Coralville, IA — The Iowa Women’s Foundation (IWF) is excited to announce the appointment of Claudia Schabel as the organization’s President & CEO, effective April 1, 2026.
Schabel joined IWF in June 2025. In her work and numerous volunteer leadership roles, she has demonstrated a sincere long-term commitment to building communities and workplaces that are effective in their efforts to ensure that everyone can thrive. Her many years of dedicated leadership have led to numerous accolades including the 2024 Drake University Zimpleman College of Business Women’s Impact Award, 2023 Iowa State University Ivy College of Business Woman Business Owner of the Year Award, and the 2010 State of Iowa Robert D. Ray Iowa Latino Ambassador Award.
This leadership transition comes at an important moment for IWF as the organization continues to expand impact in supporting economic prosperity for girls and women in Iowa. With Schabel’s vision, leadership, and deep commitment to the IWF mission, the organization is well-positioned to succeed in its next chapter.
“The Board has selected Claudia as our new president and CEO for her deep commitment to the women and girls of Iowa and her proven abilities in strategic visioning, advocacy, and stakeholder collaboration. We have full confidence in her leadership to advance our mission, expand our grantmaking reach, and ensure that every woman in our state has the opportunity to thrive economically,” said Barb Baker, Chair of the IWF Board of Directors.
“On behalf of the Board and the entire IWF community, we also express our deepest gratitude to outgoing president and CEO, Deann Cook. Her dedication to shattering barriers has not only strengthened our organization but has created lasting change for women and girls across Iowa. We are a stronger, more resilient Foundation because of her vision,” said Baker.
“IWF’s mission to empower women and girls is vital to Iowa,” said Cook. “Claudia is an excellent choice to lead this work into the next chapter. I believe she and her team will continue the lasting legacy of impact.”
“I am honored to step into this new role with IWF and work alongside such a dedicated staff, community/state leaders, volunteers, and donors,” said Schabel. “I stand on the shoulders of those who founded and grew IWF and look forward to building upon the organization’s strong history to advance our vision.”
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About the Iowa Women’s Foundation: The Iowa Women’s Foundation is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of Iowa’s women and girls through research, education, grantmaking, advocacy, and collaboration. To achieve its goals and make the most significant impact, IWF unites and invests in organizations across Iowa that make women and girls more successful. IWF is the only statewide organization working to enhance and improve women’s economic prosperity.