2025 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE
The Business Record is proud to announce the 2025 Women of Influence. These 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.
Full profiles on each of the honorees will be published in the July 18 edition of the Business Record, and we’ll honor the women in person at an event on July 31. While general admission sales don’t open until July, you can see details on the event and corporate table opportunities below.
Join us in congratulating this inspiring group of women!
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
Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Emerging Woman of Influence
Courtney Shaw, chief communications officer, Greater Des Moines Partnership
Iowa State University Ivy College of Business Woman Business Owner of the Year
Kimberly Baeth, president, Cutting Edge Success | founder, Golden Openings
Women of Influence Event
Thursday, July 31 | Hilton Des Moines Downtown | Networking 4-5:15 p.m. | Program 5:15-7 p.m.
Corporate Table Information
With the purchase of a corporate table you and your business will be able to fully engage in recognizing the honorees and support this group’s accomplishments live in the room. Your company will also have an ad presence in the Business Record edition that features the honorees. Secure your corporate table sponsorship by June 27. There are a limited number of tables available.
Nominations
The Women of Influence awards celebrate the work of women who have made a difference either in their civic and philanthropic works or in their chosen fields.
The deadline for 2025 nominations was Friday, April 25 at noon. Awards will be presented at the event on Thursday, July 31.
We are accepting nominations for the following honors:
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE
JUDGING CRITERIA:
- Success in their chosen field.
- Lasting impact on the community.
- Involvement with civic and nonprofit organizations.
- Role model for other women through their achievements and ethical standards.
WOMAN BUSINESS OWNER OF THE YEAR
JUDGING CRITERIA:
- Significant achievement and success through their company.
- Personal and professional reputation showing high ethical standards.
- Investment in time mentoring others.
- Strong business community network connections.
- Education and professional experience.
- History of the company and impact individual has had on the organization.
EMERGING WOMAN OF INFLUENCE
JUDGING CRITERIA:
- Is successful in her chosen field.
- Has made significant contributions to the community through nonprofit, civic and philanthropic involvement.
- Has a personal and professional reputation showing high integrity and ethical standards.
- Continues to advance in her chosen field and/or is moving into further leadership positions in the community.
Women of Influence Alum Award
This annual event, part of the FEARLESS annual event, provides the opportunity to connect exclusively with those who have received the honor of being named a Woman of Influence over the past 25 years and into the future. This gathering will also serve as our presentation of the Woman of Influence Alum of the Year award. The annual award will recognize one of our alum who has positively influenced individuals, organizations and/or the community in the past year.
2024 Women of Influence
2023 Women of Influence
2022 Women of Influence
