Women of Influence

Jessica Rowe thanks her mother and grandmother for instilling in her the sense of independence and adventure she believes has been instrumental in her love of travel and art.
“It was incredibly empowering, that sense …

Rita Perea believes her purpose in the world is to help other people, and that has manifested in three passions that have become threads woven throughout her career and life: education, business and finance.

Perea …

When you’re working on a community project with Trudy Holman Hurd, expect questions — challenging questions, say people who know her well. 
“She listens for process, partners and outcome,” wrote Pat Boddy in her nomination …

Hayley Harvey was 7 years old when her mom came home one day in a taxi, climbed the stairs up to the family’s Detroit apartment and, without saying a word, went to her bedroom to …

If you were to sit down for a job interview at IMPACT Community Action Partnership with Anne Bacon, the first question she would ask you is, “Why are people poor?”

She’s not looking for a …

If you had to pick two words to describe Dr. Aneesa Afroze’s purpose in life, they might be education and opportunity. 

Her love for learning started from day one. Afroze was born in Hyderabad, …

When Blanca Plascencia feels the need to speak up, she does it without a second thought.

She attended one of Cindy Axne’s campaign events during her last reelection run with the mission of …

Jenna Kimberley spent three months on the eastern border of Hungary after graduating from the University of Iowa.

While there, she worked as a teacher in a United Nations refugee camp in Debrecen, Hungary.

“I …

Julie Stewart wants to give back to the community where she grew up.

Stewart grew up in Altoona and graduated from Southeast Polk High School. It’s that lifelong connection to her hometown and the region, …