IOWA

Brenna Smith will leave her jobs as press secretary to Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg on Jan. 2 to pursue opportunities outside state government, according to a release. Smith has worked for the governor’s office since May 2017, when Reynolds took the office. Des Moines Business Record 

A handful of women-owned businesses have taken up residence at Cedar Falls’ College Square Mall. Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier 

“Living the life you love, naturally” is both the tagline for Dusty Swehla’s new Hiawatha business, Panda Marie, and a reflection, she said, of her own life’s journey. Cedar Rapids Gazette 

A newcomer to Des Moines, Antoinette Stevens struggled to find friends three years ago. So she established the Black Urban Professionals of Des Moines and met the people who now tether her to the city. Des Moines Register 

NATION

Introducing paternity leave can change a woman’s career opportunities, writes Fast Company. Some companies have already enacted it, encouraging men to take parental leave, which evens out the playing field and helps get rid of the stigma that often hurts women. Fast Company 

Former first lady Michelle Obama has been named this year’s “most admired woman” in Gallup’s annual poll, marking the first time in 17 years that Hillary Clinton didn’t nab the top spot. HuffPost Women