see things from others’ perspectives, and take action on what she learns.

As Executive Director of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, Amy embodies all that the Leadership Institute founders imagined – a desire to have civic leaders who learn together, dream together, and most importantly act together. Since becoming the executive director in 2012, Amy has led the organization with a vision and passion to make the Des Moines community a thriving, welcoming environment. Working with dozens of volunteers in any given year, Amy guides them to think big and know that collectively they can achieve the Leadership Institute vision – a better community for all.

Amy is a leader, a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration. She is always ready to share a laugh, provide a shoulder to lean on, or talk through a challenge with loving kindness. Her encouragement and guidance have made each of us who have the honor and pleasure of knowing her and working with her better people and better community members.

Thank you, Amy, for who you are and all that you do.

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MAEVE CLARK

MISSIE FORBES

Photo Credit: Elisha Hamm, E Hamm Studio

Maeve Clark retired recently after serving 28 years as Adult Services Coordinator at the Iowa City Public Library. After earning a BA from the University of Iowa, Maeve spent two years in the Peace Corps in Zaire, returning to UI to obtain an MLS in library science. She joined the library in 1992 and quickly became a favorite of the public. She has been active in the Iowa Library Association.

Maeve is a dedicated participant in community life, serving as President of Friends of Historic Preservation and volunteering at FilmScene, among others. She’s an ardent gardener, animal lover, trivia player, and recycler.

She entertains over a thousand Facebook friends.

Her intelligence, quick wit, and inquiring mind combine to make her a wonderful friend and co-worker.

Since the 1970s, 4Cs of Johnson County has promoted the well-being of young children in Johnson County by advocating for quality, affordable, and accessible childcare for children, and providing support for families and those providing childcare.

Missie Forbes recently joined 4Cs as Executive Director, bringing her skills in marketing and fund raising and her experience in non-profit work to guide 4Cs through a time of change and many unknowns.

With a new strategic plan, logo, and updated website 4Cs has been able to refocus and efficiently grow in new directions. With Missie’s community leadership, 4Cs has been able to respond to the changing needs of children by the creation of the Neighborhood NESTS program and adaptions in our Home Ties childcare center.

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MARTHA KIRBY Martha has made so many people’s lives better. Throughout her many years of service as an academic advisor, administrator, and Staff Council President at The University of Iowa, she has used her brilliance, compassion, tenacity, and resilience to tirelessly advocate for students and improve every program she has touched.

Martha is an innovator who puts in the hard work to bring her ideas to life.

Whether remodeling a home or revamping a program, Martha’s vision and dedication yield beautiful results.

Martha’s students are grateful for the confidence, inspiration, and wisdom she gives them that helps them succeed in their work and their lives.

Martha’s colleagues cite her incredible competence, compassion, and knowledge, and how she makes their lives better and easier. Martha’s friends know they are lucky to have someone who can always make them laugh and make them feel understood, and everyone who has eaten her amazing cooking or gotten a bag of her homegrown veggies is very grateful.

Martha is a fascinating person, with a life filled with adventure and a plan always in the works. She has kayaked, camped, and traveled her way through the world. Yet she is slow to talk about herself, always busy making other people feel seen.

Martha: You are an inspiration. We are all so lucky to know you.

With gratitude from your colleagues, students, friends, and family.

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DEB JUNGLING Deb Jungling has been the CFO at Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI) for over 25 years. Staff may often refer to her as the “go-to gal”. Deb earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and a Master’s in Business Administration from UNI. Throughout Deb’s career she has built a rapport of trust with staff. Deb’s responsibilities include managing and overseeing a 20 million yearly budget. She works side-by-side with each department supervisor to help them understand the finances of the programs they manage so they might be empowered to successfully do so. This oversight includes over 100 cost centers.

Deb’s passion for the people EPI serves is one of her best attributes. She is a consistent voice and always keeps in mind that the people we serve have quality service.

In 2019, EPI entered into a partnership with Hawkeye Community College to offer child care services in downtown Waterloo. During the planning, Deb created a spreadsheet that represented an overall startup budget for the center. This spreadsheet later became a part of a statewide tool, Center in the Box. Today, this spreadsheet is used statewide as communities plan for new centers.

Deb’s work and passion have made a huge impact on the disability services community and early childhood field. Everyone that has ever encountered Deb or worked with her has walked away learning something and recognizes she is driven by her passion for the people we serve.

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ARIENNE MARTINEZ Arienne joined HOMELINK in 2015 as a patient care coordinator, but has since played a pivotal role in our growing Training and Development department.

As our Director of Training and Development, Arienne oversees both technical job training, as well as programs focused on growing skillsets, soft skills, and leadership development. She approaches her job with a growth mindset and focuses on being 1% better every day. Arienne is always looking at ways to improve upon a process to positively impact on the experience of her fellow employee owners.

Outside of her training work, Arienne and her husband run their own wedding videography business and enjoy the outdoors with their three dogs.

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AMBER O’CONNOR Amber O’Connor is a servant leader. From her “day job” at ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning where she helps to bring ACT’s mission to life, to her many volunteer efforts at Jefferson High School and Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Amber freely shares her time, talents, and resources to support and advocate for others. Even during the difficult season after the derecho hit Iowa, without hesitation, Amber was among the first to lend a hand. She ensured that people were fed, provided clothes for those in need, and rescued displaced pets, even as she dealt with significant damage to her own home. Amber truly embraces a “people first” mentality, and we are all better for knowing her and being in her orbit.

NICOLE DAHYA Teammate. Leader. Friend. Mom. People who know Nicole Dahya say it’s hard to cast her in any one role. She has a way of finding balance, and helping others do the same. Trained as a journalist, Nicole serves as Communication Manager for the University of Iowa’s information technology services organization.

“Nicole makes everybody around her better,” says Steve Fleagle, the University of Iowa’s CIO. “I ramble on for five minutes and she comes back with what was in my head—even the things I didn’t say—beautifully written.

It’s like magic.”

“She honors good work while encouraging us to push boundaries,” says Jalessa Hohensee, a member of Nicole’s team. “She’s always checking on others while carrying a heavy load herself.”

Defying this hectic schedule, Nicole earned a master’s degree in strategic communication and has volunteered with organizations like Girls on the Run. Her education, experience, and accomplishments have won her respect.

“She isn’t afraid to ask hard questions or disagree,” says Adrienne Coon, another teammate. “She’s a brilliant writer and speaker, and she’s fun!”

Nicole’s family says this ability to blend work with joy and connection is part of her character. She’s a positive influence on everyone, especially her two daughters and her son.

“Sense of humor, love for children and family, and willingness to pitch in when people need help make Nicole who she is,” says Sheila Schuppert, Nicole’s mom.

In living these values, Nicole plays a part that all of us can someday hope to fill: Inspiration.

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ANNA FLAMING, PHD From her year as a graduate assistant in the University of Iowa Center for Teaching (part of the Office of Teaching, Learning & Technology), to her current role leading the organization, Anna Flaming has made an immeasurable impact on the lives of UI students through her support of evidence-based teaching excellence.

Faculty members, teaching assistants, and administrators in every UI college have welcomed and benefitted from her scholarly work, thoughtful consultation, and creative project and program development. She launched and continues to develop many of the Center’s signature programs, including the Early Career Faculty Academy and the Course Design Institute.

Anna is the consummate professional—strategic, organized, collaborative, and highly ethical. By applying her scholarly work and passionate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, she has profoundly enriched teaching and learning at Iowa at a time when this work is much needed.

Articulate, insightful, and gracious, she is a gifted mentor to both those she supervises and those who supervise her. Her wit and zest for life reverberate in her boisterous laugh; laughing along with her is irresistible.

Anna’s creativity and principles focus every facet of her life.

It is hard to imagine a better mother, partner, or friend. Anna loves fiercely, and she is selfless in her affection, somehow always making time for “one more” hug or silly song or problem to talk through. Her integrity, determination, and deep compassion set an example for her daughters and for everyone around her.

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KIRSTEN H. FREY AND CASEY L. PECK We’re honored to recognize Kirsten and Casey for their hard work and dedication to the Hills Bank Board of Directors and our communities! It’s an honor working with such committed, strong, and knowledgeable women who bring vast perspective in their respective fields.

Kirsten lives in Iowa City with her husband and three sons, and is a Senior Partner at Shuttleworth & Ingersoll, P.L.C. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law and Henry B. Tippie School of Management master’s program. Kirsten serves on the board of several area non-profits.

Casey lives near Keota with her husband and three sons. She’s the general manager and CFO of the Kalona Cooperative Technology Company, graduated from Coe College, and is actively involved in the Kalona community.

PEGGY STOVER Peggy Stover’s authenticity and willingness to go above and beyond for her students are truly unmatched.

Peggy is a Lecturer of Marketing, the Director of the Marketing Institute, and the Advisor of Women in Business within the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business.

Peggy’s impact on the Tippie community is showcased in these testimonials from her students: “As a student within the Marketing Institute, I have had the pleasure of working under Peggy. With Peggy’s encouragement to think for myself and lead with my passions, I have not only been able to experience the marketing field as an undergraduate student – I have fallen in love with it.”

“Peggy has empowered me through her Women in Business presentations on negotiating salary as a woman.”

-Women in Business at the University of Iowa

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DEB WALTON

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Deb has fortunately been in my life for over 30 years. There are number of words I would use to describe Deb. Beautiful, fun, caring, loving, moral, helpful, but strong is probably the word I think of most. I think anyone who knows Deb would agree that she is one of the strongest women they know.

She draws her strength from within herself and from the people she surrounds herself with: her family, close friends, and co-workers.

Of all the women that have been in Deb’s life, there are two who stand out.

They are the women who probably taught her the most about strength.

While both are now gone, she still draws from their lessons every day.

Her Grandmother Delma “Dale” Dever, taught her strength through the example of not letting anyone set your limits for you. Her mother, Martha Christiansen taught her about strength through her perseverance.

These lessons aided Deb when she returned to finish her college degree later in life. They helped her while her mother bravely battled cancer.

Through Deb’s example, our daughters have these qualities as they move out into the world. Her work and our community benefit from these lessons and her strength to make a difference each day.

Deb, thank you for being the strong woman you are, for all that you do for all of us.

We are proud of you.

Love, Your family, friends, and co-workers.

