Iowa Women’s Leadership Network
Nearly 52 percent of University of Iowa graduates are women; many of them are trailblazers in their fields. They are mentors, innovators, and inspiring leaders who are making a difference in their communities, the nation, and the world.
The Iowa Women’s Leadership Network exists to engage, enrich, and inspire lifelong growth and community. It engages the Hawkeye family through social, educational, and service-based initiatives and programs to inspire the sharing of time, talent, and resources―ultimately enriching and celebrating their connections, growth, and success.
Mission
Through events and online communities, the Iowa Women’s Leadership Network maintains a lively presence that fosters strong personal and professional connections. The group promotes personal and professional growth, celebrates achievements and successes, fosters future generations, and provides opportunities for women to share ideas and inspire one another.
The Iowa Women’s Leadership Network serves to:
- Engage the Hawkeye family through social, educational, and service based initiatives and programs
- Enrich the Hawkeye family’s lives and experiences through sharing time, talent, and resources
- Inspire the Hawkeye family to connect and grow their personal and professional lives and community
Members enjoy discussion communities, mentoring, and fellowship opportunities.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Connections and Convos with the Iowa Women's Leadership Network
Join the Iowa Women's Leadership Network for our first Connections and Convos, an online opportunity to grow, develop, and talk with fellow Hawkeye women. This recurring event is about you and for you—and will be held on the fourth Thursday of every month. All you need is a computer, internet access, and a cozy place to connect.
Connections and Convos dates:
- September 23, 2021
- October 28, 2021
Empowering Women in Politics Panel
Monday, October 4
7 p.m. (CDT)
Join us to hear from Iowa alumnae who have embraced their journey in the world of politics and are ready to empower you to find your voice. Our discussion will evolve from three areas of focus: the journeys of women who have been empowered in the world of politics, how to navigate a male-dominated industry, and ways to support each other.
Panelists include:
Megan Lehman (16BA) graduated with honors from the UI and received a fellowship in Washington, D.C., in 2015 with Running Start—an organization that trains and encourages women to run for office. She served a joint internship in the office of Joni Ernst and represented the U.S. at the Global Women's Leadership Forum in Iceland. Lehman recently completed her term as chairwoman for the parks and recreation commission of North Liberty, Iowa and works in the financial industry.
Mary Kramer (57BA, 72MA) served as president of the Iowa Senate (1996–2003) and was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean (2003–2007). She also served on the board of directors for the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and was the chairman of the board for the Senate President's Forum. Her most recent memoir, An Unlikely Ambassador and Her Diplomatic Daughter, was co-authored with her daughter and focuses on lifelong learning and balancing family and career.
Carolyn Green (73BM) spent a year as a HUD (Housing and Urban Development) Urban Studies Fellow in the UI's graduate program in urban and regional planning. She has since built a career in the energy and environmental industries, traversing the public and private sectors and working with policymakers across the political spectrum. In 2019, she co-authored The Energy Within Us, which describes the experiences of Black women executives in the energy industry.
Our Leadership
The Iowa Women’s Leadership Network represents the broad diversity of all Hawkeye women across various departmental affiliations, class years, geographies, and personal and professional backgrounds. Its membership body spans the United States and beyond.
Members of the Iowa Women’s Leadership Network Board:
- Cindy Roehr, President
- Christin Ferrall, Vice President
- Amalia Gedney-Lose, Secretary
- Jeanine Abrons, Outreach & Campus Liaison
- Kate Garrett, Outreach & Campus Liaison
- Kristi Roehr, Recruitment
- Larissa Bungo
- Egenia Dixon
- Natalie Johnson
- Morgan Kennedy
- Kaylee Krogman
- Katelyn Wheeldon
Join Us
Join the Iowa Women's Leadership Network LinkedIn group and Facebook group, and use #uiowawomenconnect to connect with us on social media.
Sign up for updates to stay in touch with fellow Hawkeyes, or share your updated contact information so you never miss an upcoming newsletter or email.
For more information, email alumni.engagement@foriowa.org or call 319-335-3305. To learn more about other ways to get involved with the University of Iowa, check out additional Iowa Alumni Networks.