2026 Finalists
We are thrilled to introduce the finalists for the 2026 Inspiring Women of Iowa Event.
Inspiring Advocate for Women Award Finalists
Diane Dornburg
Managing Attorney, Iowa Center for Children's Justice
As a lawyer representing children, Diane sees families from the children’s viewpoint and gives the children a voice in disputes between their parents. Diane is an experienced litigator, mediator and parenting coordinator. Diane is enthusiastic about alternative approaches to handling family law problems. Everyone in the family benefits when parents and children have clear expectations and minimal conflict. After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College and University of Michigan Law School, Diane represented low-income persons for over 25 years, most of that time as the supervising attorney of the family law unit at the Legal Aid Society of Polk County. For nearly two decades, she was an associate at Carney & Appleby, where she represented parents and children in divorce, custody, domestic violence and all other types of family law cases.
In addition to her work as a lawyer, Diane facilitates a continuing care group at Powell Chemical Dependency Center, is actively involved in her church and has served on the Walnut Street School PTO. She is a member of the Polk County Bar Association Family Law Committee, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Iowa Collaborative Divorce Practice Group and International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. For more than 20 years she was the Legislative Chair for the Family & Juvenile Law Section of the Iowa State Bar, and served on the Iowa Supreme Court Family Law Reform Task Force. Diane is passionate about helping families. She has been a foster parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, grandparent and guardian.
Christy Johnson
Deputy Secretary of State and Chief of Staff, Office of the Iowa Secretary of State
Christy is passionate and dedicated to her mission to help survivors. In 2015, she led the implementation of Safe at Home, an address confidentiality program for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking administered by the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office. Since the implementation of Safe at Home, the program has served hundreds of men, women, and children, enabling them to live active lives in their communities with less fear of the publicity of their addresses. Christy is also proud to be serving as Vice President of the National Association of Address Confidentiality Programs.
In 2021, she was instrumental in launching the Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT) program. IBAT challenges Iowa businesses to Learn Something and Do Something to raise awareness of this horrific crime. Currently, 980 businesses are involved in this effort. Since 2021, Christy and her team have worked with multiple states to help them launch similar programs.
Today, Christy serves as the Chief Deputy Secretary of State and Chief of Staff at the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office. Christy's deep commitment to public service stems from being raised in a military family and her husband's service, along with the bravery of the survivors she supports.
Amy Landrigan
Chief Executive Officer, The Beacon
Amy Landrigan is the Chief Executive Officer of The Beacon, a trauma-informed housing and recovery community serving women in central Iowa. With a background in behavioral healthcare and nonprofit leadership, Amy has dedicated her career to advocating for women’s dignity, safety, and opportunity. Under her leadership, The Beacon has expanded access to stable housing, increased donor and volunteer engagement, and elevated women’s voices in both program design and organizational strategy.
Amy leads with a people-centered, equity-driven approach, strengthening systems that support women impacted by trauma, mental health challenges, substance use, incarceration, and housing instability. She is especially passionate about developing women leaders and creating environments where women feel safe to grow, be heard, and lead. Amy believes that when women are supported with compassion, accountability, and opportunity, they not only rebuild their lives, but help transform their communities.
Christy Harmon
CEO & Founder, Chic Behavioral Health and Community Services
Christy Harmon is a passionate advocate, mentor, and changemaker whose work is deeply rooted in lived experience, faith, and purpose. As the CEO and Founder of CHIC Behavioral Health and Community Services, Christy created the organization she once needed—one that meets girls and young women with compassion, honesty, and belief in their potential. Her leadership is grounded in the understanding that confidence, connection, and emotional wellness can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Through innovative, prevention-focused programming, Christy has created safe spaces where youth feel seen, heard, and empowered to rise beyond circumstances placed before them. Known for leading with both strength and empathy, she turns challenges into opportunities for growth and healing. Christy’s work continues to uplift families and strengthen communities across Iowa.
Courage Award Finalists
Kelsey Bigelow
Poet, Kelsey Bigelow Poetry
As a nationally touring spoken word artist and author, Kelsey Bigelow opens conversations around mental health and overcoming odds to build an intentional, hopeful life. She doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable experiences, because she believes we grow in empathy when we share in our humanity. Kelsey's Pushcart-nominated poetry stems from her lived traumas, mental health diagnoses, and healing. As a performer, Kelsey has worked with organizations such as The Mayo Clinic, NAMI, Planned Parenthood, and more. She's the founder of the Des Moines Poetry Workshop, the chair for the Iowa Poetry Association Poetry Slam, a teaching artist in the Des Moines community, the director for the BlackBerry Peach National Poetry Slam, and more. She is on a poetic mission to show others two things: 1. You can live the life you dream, and 2. It does get better.