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JENI MORAVEC “Jeni: You changed my life 30 years ago when we met at Hansen Elementary School and you asked me what my dream was for Nate. I immediately took a right turn out of disability world into the real world. You taught me that my son could live in the real world with all the other kindergarteners. And 30 years later, we are still friends. You have taught me so much about inclusion and friendship. You have changed more lives than you know. I am so grateful for you.”

Your “forever friend”, Jean “Jeni, you are an amazing individual, and I am blessed to call you a friend and hero.” – Nate “Jeni has the kind of soul and essence which makes the world a better place just by being in it.” – Kari “Beneath her humble and relaxed presence lies the multitalented, kind, and gifted mind of Jeanette Moravec. She embodies compassion and conviction, advocating and executing well-constructed plans to improve lives of persons with disabilities. Siblings value her expertise in travel, sewing, gardening, guidance, and support. Loaded with sewing supplies, hostas, or hand-sewn heirloom gifts, Jeanette frequently makes a five-hour trek to Illinois. One time, she planned a sisters’ overnight party, bringing materials and sewing machines so each sister could follow her directions to make a quilt-throw by dawn, while sharing stories and laughter. Her wise and altruistic productivity is inspirational.”

– Combined voices of her six sisters, 2021

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BARBARA BURKE A leader in intercollegiate athletics, Barbara Burke, Deputy Director of Iowa Athletics, has nearly 40 years of experience as a collegiate administrator and former student-athlete.

In 2019, she created the HERky’s initiative which celebrates the rich history and tradition of women’s athletics at the University of Iowa and is committed to providing opportunities for female student-athletes.

“While the competitive and career opportunities for young women have grown exponentially, there’s still much work to do. As a professional woman, if I am not willing to support, lead, guide, and direct, how can I ask others? I take great responsibility in carrying on the work of the countless women that have come before me and paying forward opportunities for young women and girls,” Burke has stated.

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ANGIE JORDAN

LINDSEY REED

Angie Jordan is THE face of Iowa City’s South District, though she swears that she is just “an active resident.” Her enthusiasm and persistence have brought the South District together as a bonded community. In just one example, Angie led the charge for a community-created mural that took roughly two years to complete. It is now a focal point of the South District.

We appreciate Angie so much because she loves to share her passions with others. She bicycles with her family, she gardens, and she KNITS. She has taught countless kids to knit and meets regularly with knitting friends. She turns personal stories, hope, and joy into community purpose, and she uses community purpose as her personal joy.

Thank you, we love you!

Lindsey is passionate about creating meaningful experiences. As a Recreational Therapist, she provides unique opportunities for Oaknoll residents and the Therapeutic Recreation students she mentors, such as trips to Camp Courageous or constructing a butterfly tent to watch the beautify of life unfold.

Determined not to let the pandemic stand in the way of Oaknoll residents visiting with their families, Lindsey developed innovative ways to visit safely – a silver lining for all.

Photo Credit: Elisha Hamm, E Hamm Studio

Lindsey has a great love for volleyball, playing and coaching. She’s a graduate from the Emerge Leadership Academy (Leading Age Iowa), and is involved with “No Foot Too Small”, whose mission is to serve families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.

In 2019, the Reeds were a No Foot Too Small featured family.

Thank you Lindsey – husband Brock, children Braxon, Haddie, angel William “Gabe”, and your Oaknoll family.

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KIM YOUNG-KENT The Iowa Women’s Foundation is focused on grant programs for child care, care that is family focused and coordinated with other services for young children and their families. Kim Young-Kent exemplifies that goal.

While serving as the executive director of Tri-County Head Start, Kim accessed an Early Head Start grant. The proposal was collaborative, as it worked with other child care programs so as to not duplicate services. She recognized that training for child care providers was provided by Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R), which led to a contract providing funding of an infant/ toddler specialist/trainer on their staff. Through this program, training and technical assistance was available to all child care providers at no cost to them.

Kim also recognized that parent education was critical and that a parent education program, though lacking funding to meet the total need, would benefit from additional funding from Head Start. She saw that children who were Head Start eligible were in existing child care centers and that parents needed more than 2-3 hours of care if they were working or in a training program. The result was wrap-around child care.

Kim was recognized by national Head Start leaders for her insight and understanding of the whole child care system. She became connected with CCR&R in the early 1980s, when she had a registered group child care home.

When she retired as the executive director of Tri-County Head Start, she resumed doing home child care — this time for grandchildren, coming full circle.

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MOLLIE THOMSEN As Chief Operations Officer and Co-Founder of United Iowa Financial, Mollie Thomsen has built her career on being a compassionate leader and thoughtful wealth advisor. Mollie is an inspiring mentor to our talented operations team and leads with integrity and poise. To her, there is no greater reward than seeing others succeed, and models this through her hard work and constant challenging of the status quo. Mollie’s talent and drive are instrumental in the foundation of our business.

Clients appreciate Mollie’s ability to communicate advanced financial concepts in ways they can both understand and relate to. As a female financial advisor, Mollie is a trailblazer in the industry and has helped women investors feel confident and in control of their financial plans. She builds friendships with her clients and they appreciate the individual attention they receive and her willingness to help.

Mollie is someone you want in your corner. Whether you call her your friend, mentor, or colleague, there is no doubt that she always has your back.

Mollie is kind, approachable, and quick-witted. Morally, she is strong and unwavering. She’s got a love for the outdoors, and you can often find her fishing from a kayak or swinging for the fence on a softball field with her husband, Jake, by her side.

Thank you for everything you bring to United Iowa Financial family. We are grateful for your leadership and passion, and are so lucky to have you on our team.

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TEREE CALDWELL-JOHNSON Leader, Dedicated, Igniter, Role Model, Energetic, Passionate, Motivator, Creative, Strategic Thinker, Collaborator, Generous, and Champion.

Teree is a visionary committed to her community. She has spent her entire career in public service. Born in Salina, Kansas, Teree has a BA in English from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and a MPA from the University of Kansas. For 17 years, she has served as the President and CEO for Oakridge Neighborhood, a housing and human services organization serving over 20,000 families and 75,000 individuals since 1969. She is a “proud ambassador for everything Oakridge and privileged to lead an organization with such a rich history and strong legacy of achieving results.”

Teree was elected to the Des Moines School Board in 2006 and re-elected to second, third-, and fourth-year terms. In addition, Teree serves on the board of directors of the National Civic League, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Polk County Housing Trust Fund, Capital Crossroads, OpportUNITY, Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa, The Directors Council, One Economy Financial Development Corp, and Planned Parenthood North Central States.

Teree is the recipient of numerous awards including the Faith and Freedom Community Leader Award, A. Arthur Davis Distinguished Community Leadership Award, President’s MLK Drum Major for Service Lifetime Volunteer Award, Iowa African American Museum’s History Maker, Business Publications Women of Influence, Black Ministerial Alliance Leadership Award, Business Record Best Female Business Leader, and the YWCA Women of Achievement.

Married to Vernon C. Johnson, they have four adult children, Baley, Baxtyr, Vernon Jr. and William.

THANK YOU Teree!

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ALYSSA CABRERA Alyssa’s enthusiasm for life lights up a room. Her students feel this energy in her classroom (and this year through Zoom)!

Alyssa’s love of reading inspired her dream to become a teacher.

She has been teaching for 19 years. Her experiences traveling during college led her to teach in Guatemala. She has also taught at Coralville Central, Willowind, and currently Mann in Iowa City. She is an advocate for her students, bringing innovative, inclusive experiences into her classroom. Her students learn that if there is a will, there is a way to achieve it. Although this past year of teaching during COVID has not been easy, Alyssa has embraced the challenges with grace. She is an amazing wife and mama/role model to her two daughters.

You are so deserving of this honor! With love, your husband and children (Pablo, Bianca, Lidia), parents (Stephanie Nowysz-Ward, Steve Bermel, and Mike Ward), and friends (Chelle and Michael Lehman)

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LYDIA SAX We have a saying here at de Novo: Lydia “Keeps the Wheels On”, and it’s true. From her steadfast leadership, to her commitment to ensuring everything runs smoothly and all the “dots are connected,” we really don’t know what we’d do without her.

A (sometimes) quiet force, she’s a dedicated volunteer who mentors girls and women though the University of Iowa’s Women in Business, Girls on the Run, Girls Rock camp, and serves on the Corridor Women Connect advisory council. Lydia brings her interests and passions to everything she does, with a humble attitude and an incredible work ethic. She serves as a role model, mentor, and resource for everyone she works with at de Novo and beyond.

DENISE O’BRIEN We at the Women, Food & Agriculture Network (WFAN) are thrilled to have Denise O’Brien, farmer and founding mother of WFAN, honored in Ovation: A Tribute to Iowa Women and Girls. A lifelong Iowa resident, Denise has been a tireless and passionate leader, advocate and activist for healthy, vibrant rural communities and women’s empowerment in food and agriculture in Iowa and across the globe.

Denise has farmed with her husband Larry Harris on Rolling Acres Farm in Southwest Iowa for nearly 45 years, raising a variety of vegetables and animals organically for their community. She is a mother and grandmother and has served in countless leadership roles. She also ran for both Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and for Iowa’s House of Representatives.

In 1997 Denise co-founded the Women, Food & Agriculture Network as a way to address the absence of women’s voices in agricultural policy and encourage women to be champions of healthy food and farming systems, food justice, and food sovereignty.

She has been instrumental in helping women define and actualize their dreams and empowering them to use their voices to make the positive changes they want for their lives, their communities, and the land. Whether it’s traveling globally to talk about the role of women in agriculture, hosting gatherings with women landowners to discuss conservation, mentoring aspiring and beginning women farmers and activists, or starting national women’s organizations, Denise’s work has touched countless lives and will ripple into future generations of women leaders.

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KARI JUHL To know Kari is to love her.

With every transaction, Kari turns her clients into family. She’s available anytime for questions or help, even when she is on a beach in Mexico. She stays connected throughout every step of buying or selling and finds solutions to any problems that arise. Kari always goes the extra mile, whether it is arranging paint and flooring before you list, or bringing you a homemade lasagna when you’re moving into your new home. Kari holds an annual Client Appreciation Party, including every client she’s ever worked with, so she can reconnect with those she may not see regularly. Her love of real estate comes from seeing families happy and prosper in a dream she helped achieve.

Kari frequently serves the local communities. Through ICAAR and LKR, Kari has served on PR committees, planned block parties, and helped many fundraisers. She has also had long relationships with DVIP, Habitat for Humanity, and the 1105 Project. On her own, she’s facilitated jobs, housing, and even furniture to those in need. Her compassion for helping others is one of her most dominant qualities.

