Business Publications Corp. Chairman Connie Wimer was the recipient of the Champion Award, which honors individuals, businesses or organizations that work to inspire, lead and encourage women.

When Wimer became a businesswoman, she said she didn’t see many women supporting women. There were no organizations that specifically supported women. That’s not the case now, she said during her acceptance speech.

She also gave five tips and traits for success to attendees, which included having integrity, learning to be a risk-taker, never giving up, being a change agent, and surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you.

Miriam De Dios Woodward, global CEO of ViClarity, received the Inspiration Award, which recognizes women who have made a significant impact in their career and have inspired other businesswomen to become leaders. De Dios Woodward is a 2004 Iowa State graduate with degrees in management and marketing.

“I’ve come to realize the benefit of sharing your differences, the value of representation, and the importance of making space for others to be included,” De Dios Woodward said in her speech. “It becomes a passion and a responsibility. And it’s one of the ways I choose to make a difference.”

The Outstanding Young Alumna Award went to Ashley Gassman, who is the owner and founder of Mariglow Neon. The award honors Ivy alumnae under the age of 35 who have achieved great things in their short post-graduation life. Gassman graduated in 2019 with degrees in marketing and event management.

“The biggest piece of advice I’d give new small business owners is to know your worth,” Gassmann said. “It is easy to underprice yourself starting out, which is OK to gain that crucial experience, but know when to raise those prices. Your product is worth it. You are worth it.”

Raisbeck Endowed Dean David Spalding also touted the improvements of female representation within the Ivy College of Business.

Female enrollment in the college has risen to more than 33%, and the Ivy College has the highest percentage of female faculty among Big 12 business colleges, Spalding said. In 2013, the college created the Collegiate Women in Business student organization to help members connect with each other and meet other female leaders.

“We are committed to educating and empowering women in business,” Spalding said.