Celebrating 6 years of Fearless
6 Iowa women share times they were fearless, resilient
We launched Fearless in 2020 with a simple goal: We want to empower Iowa women to succeed in work and life. We believe supporting women and gender-nonconforming individuals ultimately helps everyone.
This initiative has grown significantly in the six years that have transpired. We’ve written hundreds of stories about inspiring Iowa women, sent more than 300 free weekly e-newsletters focused on gender issues, hosted powerful events that connected our audience and launched a podcast to continue these important conversations.
Back in 2020, we kicked off the initiative with a special edition of the Business Record devoted to the stories of inspiring Iowa women in an “as told to” format, shared entirely in their own words. We’ve continued that tradition each fall to mark Fearless’ anniversary. Each year we’re inspired by all the ways Iowa women are making an impact in unique ways.
We’re sharing six stories of Fearless Iowa women:
- Dr. Wanakee Carr, the only Black female practicing OB/GYN in Central Iowa, finished medical school while navigating grief.
- Anne Harris Carter, executive director of the African American Museum of Iowa, refuses to hide her mental health diagnosis.
- Eva Fipps became the youngest mayor in the United States at age 19 when she was elected as mayor of Henderson, Iowa.
- Emilea Hillman owns Em’s Coffee Shop in Independence, Iowa, and has been a trailblazer for individuals with disabilities to launch their own businesses. She and her family reflected on her journey.
- Alison Hoeman, executive director of Des Moines Refugee Support, took a big risk to start an organization that helps a vulnerable population.
- Darcy Maulsby, a farmer, author, historian and storyteller, turned an unexpected layoff into a successful writing and farming career.
Plus, check out a Q&A with Kristi Knous, our 2026 Women of Influence Alum of the Year.
This publication is just one way to engage with Fearless. We hope you’ll subscribe to our free weekly e-newsletter and listen to our podcast. If there’s anything we’re most proud of in the past six years, it’s been seeing how powerful Fearless is to our audience members. In this year’s gender issues survey, one audience member shared this heartwarming comment:
“What I enjoy most about the Fearless initiative is hearing the strong, courageous voices of women who have succeeded despite persistent bias and discrimination. … Seeing women succeed against the odds reinforces that progress is possible and deeply empowering. It also underscores the positive impact this representation can have on mental health — showing other women that they are not alone, that their experiences are valid, and that success and fulfillment are attainable.”
We hope these stories amaze you as much as they amazed us. May we all be fearless in our pursuit of a better world.
– Emily Barske Wood, special projects editor, and Macey Shofroth, Fearless editor
