As told to Macey Shofroth | Photo by Duane Tinkey The timing of Clarissa Chun’s journey to wrestling couldn’t have been more perfect. She took after her older brother and competed in judo for years. Then Hawaii, where she grew up, became the first state to sanction wrestling as a Read more…
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…
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…
A few weeks ago, I took on an engagement with a CEO who was looking for help on some big strategic questions. The work was timely and fascinating, just the kind of challenge I enjoy. What gave me pause was the time commitment. It was a fast-moving project that would Read more…
On Oct. 23, the Business Record will celebrate five years of Fearless, an initiative to empower Iowa women to succeed in work and life. Fearless Forward event attendees will be active participants in fulfilling our mission: Together we will rise above current challenges by leaning into important conversations where everyone Read more…
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…
The Business Record has named Des Moines University President Angela Franklin the 2025 Women of Influence Alum of the Year. The annual award was launched last year to celebrate one of the past Women of Influence who has continued making an impact since being honored by the Business Record. Franklin Read more…
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…
Not long ago, a friend who was preparing an important announcement asked me to “be a hummingbird” for her. I knew exactly what she meant: spread the word, carry her story from one place to another, just like Hummingbirds, a successful Iowa tech startup built on influencer marketing. When I Read more…
By Courtney Koch The gender gap between female and male leaders within the architecture field has been a longstanding issue around the world, and it’s important to highlight the challenges women have faced in architecture and the roads that have been paved for female leaders such as myself. I’m proud to work Read more…