Kari is an amazing friend, daughter, sister, and is the foundation to her family of six. On any given day you can see her chasing kids around a cross country course, cheering from the sidelines of a soccer field, or catching foul balls at the baseball diamond. With as crazy of a schedule as she keeps, Kari rarely misses an event for her children.

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GODELIVE BASHEKA

BECKY HAWBAKER

Hard Worker. Determined. Extremely motivated. These words only begin to describe Godelive Basheka.

As president of the University of Northern Iowa’s faculty union for the past four years, Becky Hawbaker has been a fierce advocate for faculty, shared governance, and social progress during a crucial time in the union’s history. Her collaborative, inclusive, forward-thinking, and strategic union leadership has transformed the union and garnered national attention.

Godelive came to the United States as a refugee from Congo, Africa.

Despite the barriers of learning a new language, culture, and community, she settled in Cedar Rapids with her husband and their children. She worked hard to learn English, and with determination she has made this her family’s home.

Godelive lost her husband in a tragic accident. Since becoming a US Citizen, she has received her license as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and as a child care provider through a program at the Catherine McAuley Center. Godelive is kind, caring, and motivated to set a wonderful example for her daughters, Priscilla and Prisca, and niece Alliance.

In her own Department of Teaching, Becky built a new system to serve education majors during their early field experiences. She is devoted and beloved. We can say without hesitation that there is no one on our campus who has done more for faculty, individually and collectively, than Becky has.

We also honor her work to enhance College Hill, her public activism writ large, and her incredible mentoring of three amazing daughters.

Thank you Godelive for making Catherine McAuley Center’s Childcare program shine!

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ANNE RIERSON Once Anne Rierson enters your life, you’ll find yourself in places you didn’t expect, and deeply grateful for it.

That’s because Anne is truly gifted at bringing people along with her. In her work with the Iowa Women’s Foundation, she actively encourages other women in her peer group to get involved, from hosting events in her home to literally bringing us along to committee meetings. When Anne makes an ask, you say, “Yes,” because when she cares about something, it’s worthwhile.

Professionally, Anne’s credibility, creativity, strategic thinking, and sincere heart have earned her widespread respect as a marketing communications leader throughout our community and in her role as Marketing Director at Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery. Her collaborative nature brings people along, especially through times of change. As a mentor, Anne continually challenges and uplifts other women, setting an example for us all.

Wherever Anne brings you along, you also can be assured that you’ll have a delightful time. As a wife, daughter, sister, aunt, dog mom, and dear friend, Anne’s sense of humor and wisdom make her a joy and a treasure to share life with.

Anne, on behalf of all of the women who are better for knowing you, thank you!

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JUDY FLAPAN Our book club, “Compendium,” has met monthly for 20+ years. We discuss the characters in a book, and within that discussion, learn much about the character of each of our members. It’s our honor to recognize Judy Flapan in the 2021 Ovation. Judy is a person of strong principles and moral values. Her smile lights up a room and her deeply caring heart has endeared her to many.

Judy grew up with three brothers in Chicago. After high school, she had one semester at the local community college. She met and married the love of her life, Marshall, and moved to Iowa City, where Marshall started medical school.

Throughout this time, Judy became the breadwinner, working in various secretarial roles. They moved to Des Moines after Marshall was offered a position and soon thereafter, the first of five daughters was born.

Judy would say that her “girls” are her crowning achievement. They are five accomplished, confident, loyal, and beautiful young women. Judy served on the board of directors of Planned Parenthood of Iowa. Her dedication and belief in women’s health issues, specifically reproductive rights, led her to lobby at the local and national level. Judy has served on the board for the Des Moines Metro Opera, the Polk County Medical Auxiliary, and served as the Women’s League President for the Tifereth Israel Synagogue.

Judy never lost the dream of that college degree. She completed her bachelor of arts at Drake University in 1987, with her family proudly by her side.

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KAILA ROME Cheese and fitness enthusiast, Kaila Rome, arrived in Iowa City from the Chicago area to attend the University of Iowa as a non-traditional student. After dabbling in pursuit of a business degree, Kaila changed her life’s mission to one of service and immersed herself in our community. She answered the crisis hotline at CommUnity Crisis Services, coached at Iowa City’s first CrossFit gym, conquered physical and mental obstacles on GoRucks, served as Stella’s game day mixologist, mentored local students as an AmeriCorps volunteer at United Action for Youth, and, all the while, cultivated close friendships. After graduation, Kaila chose to make Iowa City her home.

Today, Kaila serves as the Executive Director of the North Liberty Community Pantry, and, along with her staff, raises food insecurity awareness. She has expanded her organization’s visibility through clothing drives, collaboration with the Growing Together Garden, Veggie Rx, the Stone Soup Supper, and organizes summer lunch programming. She has developed programs for health and nutrition education through local co-operative events, including community meals. Kaila connects with people, and then connects people – all with the goal of working herself out of a job. She leads with creativity, evident to her friends in her curated playlists and hashtags, calm confidence, empathy, humility, humor, and grace. Kaila is a positive force in our community and a dedicated partner, friend, daughter, and aunt.

Her family, friends, and co-workers are excited to recognize Kaila for all she gives to us.

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MARY AMES

ALLISON WYNES BS (UI) in nursing, Mary spent most of her career as a realtor. A tireless volunteer at the Marion Independent School District, long-time School Board Member, member of the MISD Foundation Hall of Fame, she endowed an annual scholarship for a deserving MHS graduate.

With the death of her daughter and son-in-law, Mary shouldered her grief and set about quietly commuting every day from her home in Marion to her young grandchildren’s home in Amana – dedicated to keeping “the kids,” (as Mary so lovingly referred to them) in their parents’ home.

Mary steadfastly maintained this lifestyle as the children grew to adulthood, nurtured and sustained by a loving and caring Oma. Hard working, savvy, persevering, courageous, nurturer. Good friend, good mentor, good Oma.

Not all heroes wear capes. True heroes walk among us every day, and Allison is one of them.

Fighting on the frontlines of the COVID pandemic in the MICU at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, she has been an inspiration to so many.

While facing extraordinary circumstances this past year, Allison exemplified what courage under fire looks like. Allison is a dedicated mother to her children Roman, Avery, and Willow (her Great Dane), all while playing an instrumental part in the University of Iowa’s fight to save lives against a global pandemic. She treats her patients and their families with empathy and compassion. She has left a lasting impact on so many lives and will continue to do so.

Love, Your Family

Good woman.

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SUSAN WEAVER Many of you may know Susan from her work with the IWF Luncheon and OVATION committees. There’s much more to her story…

The oldest of five, Susan grew up in small town West Liberty, Iowa. A desire to be closer to family brought her and her husband Jim back home a few years ago, where they now enjoy the amenities of the community and more family time.

Her greatest joys: being mom to two sons and Grammy Sue to seven; six rambunctious grandsons and one spunky granddaughter. All blessed with a great sense of humor and living nearby makes for many happy memories through sleepovers, bonfires, and watching them grow into their talents and gifts.

Certified in music and special education, Susan taught high school special education for 20 years in Monticello. She worked with students on academic and life skills to prepare them and their families as they transitioned into adult life.

After retiring from teaching, Susan joined SouthGate Companies in 2016 as an Executive Administrative Assistant. Her experience and knowledge have helped with many transitions (including new ownership in 2019) and provides muchappreciated support to the Leadership Team and most areas of SouthGate.

Faith is the center of Susan’s life, with HighPoint City Church being her home church since 2005. She recently stepped in to co-lead the worship team with her pastor. In 2018, HighPoint released their first album of seven original songs, including two songs she wrote. They are releasing a live EP of four songs soon.

Congratulations from your friends and co-workers at Southgate Companies.

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DR. JENNIFER SHERER Dr. Jennifer Sherer is a visionary leader, educator, and advocate who, as Director of the University of Iowa Labor Center, has improved the lives of thousands of Iowans. While guiding the Labor Center’s mission to provide high-quality adult education for workers, she has advanced new initiatives to bring worker rights education to more Iowans, with a special emphasis on advancing opportunities and leadership for working women.

Jen led the Labor Center’s launch of a new statewide Quality Preapprenticeship Program to increase the number of women, people of color, and other members of underrepresented communities in quality construction careers. As part of this initiative, she established an Iowa Women in the Trades network to promote success of Iowa women in the skilled trades. For over a decade, Jen has also helped lead efforts to sustain and grow the Midwest School for Women Workers, an annual women’s summer leadership school.

Jen is passionate about the power of education to transform people’s lives.

She has developed innovative classes and adult education techniques and has contributed to research and education beyond the classroom as a board member of the UI Center for Human Rights, Common Good Iowa, and the Labor Studies Journal. Jen also directs the Iowa Labor Oral History Project, one of the most comprehensive labor oral history collections in the world, and she led the recent complicated process of digitizing and indexing this collection to ensure all ILHOP interview recordings are fully accessible to the public and preserved for future generations.

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KAREN KUBBY

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Artist, successful politician, socialist activist, small business entrepreneur, feminist icon, agency director: Karen Kubby has been a pioneer and role model. Her network extends from her Iowa City home to state and national circles such as the Socialist Party USA, where her influence resonates widely.

Karen has been engaged in political and social justice causes since the 1980s, when she participated in the Fair Rent Coalition and chaired the Iowa City Commission on Community Needs. She was elected on her third try to the Iowa City City Council in 1989 for the first of three terms. Initially facing condescension as a “socialist potmaker,” she proved she had the experience, judgment, and temperament to be a potent voice on municipal issues. She soon developed her signature style: focus on the positive, respect all voices, and reject anger as a rhetorical tool.

In 1999, Karen became the director of the Emma Goldman Clinic. Her concentration on the needs of patients and staff, and on the credibility of the clinic as a vital community resource, continued her dedication to women and girls.

Karen then surprised those who saw her mainly as a political activist, but delighted longtime admirers of her pottery and beadwork. She and her sister, Laurel, bought the business that is now Beadology in downtown Iowa City. It has become a welcoming space for those interested in beadwork, from novices to sophisticated artists, and a refuge for friends to stop by and catch up on the day’s events. She has become a leader among, and an effective spokesperson for, downtown merchants.

Karen’s commitment to our community is evidence of, in her words, “living out one’s values.” We are all deeply in her debt.

“Karen’s compassion for our community and her activism for women’s rights and empowerment has been a true gift. I count her as one of the Sheroes of my life!”

