Dear Friends,
To quote our friend from the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, Lee Roper-Batker, “This has been a brutal election, one that has divided us. Neighbors with good hearts and commitment to a prosperous Iowa—and nation—supported both Trump and Clinton in nearly equal numbers. The challenge now is to harness that goodwill to create a world in which we all want to live.”
We all want the same things for our families and our neighbors: security, opportunity, and success.
This election revealed to the country what we already learned this past summer traveling around Iowa on our She Matters tour—millions of Americans are struggling. They are facing barriers to their dreams of security, opportunity, and success. Many of them who are feeling left out and ignored heard a message in Mr. Trump’s campaign, giving them hope and a belief that he will create the pathways that they need. And as Sec. Clinton so eloquently stated, “Our campaign was never about one person or even one election. It was about the country we love—and about building an America that’s hopeful, inclusive, and big-hearted.” No matter which message individuals found compelling, it is clear that there is much work to be done in Iowa to realize the hopes of the women who still face barriers to opportunity and equality.
The IWF continues to be committed to our very important goal: to improve the lives of ALL Iowa’s women, girls, and their families. But we can’t do this alone. We must ALL work together. We don’t know what the next four years will bring, but that can’t stop us. We must continue working to break down the barriers and create pathways to success. It is the just thing and it is right thing!
We made a commitment to all of Iowa this past summer and we will keep that promise. Eighteen communities across the state are initiating a plan to break down a key barrier to success, and IWF will work with these communities as we continue these efforts together. We are excited and hopeful. We are a statewide community foundation who has invested in Iowa’s women, girls, and families for more than 20 years. We will carry on until ALL of Iowa’s 1.5 million women and girls are successful.
Together, we can create a state that is fair, equitable, and prosperous for all.
Alison Ames Galstad Dawn Oliver Wiand
President Executive Director
