BY NOLA CARTMILL As diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have gained traction over the past decade, they have also faced significant pushback, particularly in today’s polarized climate. Many organizations have shifted their focus away from diversity and equity in favor of a more neutral term: inclusion. For some, this Read more…
Connection is one of our Fearless core values. We strive to connect our audience with new thoughts and perspectives in our weekly e-newsletter. Guest contributors are key to this. In 2024, we published columns about barriers to homeownership for women, mental health care in Iowa, investing and reaching financial success, Read more…
BY HARWANT KHUSH Individuals use two primary modes of communication: verbal and nonverbal. Verbal communication relies on language and words. Nonverbal communication is expressed through gestures, facial expressions, body language, tone of voice and other physical cues. Extensive research highlights the profound impact of nonverbal communication on human connections. A widely cited Read more…
A report released Tuesday by the Iowa Women’s Foundation and Common Sense Institute Iowa (CSI Iowa) analyzed the results of a new child care pilot program and projected the program’s future economic impacts if expanded statewide. The Childcare Solutions Funds pilot program raised $5.3 million in combined public-private funding, which Read more…
BY KATHERINE HARRINGTON The notion of “likability” is a double-edged sword that countless women face in their professional lives. As a woman who has navigated various leadership roles, I can attest that the likability challenge is both frustrating and deeply ingrained in our culture. It’s a subtle but persistent barrier that shapes Read more…
Roxanne Conlin may best be known for championing several civil rights causes in her law practice and suing institutions for various forms of discrimination, particularly advocating for women. She’s won cases giving more rights to pregnant workers, survivors of rape and women who have been sexually harassed in the workplace. Read more…
In celebration of 25 years of our Women of Influence awards, we asked our alumni to share about a time they were fearless. As you read, you’ll see that many point out that acting fearlessly does not mean having no fear. It means moving forward despite it. Moments of courage Read more…
As told to Nicole Grundmeier Trang Pham is the owner of the Eggroll Ladies in Des Moines. She also works full time for the Iowa Army National Guard, where in 2016 she became the first Iowa woman infantry officer after the ban on women to serve in combat arms within Read more…
As told to Nicole Grundmeier Sara Kurovski is the mayor of Pleasant Hill. She is also the president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Iowa. On April 26, 2024, an EF-2 tornado tore through her Des Moines suburb of more than 10,000 residents. Kurovski had learned an important leadership lesson from previous Read more…
As told to Hailey Evans Dana James was born and raised in Des Moines, and she’s made it her mission to tell stories that center Black Iowans’ lived experiences and amplify their voices. She founded Black Iowa News in 2020 and the Black Iowa Newspaper in 2023. She writes the Read more…