May 3: Elevate
Host: West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
About: Georgia Van Gundy, executive director of the Iowa Business Council, will share what she believes are the special characteristics that make people excel at what they do in their daily lives. Van Gundy will take participants through the journey of how she built her skill set and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
When: 7:30-9 a.m.
Where: Hilton Garden Inn – West Des Moines, 205 S. 64th St., West Des Moines
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May 4: Monthly Coffee Connection
Host: FemCity Des Moines
About: Join the next Coffee Connection with business sponsor Tara Humlick of advertising agency Happy Medium. Stop by to grab your morning coffee and enjoy meeting with women in many industries and stages of business.
When: 7:30-9 a.m.
Where: Happy Medium
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May 10: Introduction to NAWBO 
Host: NAWBO Iowa
About: Do you own your own business? Is your business in or near the Corridor area? NAWBO Iowa is coming to the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City area, and this event will offer female business owners a chance to learn what NAWBO is and meet other members. Small plates and wine will be provided. There is no cost to attend. Registration is required.
When: 4:30 p.m.
Where: Della Viti, 203 First Ave. S.E., Cedar Rapids
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May 15: LEAP #3 – Speaking Up
Host: Downtown Des Moines Chamber
About: In the third session of the 2018 Leadership Education and Advancement Pipeline, Kirsten Anderson will lead a session on “speaking up.” The cost to attend is $30 for chamber members and $40 for nonmembers.
When: 8-9:30 a.m.
Where: Holiday Inn Downtown, Des Moines
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May 17-18: EntreFEST
Host: NewBoCo and Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
About: This annual two-day conference is one of the largest celebrations of the Midwest’s entrepreneurial and innovation community, taking place in unique venues and settings and benefiting a variety of minds. The event features a variety of keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, meetups and parties to connect, inspire and advance business.
Where: Czech Village-New Bohemia neighborhood, Cedar Rapids
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May 30: Conversation Speaker Series featuring Jennie Baranczyk
Host: Chrysalis Foundation
About: By high school graduation, it was obvious this Dowling Catholic basketball standout was exceptional. Jennie (Lillis) Baranczyk became one of the first generation of female AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball players, and repeated her championship performance at the University of Iowa before her coaching career led her to Drake University. Baranczyk’s broad philosophy is “be where your feet are, enjoy each moment, and be present.” Hear how she expects – and exhibits – accountability in all areas of her life, and how her life is reflected in others.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines
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