Baker, Barb
Barb currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Iowa Women’s Foundation. Barb was first introduced to IWF through a childcare needs assessment in her community. She became more involved and was then asked to join the Board of Directors. A West Union native, Barb earned her BS in Journalism and Mass Communications from the […]
Chang, Phyllis, M.D.
Dr. Chang is a retired hand and plastic surgeon. She had her own private practice for many years as well as being a highly respected physician with the University of Iowa. She has worked with student athletes on women’s sports teams, and has served on the council of her church. She is also an accomplished […]
Clohesy, Stephanie
A founding member of IWF and long-time advocate and volunteer, Stephanie has been a social change leader and organization builder throughout her professional life, starting in 1972. Stephanie graduated with a BA in English Literature from Loyola University and has completed graduate work in Organizational Management at the University of Northern Iowa. She resides in […]
Cook, Deann
Deann joined the Foundation as the new President and CEO at the beginning of 2023. Previously, she had served as the President and CEO of United Ways of Iowa since 2013, and has worked in the nonprofit sector in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines for over 20 years. Deanna grew up on the family farm […]
Schabel, Claudia
Claudia Schabel joined the Iowa Women’s Foundation as Vice President of Programs in June 2025. She brings with her a career-long commitment to building inclusive workplaces and communities where all individuals—especially women and girls—can thrive. Born and raised in Brazil, Claudia’s global perspective was further shaped by five years living and working in Japan before […]
Crain, Nicole
Nicole currently serves as the Secretary of the Iowa Women’s Foundation. Nicole was first introduced to IWF through the Business and Child Care Coalition, and with a shared mission to strengthen the workforce, it was a natural fit. Nicole is a native of Blockton, a small community in Southern Iowa, and earned her BA in […]
Doerge, Peggy
Peggy has been a supporter since 2000, after assisting with financial literacy programming. She has served as Board member, Board President, and on the grant review panel. Originally from St. Louis, MO, Peggy has lived in Taiwan, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, and most recently, Iowa City. While in D.C. Peggy “stumbled” into a real estate finance […]
Frye, Susan
Susan served on the IWF Board from 2003–2004, began providing legal counsel in 2006, and currently serves IWF as both advisory and legal counsel. Susan grew up in Maysville and studied Nursing at University of Iowa. For fifteen years she worked as a critical care nurse and administrator before returning to her alma mater—this time […]
Galstad, Allison Ames
Alison followed IWF’s work in its early years, serving a similar mission through her own work as a feminist musicology student and associate professor in women’s studies program at Cornell College. She is originally from Wisconsin, but has called Iowa home since 1985. Alison has been the Director of the Coralville Public Library for over […]
Gutierrez, Dolores
Dolores has been a lifetime advocate for women, helped found the Iowa Women’s Foundation, and served as its first President from 1994–2000. She’s been a member of the advisory council since 2005. Her expertise has been shaped by extensive research on topics like unequal opportunities for women in education, reproductive rights, and more. She has […]