— Kristie Fortmann-Doser, Executive Director, Domestic Violence Intervention Program “Creative, Conscientious, and Fearless: these are the words that come to my mind when I think of Karen.”

— Jean Lloyd-Jones, former Iowa State Senator

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SHUTTLEWORTH & INGERSOLL

Tiffany Frambach

Diane Clouse

Addison Arp

Tiffany Olson

Jacki Ciarcia-Kesler

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In the midst of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, the incredible support staff at Shuttleworth & Ingersoll demonstrated why a great team makes all the difference. Despite the magnitude of uncertainty and mounting challenges, the staff bravely tackled each new obstacle while demonstrating resiliency, ingenuity, and fortitude. While daily operations were disrupted, our staff forged ahead to ensure that the needs of our clients were met. To all of the support staff at Shuttleworth & Ingersoll, we owe a sincere debt of gratitude. We give special thanks to the amazing women who physically remained in the office throughout the entire year, courageously showing up each day so that rest of the team could remain at home to do our part and keep our community safe.

CRYSTAL FORD Upon meeting Crystal Ford, you are immediately energized by the positivity that radiates from her.

You see the passion she holds for her community, for empowering people, and her strong leadership.

Crystal is the Cedar Valley Market Leader at BerganKDV, where she leads the mission of providing a ‘WOW’ experience to every client.

She places a focus on diversity and inclusion, recruiting talent, and building meaningful relationships firm-wide.

Ford earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in project management from Kaplan University. Recently appointed to the 2020 Iowa Women’s Foundation Board of Directors, she is also the President of the Cedar Falls Community Main Street Board of Directors, a liaison to Main Street Waterloo and the College Hill Partnership.

KAY NEUMANN-THOMAS It’s no surprise that Kay Neumann-Thomas has impacted and befriended hundreds, if not thousands, of people around the entire state of Iowa. Just look at her Facebook friend list! Kay knows no strangers, only friends she has yet to meet.

Through her role as Vice President of Programs at the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation, Kay spent 20 years managing three prestigious statewide leadership programs, developing a pipeline of well over 1,500 leaders, from high school and college students to adults.

As a servant leader herself, Kay exudes kindness, humility, grace, and compassion in all that she does as a mentor and friend.

Kay and her late husband, Bill Thomas, have two sons and a daughter (and their accompanying spouses) along with seven grandchildren, with whom she particularly loves spending time.

Kay began her career in broadcast media, spending time with WHO TV, KDSM TV, and Mediacom in Des Moines. She is a proud graduate of the prestigious School of Journalism at the University of Missouri and spent many summers helping run her family’s resort at the Lake of the Ozarks.

She is very involved in her church and in the community of Indianola.

Kay demonstrates what it means to lead with heart and truly lives a life of gratitude.

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LORRAINE WILLIAMS “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi Lorraine Williams is the owner and founder of the Dodici Inc. “trinity”: Café Dodici, Dodici’s Coffee & Gift Shop, and Dodici Night Suites — all located on the downtown square of Washington, Iowa. Lorraine is a Washington native, and after spending 27 years in Italy, she returned home with a vision to invest in her hometown and offer locals and visitors a quality, destination restaurant.

Perseverance and passion led her to making this vision a reality. She was one of the first to lead by example and invest in renovating an old building on the square. She inspired others to follow suit over the years, and Washington now has a vibrant downtown that has seen nearly $20 million in renovation projects.

Lorraine’s passion is not limited to her work. She serves on the Kirkwood Board of trustees. She is a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and devoted friend to many. Anyone who gets to know her is drawn by her caring, mothering nature, and benefits from her legendary hospitality and generosity. She treats her employees, friends, customers, and community members with the same love and understanding that she has with her family, and everyone is drawn to her as a result. This is underscored by the many fundraising events she has held at her restaurant over the years. You can’t help but love Lorraine! It is an honor and a privilege to share life’s journey with her.

Daughter Isabella, her loving family, and everyone at Dodici Inc.

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MEAGAN MILLER A recognized, esteemed professional describes Meagan Miller. Meagan serves as the Controller & Compliance Officer for the Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo. She is a devoted and recognized community volunteer serving on the Cedar Valley United Way Board of Directors, their Finance Committee, and Emerging Leaders Committee.

Meagan is also on the Board of Directors for the Cedar Valley Volunteer Center, volunteers as a Fundraising Chair for a local gymnastics center, and Chairs the Community Aces Group at the Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo.

Meagan Miller has been recognized as the Cedar Valley United Way Volunteer of the Year and also received the WCF Courier 20 Under 40 Award in 2014. Meagan is an amazing professional, leader, mother of two daughters, wife, and inspiration to many.

MOLLY M. SCHREIBER Molly is pure light. She has a unique ability to see the talents, gifts, and highest potential in others.

As CEO of Challenge to Change, Inc., Molly has created a culture where dreams become reality. Her leadership encourages others to step beyond their comfort zones to create positive change, both personally and professionally. Her vision to support people of all ages with lifelong wellness skills is farreaching. As Founder of Mindful Minutes for Schools, a non-profit, Molly further expands unique educational opportunities for students and educators through the modalities of yoga and mindfulness in her community and beyond. There seems to be no limit to her growth as a leader, wife, mother, friend.

Your family, friends, and team-members see and honor you, Molly!

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DR. RUTH WHITE Dr. Ruth White is a living legend, trailblazer, pioneer, and role model for so many. Dr. White is an award-winning educator and former director of the Iowa Department of Human Rights during Gov. Tom Vilsack’s administration. She spent 23 years as a Language Arts teacher at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, beginning as a 10th grade English teacher, and ending as an instructor of Advanced Placement Literature. Dr. White also served as Academic Advisor to Minority Students, a position through which she learned about the many minority and international students at Washington, and through which she developed and implemented the Diversity Workshop and Ethnic Week, including the Ethnic Food Fair and the Ethnic Fashion Show.

She continues to lead The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success. She is married to George Pope, and is the parent of Travell Wright, Washington High School student. She stays active as a Cultural Competency training consultant. Throughout her career, Dr. White has demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion in Iowa, serving on the boards of directors for the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission, Diversity Focus, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, the Des Moines Pastoral Council, I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa, and the Cedar Rapids YWCA Family Service Agency, among service to many other organizations.

Dr. White is revered by her former students as well as by current Academy students, for her many “mantras,” two of which include: “Attitude is Everything,” and “There Is Always More to Know.”

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JEAN KRESSE I was 16 when my mom started work at United Way of Story County. A decade later, I’ve realized how valuable an example she set in pursuing a career that marries her passion and skill set. She’s an amazing boss, but an even better mom. She makes me laugh, even when I was an ornery teen, and reminds me of my value when I can’t see it myself. I’m proud to be her daughter.

-Emily Kresse Those lucky enough to know Jean, know that she encourages those around her to be their best self. Being an employee of hers for the past five years, I appreciate her caring spirit, always putting others before herself. She’s a true fighter for equity and works daily to make positive change happen.

-Allie Prusa, Marketing Director UWSC Jean is an amazing leader with the capacity to bring others along, regardless of their walk of life. She leads with heart and mind, warmth and compassion, and wisdom from a lifetime of experience. I’m truly grateful to work with and learn from Jean. I hope she never retires!

-Anneke Mundel, Community Impact Director UWSC Jean is a true servant leader and advocate for those around her. She cares deeply about our community and staff. Jean helps envision what we can achieve as an organization by tackling hard issues and pushing through the uncomfortable parts. With her leadership, UWSC has set bold goals for community impact. She brought the groundbreaking Infant at Work policy to our Board of Directors to support families. She “walks the walk” every day.

-Kristin Pates, Campaign Director UWSC

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RENEE MAE VIRLEE Mama Wife Fierce worker Competitive Mentor Decisive, yet Gentle Informed Ethical Diligent The jewel of the family.

Valedictorian of her graduating class at Lisbon. Intrepid hurdler scrappy basketball and softball player, BS in Accounting from Penn State, Masters of Accountancy from the University of Iowa, Certified Public Accountant.

Accomplished professional, diligent volunteer, loving spirit to her family and to her friends.

Thoughtful.

Kind.

When she focuses those big brown eyes on a task, you can be sure it will be accomplished, whether it is helping her husband, Drew, on the farm or serving her clients as the new owner of Pearson & Virlee PC in Mt. Vernon and Cedar Rapids.

Her greatest love is caring for Ingrid and Pierce. Ever present for them in spirit and love, she is a shining example of motherhood and a joy to us all.

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JANE ANDREW ANDERSON, JULIA ANDREW GRIFFIN, JENNIFER ANDREW Daughters…in the blink of an eye, they go from rocking in cradles…to rocking the world! Honored to call these amazing women our daughters, they are warm, welcoming, kind, and genuine. Their smiles say it all! They changed not only our world but the world beyond! With their degrees from University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, and Grand View University, they set off to positively impact the lives of others through their careers.

Jane, a passionate advocate for women’s health care access, is the experienced administrator of an OB/GYN practice in West Des Moines.

Julia, as an ELL/elementary teacher and author, spreads kindness through her gifted interactions and insightful lessons.

Jenny, a school nurse in an alternative high school, brings positivity and sincerity to caring encouragement with students.

Looking back on these last twelve months, we are especially proud of their strength, courage, innovation, generosity and resilience demonstrated to their families, friends, and co-workers. They are indeed “essential.”

From left: Jennifer Andrew, Julia Griffin, Jane Anderson

Their most cherished role, though, is that of MOM! Their priorities of being present, modeling kindness, integrity, accountability, volunteerism, and devoted nurturing of faith helps their eight wonderful children understand that they, too, can make a difference. Every day they honor the legacies of their loving, inspiring, and industrious grandmothers, Grammie Alice and Grandma Nita, which brings us so much joy.

Thank you three for all you do to make ours a better, more peaceful world!

Love you so very much, Mom and Dad (Jacque and Jim Andrew)

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MARY SPAINHOWER NOEL Mary was a great sister, wife, momma, nana, aunt, and above all a friend. She was guided in life by her unwavering faith and work ethic. Her kindness, generosity, and caring intellect made her an outstanding nurse, a vocation she loved. A testament to her nursing contributions was her Hospice Volunteer of the Year award.

Mary would consider herself ordinary, but her sweet, gentle, giving nature and boundless love for her family was legendary. She cared more for others than herself and cherished her time spent with family and friends.

