Rickert, Hannah
Hannah grew up in Des Moines and attended the University of Iowa. She earned a BA in Psychology with a concentration in Gender, Women’s, & Sexuality Studies and a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership & Philanthropy—making IWF the perfect place for Hannah to complete an internship. Within three months, the Foundation welcomed Hannah full-time. Hannah is […]
Riem, Andi
A Cedar Rapids native, Andi received her BA in Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and holds a JD from University of St. Thomas School of Law where she graduated magna cum laude. She shifted careers in 2018, and joined New Leader Manufacturing, where she is currently the Executive Director of Shared Services. Andi has […]
Rierson, Anne
Anne currently serves as the Chair of the Board and as a member of the Grants Committee for IWF. She was first introduced to the Foundation while implementing a grant program focused on supporting women and girls at Frontier Co-op. Anne earned her degree from American University in Washington D.C., where she worked for several […]
Sax, Lydia
Lydia first learned about IWF’s mission through former Board President Jen Neumann, and her interest was instantaneous. She has served on the Grants Committee since 2021. Lydia grew up in Cedar Rapids before earning a BA in Marketing from the University of Northern Iowa. Today she works as the Director of Operations at de Novo […]
Smith, Joy
Joy is committed to the progress of women and girls everywhere, and began donating to IWF in 1996. She has since served on the Board as a member and past president and as Chair of the Advisory Council. A life-long Iowan, Joy earned her BA in Education and MA in Special Education from University of […]
Thompson, Candace
Candace Thompson moved to Iowa city as an infant and has always called Iowa home. She attended Johnson County Community School District K-12 and received her high school diploma from Iowa City High School, graduating class of 2008. She began her career in HR Management in 2018 and, shortly after, became a small business owner, […]
Wagler, Shanell
Shanell is a lifelong Iowan and was first introduced to the Foundation through her work as an Administrator of Early Childhood Iowa—the state’s early childhood systems building initiative. Shanell provides extensive leadership in supporting the state’s quality rating system for childcare environments, offering her expertise to strengthen partnerships that promote quality programming. She is also […]
Wiand, Dawn Oliver
Dawn joined IWF as President & CEO in February 2013, leading the Foundation through a decade of tremendous growth in grantmaking, reach, and overall impact. Dawn retired in 2022, but her involvement in the cause did not, and she continues to be a champion for women and girls through advocacy and giving back. Dawn holds […]
Lane, Jill
Jill joined the Iowa Women’s Foundation as Strategic Initiatives Director in 2025. Rooted in Iowa since childhood, Jill earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Services from Buena Vista University. Jill brings a deep passion for advancing women’s economic self-sufficiency and a long background in human services, community development, and advocacy. From founding […]
