The Iowa Restaurant Association today released its inaugural 40 “Women to Watch in Hospitality” list. The honorees hail from nearly every segment and function in the industry, from purveyors and entrepreneurs to chefs and business development professionals. More than 100 nominations were submitted from across the state. “Women are building meaningful careers in every segment of the restaurant industry, and the numbers back that up,” said Jessica Dunker, the association’s president and CEO. Women make up 58% of food service supervisors and 49% of food service managers, far above the averages in nearly every other industry, she said. The honorees will be featured in the summer issue of Food and Beverage Iowa Business Quarterly. A synopsis of each woman’s industry story will be launched on the Iowa Restaurant Association website on Aug. 1.