Her life was full, and her loss was sudden and profound. All will miss her kind smile and selfless approach to life. We are comforted in knowing she lives on in each of us.

With love and admiration, your loving family

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SAMA AGAR Sama has always loved caring for children. Overcoming a decade of obstacles, Sama has now proudly achieved her goal.

Sama grew up in Eritrea, and at 24 fled to Ethiopia because it wasn’t safe to stay. She settled in a refugee camp, providing care for young children. Sama didn’t get education about safety/CPR, but the experience confirmed her dream of providing child care.

Sama came to the US in 2017 as a refugee and relocated to central Iowa. As a single mom, Sama struggled to find a balance between providing for her children and family and learning English.

In 2018, Sama enrolled in LSI’s child care training program. She’s now a licensed child care provider, providing a safe and culturally sensitive child care business.

MARY L. RETTIG, PHD All of us at the University of Iowa Libraries are pleased to recognize Mary L. Rettig, PhD in this year’s Ovation! Mary is a tireless champion for the UI Libraries, and libraries in general! Mary, formally an employee of the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, has worked on behalf of the UI Libraries since 2015. A credentialed librarian herself, Mary took on the enhanced role of Assistant University Librarian for Advancement in 2019.

She builds and stewards relationships with the hundreds of individuals who support the UI Libraries. Philanthropic support is increasingly important to the UI Libraries and we will benefit from Mary’s remarkable advancement work for years to come.

Mary’s commitment to service doesn’t end in the Libraries. She is active and served as President of her chapter of P.E.O. International. Mary is also a member of the Iowa City Noon Rotary, serving on the Youth Leadership Committee. It should be no surprise that Mary is a passionate alumna of Luther College and the University of Iowa. She and husband David reside in Amana and are the proprietors of White Cross Cellars and Prosit! wine shop.

We value Mary’s advocacy, enthusiasm, commitment, and friendship and are honored to add her name to the Ovation roster of women leaders in Iowa!

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CINDI SCHROCK Cindi gets her energy from people, and she enjoys connecting through conversation over a good cup of coffee. Cindi is known for her amazing listening skills and her ability to validate the way others feel. She radiates warmth that makes others feel welcome. Her clients respect and adore her, and many of them will eagerly share what a difference she’s made in their financial success.

As a leader, she is nurturing and caring, but also pushes those around her to do their best. She has been instrumental in the development of many MidWestOne Bank employees. Because of this, the branch on Rochester Avenue is affectionately referred to as “Schrock University.”

Cindi is a steadfast advocate for the equitable treatment of all humans. This made pioneering the storefront of Ten Thousand Villages in Downtown Iowa City a project that Cindi joyfully spearheaded. The store is a non-profit that gives artisans around the world fair wages for their handcrafted products.

Cindi was certain it would thrive in a place like Iowa City, a community that she knows well. She grew up here and graduated with “the chosen few of ’82” at West High. She attended Goshen College in Indiana and then started her banking career in Lancaster, PA. She continues her commitment to community service as chair-elect of the Iowa City Hospice Board of Directors. She is known for asking tough questions – often about front-line staff because she cares about their well-being.

We are proud to call you our friend and colleague.

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MELISSA SIEBELS Melissa’s love of people, her All-In/Can-Do attitude, and commitment to excellent work makes her a tremendous asset to her fellow employee-owners, industry colleagues, and our valued customers. The work Melissa is responsible for is challenging and critically important to our customers’ success and satisfaction.

Thankfully, her work ethic, attention to detail, and resourcefulness put her in the top of her class among her peers in North America.

Melissa is loyal, independent, confident, and intelligent making her a valued team member. Van Meter is proud to honor Melissa with this recognition.

At home Melissa is a superstar as well. She loves spending time with her family, which includes her husband, two young boys, a cat, and their golden retriever.

NANCY BIRD Nancy Bird is one of the most dedicated and innovative leaders the Iowa City area has. Nancy demonstrates communication, leadership, creative problem solving, and resiliency in her work.

She knows how to build incredible opportunities with limited resources, and she knows how to build a collaborative group to tackle important and communitydriven needs. An incredible mentor with a visionary eye, she is truly one of the most kind people you will ever meet. She’s someone who brings so much of herself to every challenge and opportunity before her; it’s always an honor to work with her on a project because you know it’s going to be something special. We are so lucky to have Nancy Bird in Iowa City leading the charge for downtown!

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LAURIE L. DAWLEY Laurie is a wife, mother, attorney, active community volunteer, and generous friend.

As an Attorney and Senior Vice President at Shuttleworth & Ingersoll, Laurie’s work focuses on business, banking and finance, and real estate law, along with mergers and acquisitions. She is also an active member of the firm’s board of directors.

Laurie volunteers with local nonprofit organizations to assist them with their various legal needs, is a member of the Advisory Committee for the Prairie School Foundation, and the Cedar Rapids Downtown Rotary. Laurie also serves on the Iowa Women’s Foundation, Junior Achievement, and the Cedar Rapids Country Club boards, among several others she has served in the past.

She and her husband, Jon, live in Walford with their two children, Mari and Carter. In her free time, you can find Laurie at sporting events cheering on Carter, visiting her Mari at Iowa State University, or enjoying a walk with Charlie, the family canine.

Laurie’s passion for her family, work, and the wider Cedar Rapids community are undeniable. She is constantly doing all she can to ensure her community is the best it can be for all who live there. There is truly no one more hardworking, ambitious, and compassionate.

Mom, you are so deserving of this recognition, and we could not be prouder of you. You are our biggest role model, supporter, and advocate. We will never be able to express to you how much you mean to us entirely, but we do hope this helps a little.

We love you! Congratulations, Jon, Mari, Carter, and Charlie

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BETTY DAVIS GAUSE Traditionally, a pearl symbolizes everlasting love, loyalty, and wisdom. Pearls also represent new beginnings and a fresh start. In Revelation 21:5 John heard the One seated on the throne say, “I am making everything new.” It is in the Spirit of this verse that her family, church, sorority, and community are gifted by the pearl that is Betty Davis Gause. The culmination of her gifts began in her childhood, as it was commonplace for Betty to proudly serve her parents, grandparents, and siblings in strength, generosity, and sharing.

As a result of Betty’s service in her community, she received the pearls of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated at Florida A & M University, a HBCU in Tallahassee, Florida. Within her sorority, she served as the 26th Midwestern Regional Director. She is highly revered and is often sought out for her advice to assist young women in their preparation for leadership roles.

She is a regular sponsor of the Mitch 22 Foundation event, Pearl for Pearls, an organization that supports women who have lost a child. As a retired Educator from Drake University & Grandview University, she now serves as the Chair of Corinthian Baptist Church’s scholarship committee and as a Board Member of the Richard & Linda Harrell Foster Care Foundation, both of which grant scholarships to high school youth and college undergraduates. Anyone privileged enough to have been the recipient of her gifts would agree that Betty cares deeply, acts with intentionality, and improves any space she enters.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD IOWA AREA DIRECTORS

Amy Blanchard

Barb Bremner

Abigail Degenhardt

Whitney Howell

Sherri Hunt

Chris Kivett-Berry

Pat McReynolds

Erin Monaghan

Beth Ownby

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Alyse DeVries

Cindy Duhrkopf

Nikki Fischer

Kerri Hall

Ginger Knisley

Annette Koster

Carrie Kube

Brenda Loop

Jodi Maddy

Erin Pingel

Patricia Russmann

Deb Schrader

Elizabeth Stanek

Samantha Turnbull

Not Pictured: Tasha Beghtol Shawna Lebeck

Meagan Hammell

Laurie Kristiansen Jenny Robinson Kris Schlievert Tammy WetjenKesterson

Diane Martens

Michelle Wodtke Franks

Early Childhood Iowa (ECI), is a statewide initiative housed within the Iowa Department of Management, uniting public and private agencies, organizations, and stakeholders under one common vision, “Every child, beginning at birth, will be healthy and successful.”

Local ECI areas enable citizens to lead collaborative efforts involving education, health, and human services programs on behalf of children, families, and citizens residing in the area. The focus is to improve results for families with young children, ages zero to five years.

ensure ALL Iowa’s children are healthy and ready to succeed in school, ALL Iowa families are secure and nurturing, ALL communities in Iowa are safe and supportive, and ALL early learning environments are secure and nurturing.

Thank you, Area Directors, for all that you do!

You make your community a place where families with young children can live, succeed, and thrive!

There are 38 ECI areas statewide representing all 99 counties. Each area has a citizen-led board promoting collaboration and developing community systems to improve the quality of life for children and their families at the local level.

Area Directors provide strong leadership, managerial oversight, and administrative skills for each ECI area board. Directors oversee the development, implementation, and coordination of comprehensive plans that guide each community in investing in children and their families. These individuals are the glue connecting early childhood programs and services with families. They’re the voice and advocates for services for families with children.

They bring passion, vision, and dedication to

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GABRIELA RIVERA – DR. BETH A. LIVINGSTON – DR. MICHELE WILLIAMS The Tippie College of Business celebrates three outstanding leaders of our ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Gabriela Rivera, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the college, received her master’s degree in higher education and student affairs from the University of Iowa. She’s held positions including multicultural specialist in the Center for Diversity and Enrichment and Iowa Edge program director. At Tippie she’s a student advisor and co-directs the Tippie Gateway Program, which recruits under-represented populations, including first-generation, women, LGTBQ+, and students of color. She also created the BizEdge Mentoring Program, providing continued support to underrepresented business students.

Dr. Beth A. Livingston is Assistant Professor in Management and Entrepreneurship. After receiving her PhD from the University of Florida, she spent eight years at Cornell University in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations before moving to the Midwest. She’s passionate about studying gender, stereotyping, discrimination, and the management of work and family.

Her research has been highlighted in the New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and has been published in top academic journals.

Dr. Michele Williams is Assistant Professor and John L. Miclot Faculty Fellow in Entrepreneurship at Tippie. She’s also the inaugural Tippie Faculty Fellow in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Johns Hopkins University, a master’s degree in education from Columbia University, and a PhD in business administration from the University of Michigan. She previously taught at MIT and Cornell University. Her academic interest areas are entrepreneurship/innovation, gender/social categorization, and trust/collaboration.

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HEIDI FUCHTMAN You can see ideas fly from Heidi Fuchtman when she talks about new projects for Cedar Valley’s Youth Art Team.

How can we all learn from this?

How might the student artists develop leadership?

