McGrath, Della
Della joined IWF’s Board of Directors in 2006, served as president in 2008, and joined the Advisory Council in 2014. Della earned her BBA from the University of Iowa and eventually took a position with the University of Iowa Foundation. She oversaw the planning and design of multiple construction projects and campaigns throughout her career, […]
Lloyd-Jones, Jean Hall
Jean grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and studied undergrad at Northwestern University before earning her MA in History from the University of Iowa. She held multiple leadership roles in the League of Women Voters in the 1960’s and 1970’s—a time when policy reform was especially crucial for women’s equality. Her dedication led to her […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
