Confidence Archives - Page 2 of 9

Career Pathways & Advancement

Women of influence alum of the year: Collaborative leadership and empowering others helps Angela Franklin build a lasting impact

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 Macey Shofroth, 9 months9 months ago

Advocacy & Community Involvement

Meet 6 inspiring Iowa women in this year’s Fearless publication

Five 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…

By Emily Barske Wood, 9 months9 months ago

Confidence

Sylvia Nemmers and the prize of authenticity

As told to Macey Shofroth | Photo by Duane Tinkey Sylvia Nemmers was born totally blind. At age 4, she had an experimental surgery at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to give her a little bit of vision. Shortly after, she began attending the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving Read more…

By Macey Shofroth, 9 months9 months ago

Business Ownership

Lalonyo AnyaCeng’s journey to wearing a black suit and a brown coat

As told to Macey Shofroth | Photo by Duane Tinkey Lalonyo AnyaCeng was born in a refugee camp in Uganda. Her parents had fled conflict in South Sudan while her mother was pregnant with her. She spent the first 16 years of her life in refugee camps. Her family was Read more…

By Macey Shofroth, 9 months9 months ago

Advocacy & Community Involvement

How Patricia Barbee helps middle school girls become who they are meant to be

Patricia Barbee has worked with children her entire career, but she noticed a dearth of services for middle school-aged kids when she began substitute teaching for Des Moines Public Schools. “Elementary school programs get funding, high school programs get funding. Middle school is like the land of the lost. Who cares Read more…

By Macey Shofroth, 10 months10 months ago

Confidence

Our voice, our skills, our knowledge: 7 takeaways from the 2025 Taking up Space event

As I walked up to The Monroe a couple of weeks ago, a line of women spilled out of the door. We had all arrived for the “Taking up Space” event, and the sold-out room was a perfect metaphor for the event’s intent — unapologetically taking up the space we Read more…

By Macey Shofroth, 10 months10 months ago

Confidence

Guest commentary: Learning to embrace discomfort

By Angie Currie We live in a world that enjoys being comfortable and we have the technology to prove it. Climate control systems keep our homes a perfect 72 degrees year-round. Ibuprofen effectively eliminates our pain. E-commerce and food delivery platforms deliver our lunch and toilet paper without us ever Read more…

By Macey Shofroth, 12 months1 year ago

Confidence

Essay: Building women leaders – the importance of pouring into young girls and women

Editor’s note: Names of the three campers in this essay have been changed to protect their privacy. I first met Lylah, Grace and Josie when they were 14. Each girl bounded up the stairs into the circle of cabins with wide smiles on their faces, clamoring to get inside and Read more…

By Macey Shofroth, 12 months1 year ago

Confidence

Essay: Lifting yourself up to do the ‘scary thing’

By Saundra Longhenry I picked up a barbell for the first time at the age of 35 and I was hooked. There is a feeling of power that comes from picking up the barbell. I enjoy lifting; to be successful I have to clear my head of self-doubt and negativity. Read more…

By Macey Shofroth, 1 year1 year ago

Confidence

Guest essay: The stories we carry

By Mackenzie Ostrem This year, I made a point to genuinely connect with other women — getting to know the real stories of both familiar faces and new acquaintances. It’s one of the most energizing shifts I’ve made for myself, sharing an authentic conversation over a cup of coffee. This Read more…

By Macey Shofroth, 1 year1 year ago