How will the entire community benefit?

Heidi’s decade-long leadership journey started when a diverse team of artists, ages 7 to 17, painted “LOVE IS POWER” on an abandoned shed. From humble beginnings, Youth Art Team’s impact exploded.

YAT projects are creative and community-centered: photos of neglected streets made beautiful through students’ cameras, wooden butterflies surprisingly “landed” across the community, unique murals bringing joy to a city bridge.

Research is enjoyed by the artists, especially the year-long exploration of Waterloo’s civil rights history, now illustrated by a massive river-wall mural.

First-person interviews of Iowans who emigrated here are published in a stunningly gorgeous book.

Heidi’s passion is not only for art; she loves her diverse artists and families.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Heidi’s team provided outdoor tutoring, art supplies, working tablets and WiFi, as well as meals for struggling families. She accomplished all of this while doing long-term planning for the team’s vibrant future.

It would be easy to give up due to COVID-19; to lose sight of each other in the darkness. However, because of Heidi’s leadership, the Youth Art Team staff, volunteers, and artists simply held on tighter. There was - and will be - light.

Thank you, Heidi.

Heidi and husband Andy have four amazing and creative children.

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SUE SMITH Sue Smith has touched the lives of so many people, not only at St. Luke’s, but in her work as an educator and as a wife, mother, sibling, grandmother, and friend. As stated by one of her contributors who has known Sue for over 40 years, “Sue has not only raised remarkable children, but she has continued to grow into an outstanding educator who deeply cares about others. Her work at St. Luke’s says it all, always willing to be professional and caring in the many responsibilities that she takes on”. Another contributor stated, “Sue embodies what Ovation is all about. Her selfless dedication is admired by us all.”

Sue has served as the junior and senior warden (leadership roles) at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. She has worked with the Stories from Scratch children since St. Luke’s started this formation program a few years ago. She’s been responsible for a good deal of the hospitality offered through St. Luke’s, serving as the saint of the kitchen! Sue also helped sew diapers for Refuge Belen in Nicaragua.

Sue received the Gold Star Teaching Award in 2000. She has tutored her grandson in Ohio five days a week during the pandemic (including all summer!). Sue has supported Daryl’s work in the prairie, helping to transplant seedlings as well as helping when the prairie is lit at the Easter Vigil. Sue always has a welcoming smile and hug for everyone she encounters.

Sue is truly deserving of this honor!

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KRISTIN ROBERTS Picture this: you’re walking into your first day as the brandnew CEO of a large nonprofit in February 2020. You’re filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness, yet are eager to learn. Would you be able to walk into this job and: • •

•

• •

Navigate staff-wide work from home strategies Help foster community collaborations that assist nonprofits with pandemic response efforts Take on fiscal year budgeting after losing the organization’s CFO Determine major reorganization work Serve as the face of a collaborative disaster recovery group who was activated due to a devastating inland hurricane

DR. ALICE ATKINSON, PHD Dr. Alice Atkinson, PhD Emeritus, Associate Professor focusing on Early Childhood Education, has had extensive community involvement with early childhood education since the mid-1970s. An early member of 4Cs (Child Care Coordinating Council) of Johnson County, she served numerous terms as President of the board and remains a board member.

Alice was a board member of Early Child Iowa for six years, helping with governmental activities related to child care.

Another major focus of hers is conservation. Alice served on the Johnson County Conservation Board for ten years, and she continues involvement with conservation activities.

…all within six months?

Kristin Roberts did. Her adaptability, flexibility, and passion have and will continue to lead United Way of East Central Iowa into the future.

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EMILY BODHOLDT The Heart of a Woman ~Anonymous They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand against injustice.

They don’t take “no” for an answer when they believe there is no better solution.

They go without new shoes so their children can have them.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a new marriage.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They have sorrow at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is not strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all colors, shapes and sizes.

They’ll drive, fly, run or write, show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what helps the world keep turning.

Women do more than just give birth.

They give hope and joy.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

They give compassion and ideals.

Women have a lot to say and a lot to give.

We believe this encompasses the heart and soul of Emily Bodholdt.

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Foundation 2021

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OUR WORK

Shattering the Barriers to Women’s Economic Success 2020 and 2021 have been very different for all of us. 2020 and 2021 have been very different for all of us. The Iowa Women’s Foundation (IWF), along with many other organizations, small businesses, and corporations, has had to pivot and think outside of the box to continue to carry out their mission. COVID-19 has certainly pushed us all to think in new ways. For IWF, the mission of improving the lives of Iowa’s women and girls is even more critical as we focus on the economy and getting women back to work.

In a year of upside downness, IWF has worked even harder to shatter the barriers keeping women from economic self-sufficiency: employment, child care, housing, education/training, transportation, and mentoring. IWF Core Grants are providing opportunities to open doors and break down barriers for women and girls across the state. Led by Casey’s, the Child Care Solutions fund continues to provide resources to programs increasing the availability of quality affordable child care. To date, $1.1 million has been awarded to 245 programs benefiting individuals in all 99 counties in Iowa. IWF has created a new grants program, Micro Grants, to support immediate emergency needs to keep programs moving forward when something unexpected happens.

Of the barriers IWF is working to shatter, child care has never been more important to families, businesses, and the state of Iowa as we recover together from the pandemic. Child care is an economic driver in urban and rural areas of Iowa. Without child care, there will be no economic recovery. The pandemic has

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shined a light on child care and the essential need for families and businesses to have access to quality affordable child care. Without child care, women are not able to gain employment, participate in continuing education, certification, and training programs, or complete degrees in higher education. Businesses struggle with a steady workforce, and Iowa, as a large manufacturing state, can’t grow and thrive without employees.

and create solutions for the child care crisis. Five more are joining the work, with a goal of 40 communities working with local officials, business leaders, community volunteers, and providers to increase the availability and accessibility to affordable quality child care in their communities by the end of 2021. As the convener of these groups, IWF shares resources and makes connections between communities to further the work by learning from each other.

The pandemic has disproportionally impacted women, with 400,000 more women than men leaving the workforce. According to the National Women’s Law Center, “female workforce participation has dropped to 57% - the lowest level since 1988”. Many women have been displaced from the workforce, either through layoffs, furloughs, reduced hours, or elimination of positions altogether. Some have had to leave their jobs to care for their children because of the pandemic and the temporary/permanent closures of child care providers.

IWF is part of a child care coalition that advocates for legislative action to support the Cliff Effect, child care reimbursement rates for providers, TEACH and WAGE$ programs, and dependent care and business tax credits. Each of these bills provides a step forward in addressing child care. The national government is providing funding within stimulus packages to get a jump start on child care. At this time, funding is to be used to expand and build facilities. The next step will be to support this essential workforce of providers, center directors, and teachers with livable wages and benefits.

Research has shown us that child care issues result in an estimated $935 million loss annually for Iowa’s economy, and Iowa loses an estimated $153 million annually in tax revenue due to child care issues.

Absences and employee turnover cost Iowa employers an estimated $781 million per year. These numbers are staggering.

Along with individual communities and advocacy, IWF established the Iowa Business and Child Care Coalition. Representatives from 22 top Iowa companies, as well as Iowa Association of Business and Industry and Iowa Business Council, have readily joined forces and are sharing their solutions to child care issues for others to follow suit. A Business Tool Kit has been created with something as simple as providing flexible work arrangements for their employees, to building an on-site facility for their associates.

IWF’s Building Community Child Care Solutions collaborative continues to work with community partners in 30 communities across the state to develop

Child Care Ready, a professional child care training series designed and provided by Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R), helps individuals seeking a career in early childhood education access the required training and support needed to become a licensed child care provider or child care center staff. This educational series offers all of the pre-certification training required, participant supports, starter kit, and stipends. The fast-track child care training was provided to 157 individuals, with 111 completing the training, 37 becoming registered in-home providers, 44 submitting their applications to DHS, an additional 18 are still deciding next steps, and 12 participants have gone to work for a child care center.

IWF has been invited to join the Governor’s Task Force for Child Care under Executive Order Number Eight. As the number one priority of Governor Kim Reynolds, she has recognized child care as a significant barrier to increasing the work force throughout the state. This group will address the lack of accessible quality affordable child care, and get people back to work by developing comprehensive strategies that address the numerous barriers to child care as it relates to the workforce.

Our work is not done. As we move through the economic recovery stage of the pandemic, we look forward to establishing public-private partnerships to support child care. Once child care is stabilized, the other pieces will slowly begin to fall into place, and IWF will move on to the next barrier.

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CIRCLES OF GIVING PRESIDENTS CIRCLE

($2,500 or more per year for three years)

Martha Easter-Wells Lori Freudenberg Dolores Gutierrez Lois James Judith Leavitt Elizabeth Swanson Jean Trainor

We are currently accepting tributes for the 2022 Ovation: A Tribute to Iowa Women and Girls.

If there is a special woman in your life you would like to honor, please call Ann Parker at 319-774-3815 or email ann@iawf.org.

