Heywood, Ellen
Originally from Estherville, Iowa, Ellen’s dissatisfaction with the lack of gender equality led her to become a founding member of IWF. She served on the Board for many years and currently serves on both the Grants Committee and the Advisory Council. Ellen taught Art at both the elementary and secondary levels before returning to school […]
Horak, Shelley
Shelley was introduced to IWF by Former President & CEO Dawn Oliver Wiand while working on a project with the Harkin Institute and has been a fan ever since. Shelley grew up in Dallas Center, IA, earning her BS from the University of Iowa. She went on to obtain her MPH from Des Moines University […]
Hubbell, Nicole
Nicole’s initial involvement with IWF was through the Grants Committee, where she has helped review grant applications for many years. Nicole earned a BA from the University of Virginia and spent a few years working in the Washington D.C. Metro area before relocating to Cedar Rapids in 1999. She obtained her MBA in Marketing from […]
James, Lois
Lois has been a long-time advocate and supporter for the Iowa Women’s Foundation, both individually and through her business—James Investment Group. Lois is from Renwick, Iowa, and attended Iowa State University. Following her graduation, she worked for an insurance company, a law firm, radio station, and an architectural firm before founding James Investment Group In […]
Jew, Jean
Jean is an original founder of the Iowa Women’s Foundation and served on the board from 1994–2000. She has been involved with IWF as a member of the Leadership Circle, Director’s Circle, Grants Committee, and as Volunteer Coordinator. Originally from Greenwood, Mississippi, Jean earned her B.Sc. in Biology from Newcomb College at Tulane University and […]
Jones, Jo Lavera
Jo Lavera is a past president and member of the IWF Board of Directors. She is originally from Decatur, IL and holds a bachelor’s in Teaching Mathematics from the University of Illinois and an MBA in Administrative Science from the University of Iowa. In 1985, she began working at the University of Iowa Museum as […]
Kennedy, LaShonda
LaShonda joined IWF after meeting former President & CEO, Dawn Oliver Wiand at a luncheon. She is passionate about improving the lives of women and girls everywhere and has volunteered with multiple women’s funds. After earning her MEd in Counseling Education and BA in Communications from Wake Forest University, LaShonda worked for Denver Public Schools […]
Kruse, Mary Lea
Mary Lea was introduced to IWF by Geraldine Felton. She was impressed by the Foundation’s mission, work, and opportunities for women and has since served as a past President and Vice President of the Board. She grew up in Des Moines and attended Northwestern University, earning her BA in English Literature. She taught Language Arts […]
Lampe, Maxine
Originally from Sioux Center, Iowa, Maxine received her BA from Buena Vista University and her MS in Educational Administration from Drake University. She taught in Kansas, Minnesota and Iowa, where she was named area teacher of the year before becoming an elementary/middle school principal for 18 years. Maxine wrote a piece on pay equity for […]
Leavitt, Judy
Judy has been connected with IWF since 1995, when she attended an organizational meeting in Cedar Rapids. She has served on the Board of Directors, a previous Advisory Council to the IWF, and has participated on a number of grants evaluation committees. She grew up in Washington, Iowa, and earned a Master’s in Library Science […]
