The Business Record’s Women of Influence awards celebrate the work of Central Iowa women who have attained success while helping others along the way. From a variety of career paths and walks of life, they’ve devoted their time to making an impact. They’ve spent countless hours on various initiatives, working on major issues and blazing a trail either personally or professionally for other women to follow.

The Women of Influence honorees have made the organizations they serve better. They facilitate important community discussions, they advocate for equity and they challenge the status quo. They mentor others who want to do the same. While none of them have achieved these milestones simply to be influential, they have undoubtedly made an impact in small and large ways. 

You may know some or many of these honorees, but there are likely things you don’t know about them: what keeps them motivated, experiences from their formative years or their current goals. We hope their stories give you a better picture, and more importantly, we hope they encourage you to pursue your own passions and make the world a little bit better each day.

Special thanks to the staff at the Salisbury House and Gardens for allowing us to roam your beautiful grounds for our photoshoot. Business Publications Corp. photographer Duane Tinkey captured photos of each honoree. 

– Emily Barske Wood, Business Record special projects editor

Courtney Clarke, mayor of Waukee | vice president, institutional portfolio manager, PMA Financial Network, LLC

Bridget Cravens-Neely, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa

Suzanna de Baca, CEO, Story Board Advisors | former CEO, Business Publications Corp.

Sally Dix,
president, Bravo Greater Des Moines

Sally Frank, professor of law, Drake University

Christina Moffatt, assistant director of business development for income solutions, Principal Financial Group

Jackie Norris, chair, Des Moines School Board | president and owner, Horizon Group

Dawn Refsell, North America field sciences leader, trait characterization and development, Corteva Agriscience

Iowa State University Ivy College of Business Woman Business Owner of the Year: Kimberly Baeth, president, Cutting Edge Success | founder, Golden Openings

Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Emerging Woman of Influence: Courtney Shaw, chief communications and engagement officer, Greater Des Moines Partnership