By Kate Banasiak, president and CEO, Diversified Management Services I’ve always been told that a strong professional brand must be consistent and clear, signaling expertise that doesn’t change. However, for me and many other women, our personal lives are anything but static. Our changing personal seasons can conflict with the Read more…
We are excited to announce our Fearless podcast has officially launched! Fearless is a statewide initiative with a goal to empower Iowa women to succeed in work and life. We are strong believers that women’s issues are everyone’s issues, and we aim to cover gender equity with an inviting and Read more…
As a Latina immigrant working in construction, Perlla Deluca is no stranger to being the “only” in a room. Deluca is the owner and CEO of Southeast Constructors. Since joining the industry 28 years ago, she’s worked all aspects of construction and experienced all kinds of reception when she walks Read more…
Angela Franklin believes in remaining open to unexpected opportunities. It’s been a staple of her career. She planned to become a clinical psychologist and haveher own mental health practice. After completing her undergraduate degree from Furman University and her doctorate in clinical psychology at Emory University, she took a position Read more…
By Vanessa C. Marcano-Kelly Over the past two or three years, we have been seeing, at dizzying speed, how the discourse and dynamics around work, efficiency, productivity and automation have been developing. A lot of us are either using, learning or asking questions about artificial intelligence, and imagining new solutions Read more…
Women business ownership rates are growing at a rapid pace. Even so, female entrepreneurs continue to face barriers in accessing capital and opportunities to grow their businesses. The Fearless team hosted our first Fearless Focus event of 2025 on April 17, focusing on women business owners and their entrepreneurship journeys. Read more…
Early in her career as a firefighter, Pleasant Hill Fire Chief Jamie Lee hadn’t envisioned herself leading the department. But the former chief of the Pleasant Hill Fire Department told her she was going to be a fire chief someday. “I laughed at him. I’m like, ‘Nope, not me. You’re Read more…
When I met Emily Wood for coffee in early 2024, I had no clue she’d help me launch into a new phase of life. I didn’t even realize I was craving something new. I had been living in the Des Moines area for a year, working in marketing at a Read more…
When Madison Melchert was hired as the activities director for Dallas-Center Grimes Community School District beginning July 1, it meant more to her than just finding a new job. It was a continuation of a legacy, giving back to a community that gave so much to her as a young person. Melchert Read more…
COMPILED BY EMILY BARSKE WOOD, BUSINESS RECORD SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR 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 previous coverage here. Read more…