March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect and celebrate the accomplishments of female role models. Right here in Iowa, countless women have shaped and advanced our state and made a difference in our lives, including the 180 particularly noteworthy women honored in the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame.

While I had been familiar with the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame, an endeavor of the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women, I revisited it last year when preparing for the launch of the Business Record’s Fearless initiative. San Wong, director of the Department of Human Rights, which oversees the Commission, provided me access to archival photos and biographies of the Hall of Fame inductees and I immediately fell headlong into history. I was riveted by the stories of these smart, courageous local pioneers.

“The Iowa Women’s Hall of fame is dedicated to honoring extraordinary women who have made an indelible mark on our state,”  says Beth Coonan, chair of the Commission on the Status of Women. “We celebrate their stories, struggles and accomplishments with hope that they may guide and inspire future generations to come.”  

If you are seeking inspiring stories of Iowa women who have made a difference in the past and present, look no further than this treasure trove of hometown “she-roes.” If you are like me,  you may know some of these women’s names, but not their stories. Others may be new to you. Regardless, these women’s accomplishments have likely made some aspect of your own life and work possible. 

Because life has been enriched by many women in the Hall of Fame, including BPC founder and Chairman Connie Wimer,  I asked several area business leaders which Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame recipients particularly inspired them:

 Dr. Angela Franklin, president and CEO, Des Moines University: Willie Stevenson Glanton was a trailblazer, attorney and legislator who also impacted medical education as the first and only person of color to chair the Des Moines University board of trustees. Her influence created the Glanton Fund, which improves access to careers in medicine for deserving individuals. She was a role model and champion for women leaders, and we continue to thrive because she paved the way. 

Tony Dickinson, president, NCMIC Finance Corp.: I had the great fortune of growing up in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. I was fortunate because we had phenomenal leaders like Christie Vilsack. She was the first lady of Iowa, an educator, a volunteer and a mom to friends of mine. Christie was a lady who could do it all and made everything happen. My community, and many like me, are better because of Christie.

Greg Edwards, president and CEO, Catch Des Moines: Mary Chapman is a true champion,  helping bring diverse groups and minority conventions to Greater Des Moines. She has a natural way of bringing people together and making them feel welcome, which goes to the very heart of inclusivity. She continues to advocate for important causes that challenge Des Moines to be a better place for everyone.

Teri Walig, M.D., CEO of ChildServe: As a former NASA chief astronaut, Peggy Whitson continuously broke the mold when it came to women in space. At ChildServe, we believe in breaking barriers by tapping into the spirit of a child, through innovation and a “can-do” attitude. Role models like Peggy Whitson inspire children and adults alike to reach new heights.

Joe Henry, national vice president for Forward Latino: I would not be the person I am today without Edna Griffin’s mentoring on social justice. I attended many of her monthly (private) meetings back in the 1980s at her home in Des Moines. She and Stan shared many stories of struggle in the fight for equality and justice for the working class. Her desire for structural change was inspirational and solidified my beliefs.

Jen Carruthers, president, Capital City Pride: The work Lilian Edmunds did in improving race relations for this city is the type of impact I want to have for the LGBTQ+ community. I’ve faced discrimination and know how difficult it can be to not only survive, but thrive. I am passionate, committed, and determined to strengthen and expand opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals because of women like Edmunds who have come before me.

Today, the struggle for equity and equality still exists for women and for many communities. Public role models like those recognized in the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame help girls and women imagine lives and careers beyond what is familiar. Their accomplishments and stories tell us that not only is anything possible, it is possible right here in Iowa.