Compiled by Emily Barske Wood and Macey Shofroth This coverage is from the Business Record’s annual survey on women’s and gender issues as part of our Fearless initiative. While nonscientific, we believe the results of this questionnaire illustrate current opinions about Iowa women’s equity in and outside of work. Read Read more…
When Emily Schultz joined BrokerTech Ventures as managing director in August 2023, she learned that the largest technology conference of the year would be held over Halloween. Her manager gave her the option to miss the conference if she needed to be home for her two small children during the Read more…
This is third and final part of an ongoing series on maternal health care from Rachel Bruns. Iowa families navigate a challenging maternal health environment including a rise in unnecessary C-sections that are primarily driven by provider and hospital finances and maternal health policy that makes it difficult to receive Read more…
As 2026 arrived, I got news that made me simultaneously proud and broken: My theatrical project advanced to the final round of a prestigious national competition, top 7% of applicants. I’m a Creative Capital finalist. Entering Creative Capital this year meant artists were considered for two awards: the classic artist Read more…
This is the second part of an ongoing series on maternal health care from Rachel Bruns. In part 1 of this series, I discussed the impact of rising C-section rates and challenges some families face in avoiding unnecessary cesareans due to a wide range of challenges including financial pressures from Read more…
By Jennifer Scheck, guest contributor One certainty in life is change. Some changes can be intentional such as graduating college, starting a first job, getting married or having children. Other changes can be unexpected including illness, job loss, divorce, infertility, loss of a spouse or loved one, or being a Read more…
By Lisa Rossi, BPC staff writer When I first was told by a psychiatrist I had bipolar disorder 2, I was ashamed. I cried. There would be a stigma. Now I make money off of the information, slinging jokes on stage about how my medication is so effective in moderating Read more…
By Molly Varangkounh, guest contributor I am the mom of three daughters who are now young adults. From the beginning, I have been aware that the small, ordinary choices I make every day shape how they see themselves and how they show up in the world. Watching them grow into Read more…
By Brittany Heard, guest contributor Having walked alongside several women as they went through separation or divorce, I have seen firsthand how overwhelming, emotional and isolating this transition can be. For many women, divorce brings not only grief and uncertainty, but also the sudden responsibility of managing financial decisions that Read more…
Karla Rendall arrived in Des Moines in 1999 with a new degree in special education and the goal of finding a teaching job. While the path she eventually took has allowed her to educate others, it looked much different than she anticipated. “I had gone into a local commercial bank Read more…