Thanks to the women of Iowa for actively contributing to the success of our chapter. If you want to get more involved, please contact Ashley Maher-Widen or Liz Ulrichson.
Upcoming Events!
WIPN Iowa | Be Fearless
October 10 @ 11:30 am - 12:30 pm CDTWIPN Iowa | 2023 Holiday Party
December 6 @ 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm CST
Past Events
WIPN Iowa & Kansas Event – The ART™ of Productivity: Simple Steps to Attack Information Overload
The Iowa and Kansas chapters of WIPN teamed up to host Lori Vande Krol, owner of Life Made Simple, LLC. Lori spoke to the chapters about how to be productive and the importance of taking steps to avoid information overload. We are overwhelmed daily with information in various forms including email, paper, phone calls, etc. Lori shared a few simple tricks to help us get more organized and make better decisions. Lori took an overwhelming topic (organization) and made it easy to tackle.
WIPN Iowa Event – Give Grace Give Hope Period Packing Party
About the Cause:
Give Grace, Give Hope was established to eliminate the gap between need and access of menstrual products in Central Iowa.
Why hold a Massive Period Packing Party?
On March 8, 2023, hundreds will come together in celebration of International Women’s Day where we hope to make more than 8,000 period packs. WHY? Because no woman should be limited in life because of her period.
Where do our Period Packs go?
- Central Iowa School Districts
- Iowa Homeless Shelters
- Iowa Domestic Violence Shelters
- Non-Profit Organizations that Serve Women & Children
- And, More!
WIPN Iowa & Nebraska Event – Have Good Ripple Effect and Creating More JOY
The Iowa and Nebraska chapters of WIPN embraced the opportunity for virtual events by hosting a virtual event led by Lisa Even. Lisa is a corporate-world culture junkie, turned entrepreneur, who is cheering loud for all those who want to Have Good Ripple Effect. She delivered a high-energy workshop that reminded us that the world doesn’t happen to us, we happen to the world.
Iowa Chapter Event – If I Could Teach You One Thing
The Iowa chapter gathered at the Principal Financial Group campus in downtown Des Moines for a panel which featured the lessons learned from rising women in financial services. The conversation was inspiring and it was fun to hear from different perspectives. Some of the topics covered were how to influence others, the importance of advocates, and elevating others.
Iowa Chapter Event – “Open Your Mind to Unlock the Group’s Highest Potential” at Jasper Winery
The Iowa chapter of WIPN got together at Jasper Winery for informal networking, followed by a wonderful conversation about the power of connection and vulnerability led by Beth Montpas. This was the Iowa Chapter’s first event back in person and it was wonderful to be able to get together again.
Iowa Chapter Event – The Power of Mentorship
The Iowa Women in Pensions Network gathered at The Republic on Grand in Des Moines on November 8th. We enjoyed great conversation over appetizers and cocktails before Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa CEO Beth Shelton took the stage. Beth delivered a powerful presentation on “The Power of Mentorship”. Beth developed this presentation specifically for our group, and we were all blown away! After sharing with us her successes and struggles as a life-long amputee, accomplished collegiate athlete, wife and mother, she spoke with the group about the impact that we can have on the lives of others, simply by:
- Showing up for people
- Focusing on incremental improvements
- Listening more than we speak
- Being pleasantly direct
- Having courage
As a “thank you” to Beth for spending time with us, we raffled off two Christmas-themed baskets (donated by Nicole Hinman), an Old Navy gift card (donated by Iron Horse Financial), and an assortment of treats and goodies (donated by Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa) and presented Beth with raffle proceeds of $220.
Iowa Chapter Kick Off!
The Iowa chapter of the Women in Pensions Network held its kick-off event at Me & Billy in Davenport, IA on August 2nd. Nine retirement plan professionals gathered for cocktails, appetizers, and great conversation. Time was spent allowing everyone to get to know each other before gathering in a circle for an hour-long “Candy Chat”. Everyone received a fun-sized bag of M&Ms, and each color represented a different question that had to be answered. The group went around the circle three times, sharing things like what brought everyone into the retirement plan industry, what people like most and least about their jobs, what people wanted to be when they grew up, and what they hoped to gain by becoming involved with WIPN, either from a personal or professional development standpoint. A lot of great stories were shared, and a lot of laughs were had during this activity! The event closed with a drawing for an Amazon Fire Stick, donated by the event sponsor, Lincoln Financial, represented by Jeff Cricenti. Mary Frances Swartout was the winner!
Chapter Chairs
Ashley Maher-Widen
Manager – Principal Connection
Principal Financial Group
Email Ashley
Liz Ulrichson
Financial Advisor | Relationship Manager
CAPTRUST
Email Liz