Annie Sloterdyk Brandt
Senior Vice President & Market Executive, Bank of America
Annie Brandt is a Senior Vice President and Market Executive at Bank of America. She partners with Market Presidents to guide local strategy and deliver for clients to help make financial lives better. Annie leads the development and execution of market plans that drive revenue growth, strengthen employee engagement, and enhance corporate reputation. She also oversees business integration, community partnerships, and philanthropic efforts across the markets she serves.
With more than 15 years of experience shaping business strategy & community initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, Annie previously held leadership roles at Thrivent and Target.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Business Management from Iowa State University, is a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and a Forty Under 40 honoree.
An active community volunteer, Annie has supported organizations including By Degrees Foundation, Polk County Housing Trust Fund, Oakridge Neighborhood, and Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, hiking, and anything involving the water with her husband, their two daughters, and their bernedoodle.
KYLIE COLLINS
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Walk With You and Registered Nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Kylie Collins is a dedicated listener, intentional welcomer, and fierce advocate with an excitement for people and life. An Iowa native, she graduated from Ankeny High School and earned her BSN from the University of Iowa. Kylie began her career in Neonatal Intensive Care, where she cared for critically ill infants and supported families through the devastating loss of a child. Moved by the profound grief and challenges she witnessed, Kylie founded Walk With You in 2023, a nonprofit providing personalized, comprehensive bereavement support to families experiencing the loss of a child from pregnancy through age 17. Since its founding, Walk With You has served more than 180 families across 30 states, ensuring no family navigates child loss alone. Kylie lives in Johnston with her husband and two young children. She is active in her community and church and enjoys laughing with loved ones, interior decorating, and sipping iced lattes.
Leslie Irlbeck
Chief Operating Officer, Metro Waste Authority
Appointed as Metro Waste Authority’s first Chief Operating Officer, Leslie Irlbeck plays a key role in executing strategic initiatives, advancing operational excellence, and strengthening the agency’s mission and regional impact. Her experience spans landfill operations, communications, regional planning, and team development, providing a strong foundation for agency success. With a career across both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, Leslie brings a collaborative, people-first leadership style focused on building strong teams, fostering positive culture, and supporting growth at every level.
Beyond Metro Waste Authority, Leslie serves as an Advisory Board Member for Iowa’s Certified Public Manager Program and is a Certified Life Coach. She also serves on the Grimes City Council and is actively engaged in advocacy and planning efforts for Dallas Center Grimes Schools. Leslie is passionate about inclusive leadership and strategic planning that strengthens organizations and communities alike. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and an MPA from Drake University.
Confidence Award Finalists
Rachel fyfe
Oncology Program Coordinator, UnityPoint Health
Rachel Fyfe received her degree in Psychology and social work from the University of Iowa in 2005. Since then, she has worked in social work, first as an in-home worker and then as a manager for over 21 counties in Iowa. She has had the pleasure of working for UnityPoint since November 2013 as the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program Coordinator. This career has allowed her to build people up and help them through some of the toughest life changes one can see. In 2019, she had her one and only daughter the same week they opened her next baby, the EMPOWER boutique and Salon. This program gives our patients a little sense of self back while going through Cancer. She is proud to be a part of both programs.
Hayley L. Harvey
Section Chief and Director of Dental Education, Broadlawns Medical Center (Dental Clinic)
As section chief and director of dental education at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, Hayley L. Harvey, DDS, MS, is a champion for increasing access to dental care and improving the oral health of underserved populations.
A native of Detroit, Michigan and daughter of an Army veteran, Harvey earned her two degrees at the University of Iowa. Harvey also served a decade in the Iowa and Michigan Army National Guard.
She also served as the State of Iowa Dental Director, before joining Broadlawns Medical Center. Harvey helped Broadlawns establish a $24 million facility with 22 dental operatories—six that are designated for University of Iowa dental students on rotation at BMC.
Harvey has been married for 37 years and has two daughters, Hannah and Hadley. She serves on the boards of the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, Children and Families of Iowa, and the University of Iowa Alumnae Leadership Council.
