As told to Emily Barske Wood Tara Geddes grew up in a medical family. Her mom was an obstetrics nurse, and her dad an emergency medical technician. She knew early on that she also aspired to a career in health care – but she had zero desire to ascend to Read more…
Four years ago, the Business Record launched Fearless. Our goal is simple: We want to empower Iowa women to succeed in work and life. Through our weekly e-newsletter, ongoing print features and events, we have worked to live up to our mission. We’ve told countless stories that have both inspired Read more…
As told to Mathany Ahmed Natalie Andrade founded an organization to support the needs of Latina students in 2020 and helped them tell their stories for the first time. She advocated for survivors of sexual abuse, with a focus on the particular challenges of Latina survivors. Last year, she shared 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…
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 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…
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…
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…
BY MACEY SHOFROTH, FEARLESS STAFF WRITER I grew up in a family whose business was, for decades, newspapers. So it was only natural that as I developed a penchant for writing, people would constantly ask if I planned on taking over after my parents retired. My answer was short and sweet: “Absolutely not.” But Read more…
BY MACEY SHOFROTH, FEARLESS STAFF WRITER A mentor plays a crucial role in empowering women in the workplace to reach for their goals with confidence and drive. Providing more mentorship opportunities for women is key in fixing the gender parity issue in leadership, leaders said in a recent discussion. The Fearless Read more…