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DIRECTORS CIRCLE

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

($500 – $2,499 per year for three years)

Megan Alter Diane Benoit Lisa Bluder Terry Boles Kay Braverman Joyce Carman-Baldus Phyllis Chang and Judy Gerlitz Stephanie Clohesy Nancy Cobb Susan Curry Suzanne Cutler Elizabeth Daly Darline Davermann-Reid Betty DeBerg Shari DeMaris Peggy Doerge Geraldene Felton Susan Frye Alison Ames Galstad Sarah Gardial Miriam Gilbert Linda Gottlieb (memory) Lynn Hartman Nancy Hauserman Robyn Hepker Ellen Heywood Linda Hopkins Sanja Hunt Jeremy James Jean Jew MD

A TRIBUTE TO IOWA WOMEN AND GIRLS

Jo Lavera Jones Samantha Karrel and David Wieseneck Mary Lea Kruse Julie Kunkel Lori Lane Chelle Lehman Vicki Lensing Jean Lloyd-Jones Belinda Lantz Marner Jane McCune Linda McGuire Lori Meyer Stan Miller Joleen Mittelholtz Rachel and Jason Napoli Richard (Dick) Noble Jill Olsen Polly Pagliai Pamela Peters Elizabeth Rapson Martha Reineke Tom Rocklin Mark Ruggeberg and Robert Brooks Joy Smith and David Rust Sara Rynes-Weller Jayne Sandler Lindsey and Mike Schluckebier

Patricia Schnack Melissa Schooley Sashi Solomon Joyce Summerwill Alan Swanson Dick and Buffie Tucker Shanell Wagler Vicki Walch Susan Dale Wall MD Paula Weigel Jennifer Welton Victoria West John Westefeld and Deb Liddell Dawn Oliver Wiand

($250 – $499 per year for three years)

Jacque Andrew Kathy Bachmeier Ashley Baird Cara Beck Susan Beckett and Laurie Haag Linda Bergquist Jacqueline Blank Christina Bohannan Mary Rita Burns Karen Chappell Genevieve (Jen) Conwell Naomi Craft Brenda Cruikshank, M.D. Laurie Dawley Monique DiCarlo Jeff and Missy Disterhoft Kristie Doser Sue Drake Catherine Dunning Julie Fitzpatrick and Jan Jensen Leslie Fitzpatrick Susan Forinash Suzanne Freedman Teri Gibson Anne and Steve Goddard Debra Hartsock

NEWCOMER CIRCLE

1st time supporter ($100 – $249 per year for three years)

Curt Heideman Patricia Heiden Elizabeth Heineman Tracy Hightshoe Kimberly Hillyard Deborah Hoffman Camille S. Hogan Nicole and Matt Hubbell Susan Judisch Paula Kasper-Lundahl Darice Keating LaShonda Kennedy Linda Kirsch Joanne Lane Michael Lensing Karin Leonard Sarah Jean Leonard Sherry Lohman Jennifer Lough Diana Lundell Christine Luzzie Janet Lyness Nicki Maurus

Kate Minette Sherry Mitchell Sue Moorhead Joanna Morgan Mary Anders Morris Katherine Moyers Nancy Muecke Bill and Vickie Ozburn Ann Parker Cynthia Parker Linda Paul Deb and Rod Pierson Michelle and Jay Provorse Shannon Ramsay Rebecca Ray Anne Rierson Donna Rodnitzky Paula Sanan Olga Sassine Jane Schildroth Mary Schlicher Susan Shullaw Leighton Smith

Ann Smothers Susan Spaziani Marlene Stanford Serena Stier Margaret Tinsman Pam Trelstad Jane Van Voorhis Carrie Wagner Julia Wasson and Joe Hennager Natasha Wendt and Christopher Gorman Allyson Wheaton Jerry Wiand Angela Widner Veronica (Ronnye) Wieland Pamela Willard Natasha Wilson and Zach Miller Catherine Young Susan Young Laurie Zaiger

Mary Jo Abbott Amanda Arn Kellen Baird Barbara Baker Sharon L Beck Ann Bossen Renee C Clancy Kelley Cole Marinan Coons Suzanne Dayton Linda Farkas Jane Hagedorn Keela Herr Margaret Hough Marlene Hutt Susan Janssen Kay Johansen Jody Jones Chris Kivett-Berry Adam Knight Anne F Kolar MD Susan Krisko Sarah Lande Victoria Lim Little Village/Matthew Steele Brenda Loop

Alfrieta P Monagan Janelle Morio Becky Mudd Brenda Myers Chris Nicknish Vanessa Ortiz Lisa Patterson Linda Prybil Lyn and Mike Redington Yasemin Sari Lisa Segre Katie Shatzer Joni Schrup Peggy and Greg Stover Janette Waterhouse Carol L Watson Carol Wise Sasha Wohlpart Ashley Woodman Donors as of 4/5/2021

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79

18% FUND CHAMPIONS – LEGACY CAMPAIGN STAGE 1 18% FUND CHAMPIONS ($250 per year for three years) Chad Andrews David Arens Nick Bergus Mace Braverman William Clohesy Dave Dierks Matt Dunning Michael Huber Kenneth Brown George Estle Romaine Foege Christoph Gorman Michael J Lensing David Leshtz Levi Architecture – Daniel E Levi Michael Lehman Jason Napoli Armond Pagliai Brad Parker Brook Rosenberg Mark Ruggeberg & Robert Brooks David Rust Jack Stapleton Alan Swanson Alexander Taylor Richard Tucker Jerry Wiand Dr Allen Zagoren As of 4/5/2021

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LEGACY CAMPAIGN – STAGE 1 ($2,000)

Megan Early Alter Jacque Andrew Anonymous Kathy Bachmeier Lois Bartelme Jackie Blank Blank & McCune – The Real Estate Company Lisa Bluder Christina Bohannan Kay Braverman Kitty and Jody Buckwalter Lois Ann Buntz Linda and Bill Bywater Phyllis Chang MD and Judith Gerlitz Karen and Wallace Chappell Stephanie Clohesy Katherine Courtney Elizabeth Daly Laurie Dawley Betty DeBerg Monique DiCarlo Dave and Sally Dierks Peggy Doerge Kate Gallagher Dunning Martha Easter-Wells

Margaret Eginton Leslie and Kyle Fitzpatrick Susan J Frye Alison Ames Galstad Sarah Gardial Dolores Gutierrez Nancy Hauserman Patricia Heiden Lillian M Henry Ellen Heywood Patricia Hobson Deborah Hoffman Linda and Nathan Hopkins David Iverson Sara Iverson Jeremy D James Lois James Jean Jew MD Jo Lavera Jones Susan Judisch La Shonda Kennedy Mary Lea Kruse Joanne Lane Lori Lane Judith Leavitt Chelle Lehman Michael Lensing

Vicki Lensing Jean Lloyd-Jones Rita Marcus Belinda Lantz Marner Mary Mascher Nicole and Peter Maurus Denise McCormick Jane McCune Linda McGuire and Anne Burnside Teresa McLaughlin Stan Miller Dick and Kate Minette Teresa Morrow Katherine Moyers Jen and Doug Neumann New Song Episcopal Church Carrie Z Norton Jill Olsen Ann Parker Jean Pascek Kelcey Patrick-Ferree and Shannon Patrick Linda Paul Amy and Adam Pretorius Ann Ricketts Anne Rierson Cindy Altmaier Riley

Mark L Ruggeberg and Robert J Brooks Olga Sassine Jane Schildroth Susan Shullaw Elizabeth G Slappey Joy Smith and David Rust Ann and Terry Smothers Sashi P Solomon Marlene Stanford Alan Swanson Elizabeth Swanson Kimberly S Swanson Matt Swanson Jean Trainor Buffie and Richard Tucker Carrie Wagner Victoria Irons Walch Janice G Weiner Dawn Oliver Wiand Pamela H and Derek Willard Susan J Young As of 4/5/2021

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Chelle Lehman, Chair

The Iowa Women’s Foundation gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the following individuals and businesses whose generous gifts of time, talent, and materials helped make this publication possible.

Erin Burke Ramon Calzada Laurie Dawley Lori Feudenberg Crystal Ford Danette Kenne Julie Kunkel Lori Lane Stan Miller Brenda Myers Rahcel Napoli

Jen Neumann Cindy Nodorft Jill Olsen Anne Rierson Mark Ruggeberg David Rust Liz Swanson Dick Tucker Shanell Wagler Zach Wahls Shekinah Young

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Ovation Committee

Stephanie Clohesy Crystal Ford Jo Jones Doris Kelley Julie Kunkel Joanne Lane Rachel Napoli Kelly Stobbs Liz Tovar Jean Trainor DaLayne Williamson Natasha Wilson Marie Young

Joy Smith, Chair Kay Braverman Phyllis Chang Stephanie Clohesy Peggy Doerge Susan Frye Alison Ames Galstad Christine Grant Dolores Gutierrez Ellen Heywood Lois James Jean Jew

Jo Jones LaShonda Kennedy Mary Lea Kruse Maxine Lampe Judy Leavitt Jean Lloyd-Jones Della McGrath Linda McGuire Mary Anders Morris Katherine Moyers

STAFF Dawn Oliver Wiand, President/CEO Helen Dailey, Vice President Finance Ann Parker, Vice President Operations

Book Design Benson & Hepker Design bhdesign.com Editorial Assistance

Lauren Beaumont

Printing

Cedar Graphics Inc.

Digital Unveiling

de Novo Marketing

Presenting Sponsor US Bank Visionary Sponsor GreenState Credit Union Leader Sponsors Hills Bank Medirevv Shuttleworth & Ingersoll P.L.C. Luncheon Sponsors James Investment Group UFG Insurance Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Frontier Co-op Great Western Bank MidwestOne Bank

Mistress of Ceremonies Megan Gogerty Special Thanks to

Cobble Hill Eatery & Dispensary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for allowing IWF to record parts of the Unveiling party in their restaurant, and to their mixologist for creating the IWF honoree cocktail.

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81

2021 OVATION TRIBUTES DONORS Robin Abraham Patricia Achey-Cutts ACT’s Center for Equity Learning Dan Agnew Megan Alter Molly Altorfer David Ambrisco Janice Andersen Claudia Anderson Jacque and Jim Andrew Christine Annicella Anonymous Kecia Appleby David Arens Susan Assouline Alice Atkinson Kendall Atkinson Dee Baird Barb Baker Peggy and Mark Baldwin Megan Balong David Barajas Jr Allison Barness Sharon Barney Octavia Barrett Nic and Kelly Barrick Elizabeth Beasley Marlene Behn Russ Behrens Diane Benoit Greta Berghammer Laura Bergus Carole Bernard John Berry

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Nancy Bird Jennifer Blair Kari Blomberg Lisa Bluder Carol Bodensteiner Florence Boos Jean Bostwick Kingsley Botchway II Helen Bothwell Allahna Brathwaite Judith Brewer Jasmine Briscoe Kari Britain Beau Brown Andrea Brunk Valeska Buie John Burnight Café Dodici Norma Caquelin Maeve Carter Patricia Casady Jesse Case Shantila Caston Scott Cawelti CCR&R - Region 2 Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Cedar Rapids Civil Right Commission Scott Chamberlin Karla Chestnut Sarah Clark Robin Clark-Bennett Mary and Jack Cleland Stephanie Clohesy

A TRIBUTE TO IOWA WOMEN AND GIRLS

Nancy Cobb Nicholas and Kay Colangelo Rachel Collins Nancy Conybeare Tricia Coobs Chris Corkery Charrisse Cox Eleanor Cox Lois Cox Susan Craig Lonnie Dafney Helen Dailey Kelly Daniels Carolyn Darrah Nadene Davidson Richard Davidson Judy McCoy Davis Terri Davis The Dawley Family de Novo Marketing Jill De Young Francis Degnin Deidre DeJear Nancy Demro Lisa and Scott Denker Dan DeVore Greg Dils Mary Donegan-Ritter Margaret Downing Stacy Drumtra Deb Dunkhase Ann Eastman Charlie Eastman Amy Edison

