Testimonials
Caution: Taking part in IWLC activities can change your life. Read on and learn how IWLC made a profound difference in the lives of Iowa women just like you, empowering positive change in their careers, their communities, and the future we all share.
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Liz Mathis
Chief Information Officer, Four Oaks
Iowa Legislative District 18 State Senator
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“Through the years I had attended gatherings where women would say, ‘You know, there should be more women in politics.' Those conversations with other women planted a seed. And it wasn’t until the 2010 Iowa Women’s Leadership Conference, when I was writing the workshop introductions for three female politicians, that I began to think I had the skill sets to run for political office. My journalism background, legislative advocacy and non-profit work in child welfare made me uniquely qualified to understand the beauty and efficacy of the legislative process. The IWLC workshop was that cathartic moment. During my State Senate campaign, I received a note from one of the IWLC workshop’s participants, Jean Lloyd Jones, whom I respect and admire. When I opened the note, the words inside simply read, ‘You Go Girl -- Jean.’”
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Diane Ramsey
Principal Project Manager, Rockwell Collins, Inc.
Executive Director
Iowa Women’s Leadership Conference |
"I would never have imagined in the fall of 2006, when approached for my then-employer's sponsorship of the first Iowa Women's Leadership Conference, that today I would serve as its Executive Director. Since getting involved on the IWLC Steering Committee in 2006, I have gained so much: the opportunity to work with and establish friendships with talented women I would never have met; a whole new set of skills in effectively leading volunteer teams to achieve and exceed their goals; exposure to ideas, messages and leadership approaches that have made me a better person and leader; a passion to help other women maximize their potential to be all that they can, no matter their chosen path: and finally, the confidence to leave the familiar for the unknown to pursue my passion. Every day I am energized by what I do! That energy comes from so many sources -- the fantastic women who volunteer for IWLC, the talented women we hear from who are doing amazing things, and the collaboration with a community of women leaders who want to leave a legacy of eliminating barriers for all women to pursue life to its fullest. For that I am happy, proud, challenged and humble.”
“Picture it: Iowa City, 2009. A local company announces it is closing its doors and 60 solid publishing careers will be cut short, including mine. At the same time, Bankers Trust offers seven Corridor women a scholarship to attend Choosing to Lead, the 2009 Iowa Women’s Leadership Conference. Seizing the chance to apply, I was rewarded and surprised beyond measure. At IWLC, each person’s greeting was a salve; every enlightening session and conversation were like multivitamins to fortify my confidence. How could I anticipate that, once there, I would share a handshake with my soon-to-be future employer, keynote speaker Marjorie Scardino, CEO of Pearson? Networking never before felt so empowering! Through participation and a flurry of business cards, I connected to a cadre of dynamic thought leaders who would soon become my colleagues, mentors, and long-lasting friends. IWLC continues to motivate and invigorate me with fresh ideas, leadership tools, and the resolve to accomplish new and greater goals. Imagine what being part of IWLC will inspire you to achieve!”
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