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We are happy to announce the finalists for the 2026 Inspiring Women of Iowa event, presented by Lincoln Savings Bank. Please join us along with our Event Co-Chairs, Derek and Jill Trobaugh, and Emcee, Jodi Long, on May 8, 2026 to honor these incredible women in our state and celebrate 10 years of Inspiring Women of Iowa. Get your tickets now!

Inspiring Advocate for Women Award Finalists
Diane Dornburg, Managing Attorney, Iowa Center for Children's Justice
Christy Johnson, Deputy Secretary of State and Chief of Staff, Office of the Iowa Secretary of State
Amy Landrigan, Chief Executive Officer, The Beacon
Christy Harmon, CEO & Founder, Chic Behavioral Health and Community Services

Courage Award Finalists
Kelsey Bigelow, Poet, Kelsey Bigelow Poetry
Annie Sloterdyk Brandt, Senior Vice President & Market Executive, Bank of America
Kylie Collins, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Walk With You and Registered Nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Leslie Irlbeck, Chief Operating Officer, Metro Waste Authority

Confidence Award Finalists
Rachel Fyfe, Oncology Program Coordinator, UnityPoint Health
Hayley L. Harvey, Section Chief and Director of Dental Education, Broadlawns Medical Center Dental Clinic
Amanda Ladd, VP Enterprise Solutions, Businessolver
Abena Sankofa Imhotep, CEO, Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group

Character Award Finalists
Elaine M. Baughman, Co-owner/Operator, WACER Gardens and Community Servant
Weslyn Caldwell, Executive Director, Willkie House and Team Lead, Woodward Community Based Services
Mary Core, Community Engagement Director, Talent Collective DSM (Formerly Avenue Scholars)
Gabrielle Vázquez, Founder, Vázquez Law Office

Meet our 2026 Event Co-Chairs: Derek & Jill trobaugh!

Derek Trobaugh is an Engagement Leader with Thrivent. In this role, he supports the central and western Iowa market as a community connector, collaborator, and relationship builder in partnership with Thrivent Financial Advisors and market leadership. He assists in business development efforts for the market.
Derek serves on multiple nonprofit boards, including Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, Easterseals Iowa Foundation, and Iowa Fraternal Alliance. He believes that everyone has something to give and enjoys doing what he can to positively impact society. Derek is a graduate of Johnston High School, University of Northern Iowa, and the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute class of 2019. 

Jill Trobaugh is a Vice President, Community Relations Manager (CRM) with Bank of America. As a CRM, she supports five markets in Iowa, Louisiana, Georgia and North Carolina. In her role, she supports the philanthropic work supporting community partners, working closely with the Market Executives and Market Presidents. She is also heavily involved in organizing and delivering volunteer events as well as financial literacy sessions within the community as well. Jill’s success in relationship building beyond her line of business and with each of her markets served has allowed her to collaborate and network in order to help achieve market goals.
Jill serves on the Easterseals Iowa Board as well as the Johnston Community School Foundation Board. She’s a volunteer and supporter of Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, Girls Scouts of Greater Iowa, local food pantries and various other nonprofit organizations as her time allows. She is also a recipient of the Volunteer Excellence Award with Girl Scouts.

Derek & Jill reside in Johnston with their children, Mara and Grant, and their two dogs, Oscar and Penny.

All proceeds from this fundraising event benefit Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, and their mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Questions about the event? Drop us a note and we’ll get back to you!