Amanda Ladd
VP Enterprise Solutions, Businessolver
Amanda Ladd is a devoted community advocate and a firm believer in the power of kindness to create lasting impact. With 16 years of experience at Businessolver, she has helped HR executives craft benefit strategies grounded in empathy and human connection. Guided by a deep commitment to integrity, compassion, and purpose, Amanda strives to make a meaningful difference in the everyday lives of those around her. Her passion for service extends into her community, where she actively supports organizations focused on healing, hope, and basic human needs. Whether donating blood, mentoring children, packing meals, or supporting survivors of abuse, Amanda believes no act of kindness is ever too small. Every gesture creates a ripple—one that inspires others to show up for their neighbors with the same empathy and curiosity. At her core, Amanda is driven by love for her family, friends, and community—and a desire to leave the world better than she found it.
Abena Sankofa Imhotep
CEO, Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group
Abena Sankofa Imhotep is an author, scholar, and advocate whose work celebrates Africana, challenges historical narratives, and champions education. As the founder of Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group, The Imhotep Report, and host of the Black & Privileged in America Podcast, she creates lifelong learning spaces and strives for authentic community connection. She is a TEDx speaker, a member of the Iowa Speakers Bureau, and a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Abena graduated from Drake University and has received numerous honors including the Iowa Podcast Host of the Year and the Iowa Author Award. Her work remains informed by Black freedom thought, Africana studies, and community-centered leadership traditions.
Character Award Finalists
Elaine M. Baughman
Co-owner/operator, WACER Gardens and Community Servant
Elaine Baughman is a farmer and community leader. A graduate of Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa, she taught in public secondary schools in Iowa and Nebraska for 42 years. Following her retirement, she became a public servant, holding leadership positions on several local boards and councils in her community and church.
Elaine and her husband Russ founded WACER Gardens in 2000, through which she sells garden produce and homemade pies at local farmers' markets. Meeting the community brings her great joy.
Weslyn Caldwell
Executive Director, Willkie House and Team Lead, Woodward Community Based Services
Weslyn Caldwell is a community leader, who serves as the Executive Director of Willkie House and a Team Lead for Woodward Community Based Services. She is a connector whose work is rooted in service, faith, and access to information. She wears many hats—bartender, community engagement manager, and church administrator—but at the core of each role is a commitment to helping people navigate systems, resources, and opportunities with confidence.
Weslyn believes that knowledge carries responsibility; what she learns, she shares. Her leadership is shaped by both lived experience and her ability to meet people where they are.
She is the proud mom to Xavier, age 23. She is an active member of King of Kings Church, where faith and community service intersect in meaningful ways. Known for her ability to build relationships, mobilize people, and turn ideas into action, Weslyn approaches leadership as a calling–focused
Mary Core
Community Engagement Director, Talent Collective DSM (Formerly Avenue Scholars)
Mary has more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, having worked for organizations such as United Way of Central Iowa, Goodwill Industries, and Anawim Housing and currently, Talent Collective DSM. Her work has focused on strengthening communities, expanding access to opportunity, and building strategic partnerships that create lasting impact.
Prior to her nonprofit career, Mary spent 21 years at Principal Financial Group, where she held a variety of roles and built a strong foundation in business operations, strategy, and relationship management. She brings together both her corporate and nonprofit experience to ensure mission-driven work is strategic and impactful.
Deeply committed to community service, Mary actively volunteers with several organizations, including Dress for Success, Young Women’s Resource Center, The Beacon, Above + Beyond Cancer, and Habitat for Humanity. She believes deeply in the responsibility to give back and in paying our civic rent to strengthen the communities we all share. “Creating pathways to opportunity is both my work and my why.”
Gabrielle Vázquez
Founder, Vázquez Law Office
Gabrielle Vázquez is an attorney, mediator, and community builder who leads with empathy and integrity. As the founder and owner of Vázquez Law Office, she invests in community development one business at a time. She is known for handling tough legal issues and navigating challenging personalities in the courtroom, boardroom, and negotiation table with steadiness and respect. Her work reflects her core values: fairness, compassion, and a commitment to strengthening the communities she calls home.
Beyond her legal practice, Gabrielle creates welcoming spaces where women, young professionals, and underrepresented communities can access meaningful support for their businesses and careers. She brings people together, listens deeply, and shows through her actions that leadership is rooted in service, consistency, and character. A proud Latina and active member of the Greater Des Moines community, Gabrielle strives to make every room more inclusive, every conversation more thoughtful, and every challenge an opportunity for collective progress.