Women of Influence

Patty Cownie doesn’t need to be in the spotlight.

That’s why Cownie, a longtime community volunteer, didn’t see the need to put her name on the new Meals from the Heartland facility, which had a …

A couple of years ago during the Christmas season, Barbara Crowley sent a “significant” additional contribution to Des Moines Performing Arts. When the organization’s development officer called to thank her and inquire about the additional …

Linda Grandquist recalls, when she was 5 years old, walking down the street with her grandmother, who was one of the first female chiropractors in the country. People would pass by and say, “Good morning, …

Being singled out for recognition – for instance, being named a 2013 Woman of Influence – tends to make Laura Jackson a bit uncomfortable. She much prefers being a team player at Wellmark Blue Cross …

Sharon Krause is at the wheel of a large four-wheel drive pickup, maneuvering through narrow gates and bouncing over the rough terrain of 153 acres of rolling hills and shady draws in Dallas County.

“If …

Karen Shaff is the highest ranking female officer at Principal Financial Group Inc. Male or female, you would suspect that anyone who climbs the corporate ladder to such a lofty position would have had set …

Congratulations to all our wonderful Women of Influence. In the following pages, you’ll find a story on each of these inspirational women and, on our website, their advice via video to young business women. I …

CEO & owner, Rowat Cut Stone and Marble Co.

Let’s just say that Teresa Van Vleet-Danos is rock-solid.

The Business Record’s Woman Business Owner of the Year has been a steady presence at Rowat Cut …

Legislative advocate/lobbyist

Carmela Brown walked into a summer-quiet cafeteria at the Iowa Capitol, and the only occupied table emptied as old acquaintances greeted her.

Not surprising, maybe, given that Brown has been a presence at …

Executive director, Chrysalis Foundation

Terry Hernandez says she always stops to assist drivers stopped on the road.

“There are just so many opportunities to do small things like that, that I like to encourage people …