Annamaria Elsden Caroline Elser Emma Goldman Clinic Kamyar Enshayan Cheryl Erb Sarah Erikson Tim Evans Bettina Fabos Stephanie Fever Kristi Fitzpatrick Anna Flaming Jeremy Flaming Steve Fleagle Jean Florman Sandra Fowler Suzanne Freedman Richard Frevert Frontier Co-op Mark Fuchtman Susan Fuchtman Sharon Gaddy-Hanna Gerrard Gause William Gerhard Diane Glass Cathy Glasson Bret Gothe Mary Gottschalk Sally Gottstein Stacy Drumtra Great Western Bank Lori Green Lisa Green-Douglas Karn Gregoire Tina Gridiron

Larry Gullett Heather Gunderson Sarah Hachtman Sarah Halbrook Kelli Hansen Sarah Hansen Jody Harmsen Linda Harrell Felicia Harris Holly Hart Bettina Hass Becky Hawbaker Deloris Hawkins Pat Heiden Patricia Heisterkamp Leasha Henriksen Joe Hetrick Ellen Heywood Sallis Hollis Elizabeth Holm Addelyn and Kris Hoskinson Holly Hotchkiss Alexander and Brooke Hottle Onna Houck Laura Hoy Jon and Hillary Hughes Arlene Humble N J Humbles Tyrone Hunt Jane Hutchins Christine Irvine Martha James David Jansen

Amy Jenkins Jihna Jenkins Margaret Jesse Jean Jew Amy Johnson Martha Johnson Wendy Johnson Jo Lavera Jones Marcia Jones Susan Judkins Sharon Juon Sue Kann Sara Karbeling Paula Kasper-Lundahl Jane Katz Karen Kedrowski Sharon Kelleher Barbara Kelley Doris Kelley Linda Kelley Suzanne Kelly Danette Kenne Jessica Kinser Robert Kirby Tricia Kitzmann Gary Klein James Klein Debra Klingaman Kristina Kofoot Annette Koster Camille Krall Marion Kresse Brian Lai Maxine Lampe

Joanne Lane Lori Lane William Langebartels and Helen Kresse Nancy Langguth Tom and Kathy Langlas Heidi Lauritzen Robbie Leach Judith Leavitt Jennifer Leeper Chelle Lehman Katie Leone David Leshtz Elinor Levin Debora Liddell Kimberly Light Jessica Lindeman Linda Linsin Richard Lipman Kristin Littlejohn Jean Lloyd-Jones Amy Lockard Amy Lockhart David Loebsack Chiquita Loveless Jennifer Luchsinger Marnell Lyle Mary Lyman Alexandria Lynch Annette Lynch Rose Lynch Talia Lynch Maureen Lyons Barbara Madden-Bittle Cyril Ann Mandelbaum

Anne Mangano Teresa Mangum Christy Manternach Kyle Marxen Karen Mason Candida Maurer Matt McLaughlin Rhonda McRina Elizabeth Menninga Allen Meyer Lori Meyer MidwestOne Bank Becky Miles-Polka Barbara Miller Catherine Miller Kim Miller Mary Ellen Miller Stan Miller Lyn Millner Amy Mohr Lucinda Mohr Nicole Molumby Martha Monick Dorothy Moran Kristin Moser Rick Moyle Jeani Murray Cornelia Mutel Doris Myers Rachel Napoli Laurie Nash Jen Neumann Deborah Neyens Liane Nichols Jason Nicholson

Megan and Jamie Nicpon Lee Noel Michael Noel Carrie Z Norton Terri Novak-Cicha Francesca Nugent Thomas Nugent Christine Ogren Jill Olsen Barb and Kent Opheim John Osako Tracy Osborn Patricia Palmer Ann Parker Anne Parmley Kelcey Patrick-Ferree Tom and Ginger Penaluna Andre and Amanda Perry Seth Petchers Anne Phillips Heidi Pierson Sue Pine Taylor Pine Elise Pizzi Erin Pottebaum Betsy Potter Rose Quirk Jennifer Rasmussen Ruth Ratliff Annette Renaud Tom Rice Bryna and Jon Riley Donna and Richard Riley Jennifer Rinden Patricia Robb

Ben Rogers Carissa Froyum Roise Brook Rosenberg Mark Ruggeberg and Robert Brooks Rachelle Hunt Russian Sue Savereide Kelli Schaaf Sara Schares Linda Schreiber Sheila Schuppert Barbara Schwartz Alexa Sedlacek Bobbi Segura Jo Seifert and Jim Hendrickson Saul Shapiro Katie Shatzer Mark Shellabarger Jennifer Sherer SHIP Board of Directors & SHIP Staff Alice Shirey Amanda Shoemaker Patsy Shors Erek Sittig Kama Small Beverly Smith Joy Smith and David Rust Leighton Smith Terri Smith Tom Snee Kay Snyder Catherine Solow Marabeth Sorenson

SouthGate Companies Diane Stefani Clare Struck Rod Sullivan Elizabeth Swanson Grant Taylor Oather Taylor Rob Taylor Michelle Temeyer Amanda Thein Barbara Thomas Carol Thompson Janet Thompson James Throgmorton Jean Trainor TrueNorth Companies Katie Tsilosani UFG University of Iowa Athletics University of Iowa Libraries United Iowa Financial Jon Van Allen Stacy Van Gorp Jan Van Metre Dee and Dave Vandeventer Kate Vernoy VGM Assoc LTD Sara Volz Judith Walsten Alexandra Walton Kyle Walton Angela Waseskuk

Robert Washut Waterloo Homecoming Seth Watkins Sally Webb Stacy Weimer Janice Weiner Wells Fargo Dawn Oliver Wiand Mary Wieck Ross Wilburn Mary Wilcynski Heather Wilensky Flora Williams DaLayne Williamson Harold Williamson Brianna Wills Larry Wilson Natasha Wilson Adrien Wing William Witt Women Food & Ag Network Women In Business Judith Wright Carole Yates Cathy Young ReShonda Young Shekinah Young Heidi Zahner-Younts Frederick Zawojewski Eleanor Zeff Catherine Zeman As of 4/16/2021

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83

DIRECTORY OF HONOREES Sama Agar

62

Nikki Fischer

Jessica Altfillisch

15

Anna Flaming, PhD

Mary Ames

49

Judy Flapan

Jane Andrew Anderson

61

Angeleita Floyd

Jennifer Andrew

61

Missie Forbes

Addison Arp

54

Crystal Ford

Dr. Alice Atkinson, PhD

73

Tiffany Frambach

Godelive Basheka

45

Michelle Wodtke Franks

Tasha Behgtol Gwenne Culpepper Berry Nancy Bird Amy Blanchard

68-69

32 47 16-17

Karen Kubby

52-53

Jenny Robinson

Carrie Kube

68-69

Kaila Rome

Lori Lacina

27

Shawna Lebeck

68-69

Kris Schlievert

68-69

54

Dr. Beth A. Livingston

Debra Schrader

68-69

54 68-69

Brenda Loop

68-69

Molly M. Schreiber

57

68-69

Cindi Schrock

64

68-69

Diane Martens

71

Arienne Martinez

65

Betty Davis Gause

67

Erika McElhinney

Dana Gratton

20

Pat McReynolds

Lois J. Gray

74

Julia Andrew Griffin

68-69

6 61

70

Leslie Schwarting

20

30

Katie Shatzer

22

20

Dr. Jennifer Sherer

51

Cynthia Sherman

20

68-69

Mary Jane McWilliams

14

Melissa Siebels

65

Meagan Miller

57

Sue Smith

72

Kerri Hall

68-69

Erin Monaghan

Nicki Brick

20

Meagan Hammell

68-69

Jeni Moravec

36

Joy Briscoe

25

Angela Harrington

Felicia Smith Nalls

Katy Brown

13

Becky Hawbaker

Kay Neumann-Thomas

9 45 18

42

Jodi Maddy

33

20

68-69

Lydia Sax

Heidi Fuchtman

Emily Bodholdt

Patricia Russmann

48

68-69

Kirsten H. Frey

68-69

19

68-69

Takysia Larsen

12

Jenn Bleil Barb Bremner

68-69

68-69

Elizabeth Stanek

68-69

Peggy Stover

33

22

Mollie Thomsen

40

55

Lori Tomasek

9

Barbara Burke

37

Carol Hibbs

Mary Spainhower Noel

62

Rachel Trevizo

Alyssa Cabrera

42

Whitney Howell

68-69

Denise O’Brien

43

Samantha Turnbull

68-69

Amber O’Connor

30

Liz Urdahl

20

Tiffany Olson

54

Renee Mae Virlee

60

Teree Caldwell-Johnson

41

Sherri Hunt

Jacki Ciarcia-Kesler

54

Melissa Huston

Maeve Clark

27

Amy Jennings

26

Beth Ownby

Diane Clouse

54

Angie Jordan

38

Kara Park

Nicole Dahya

31

Kari Juhl

44

Casey L. Peck

Laurie L. Dawley

66

Deb Jungling

29

Erin Pingel

20

Abigail Degenhardt

68-69

Julie Karrer

23

Jennifer Price

Gwen Deming

68-69

Martha Kirby

28

Hannah Rapson

Alyse DeVries

68-69

Chris Kivett-Berry

68-69

Lindsey Reed

Cindy Duhrkopf

68-69

Ginger Knisley

68-69

Mary L. Rettig, PhD

Michelle Ehlinger

19

Annette Koster

68-69

Michelle Elizondo

20

Jean Kresse

Candi Evans

84

Ovation

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Laurie Kristiansen

68-69 14 33 68-69 21

Laurie Walhert Deb Walton Susan Weaver Tammy Wetjen-Kesterson

20 68-69

10 34-35 50 68-69

Dr. Ruth White

58

Lorraine Williams

56

38

Dr. Michele Williams

70

63

Sasha Linsin Wohlpart

8

7

Anne Rierson

46

Marsha Wolff

24

59

Gabriela Rivera

70

Allison Wynes

49

68-69

Kristin Roberts

73

Kim Young-Kent

39

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85

2201 East Grantview Drive Suite 200 Coralville, Iowa 52241 319.774.3813 info@iawf.org www.iawf.org www.facebook.com/iowawomensfoundation @IowaWomensFdn