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 deserve, and celebrating ourselves and the incredible women around us.
Taking Up Space, organized by Abi Reiland, is a panel and networking event aimed at elevating and empowering businesswomen in Central Iowa. The founders recognized their own struggles in making themselves heard and respected in male-dominated industries and knew other women had to be experiencing similar things.
Reiland opened the event asking attendees to “unapologetically take up space with your voice, your skills and your knowledge.” She modeled this through her speech filled with personality and vulnerability, poking fun at herself and sharing her anxieties around her outfit choice and if she was being “too much” before ultimately asking a rhetorical question, “Do dudes think like this?”
The room full of women laughed, because we knew the answer.
The panel portion of the event explored many different questions about how women show up in both work and life and forge a path that brings them joy and fulfillment.
Panelists included:
- Dr. Rachel Preisser, co-founder and radiologist, Grace Breast Imaging & Medical Spa
- Nola Cartmill, chief diversity officer, Holmes Murphy
- Erin Gerlich, executive director, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union
- Erika Macias, president, Hola America Publications, Inc.
- Rachelle Keck, president, Grand View University
- Maggie Ferrentino, associate general counsel, EMC Insurance
The panel was moderated by Alyx Sacks, a KCCI anchor.
Here are seven takeaways from the event:
1. Great leaders care more about people than results
When asked what separates a good leader from a great leader, Cartmill explained that the best leaders value the well-being of their people. When that happens, results follow. She went on to describe the intention with which she takes breaks and cares for herself.
“I can’t show up empty,” she said.
2. Representation matters
Keck told the audience that her friend was walking on the Grand View University campus as Keck waited elsewhere for the announcement that she would become the school’s first female president. A young man and woman walked in front of the friend, wondering why there were so many people on campus.
“I think they’re announcing the new president today,” the young man said.
“I wonder what he’ll be like,” said the young woman.
Keck’s friend couldn’t help but interject.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation,” he said. “I know your new president, and she’s a bada**.”
“Representation matters,” Keck said.
3. Be present instead of trying to be everything
Preisser used to feel the pressure to be the “do everything” mom. She volunteered for the PTA and made sure her children had all the crafts for school. One day, she was making something for her son and couldn’t play with him.
“Mom, I don’t need that,” he said. “I need you.”
Preisser saw that as a lesson in knowing where her priorities should lie.
4. Be an advocate for yourself
A previous boss would ask Ferrentino to provide her flight itineraries so they could know the moment she could turn her phone back on and be available for phone calls. She acquiesced, because she always did what she was asked.
After leaving the toxic environment of that job, she knew she needed to be a better advocate for herself moving forward.
“Now I ask myself, ‘What would you tell a friend in the same situation?’” Ferrentino said.
5. Walk away when you know they aren’t taking you seriously
Macias urged attendees to pay close attention to how people are treating you to know when your energy is better spent elsewhere. When you’re feeling overwhelmed and you can tell those you’re working with aren’t taking you seriously, it’s time to walk away.
6. Have a personal board of directors
Keck explained her concept of having a personal board of directors that help her make decisions and level up in career and life. There are four positions she says are necessary: the sponsor, who helps you access opportunity; the spirit fingers, who cheer you on; the sharpener, who challenges you to be better; and the sage, who guides you with wisdom.
7. But for me, who else would?
In a moment she was feeling overwhelmed, a mentor had Cartmill ask herself, “But for me, who else would?” If not for Cartmill, who else would have her specific talents and dedication for advocating for justice and equity? She reminded us that everyone has something unique they bring to the table that can’t be replaced.
