Mentor Database

Our Mentor Database is a way for our members to grow their network with females working in a specific career specialty. Feel free to click on any of the career area buttons below to meet someone who works in that field!

DATABASE

Cynthia Roehr

Contact: cmroehr@gmail.com

After an 8 year career in public accounting, I took a position as a Practice Administrator with a mid-sized anesthesia practice. In my 24 years managing their practice I gained a solid understanding of the business side of medicine, lobbying and managing a growing, successful business. I am now a national consultant and speaker in the healthcare space.

I take great joy in coaching women in their career aspirations and personal growth and am currently the President of the Iowa Women’s Leadership Network. I would love the opportunity to connect and assist – <3 – making the world better, one person at a time.

Management, Accounting, HR, Medical

Paige Bruns

Contact: pgibson2550@gmail.com 

I graduated from Tippie with a major in accounting. I got my Masters of Accounting at the University of Northern Iowa and currently work at PwC as a tax associate. 

Accounting

Stephanie Koehler

Contact: stephanie@facf.org 

I majored in Sociology with the plan of working in a social welfare setting. I did that for many years and got burned out. I turned to sales after that. I eventually started working my way up in the sales career tract, car sales, then logistics sales = Sales Executive and Supply Chain Management Consultant (CH Robinson). At the start of COVID my sales career tract came to an end and I was lucky enough to join the nonprofit world. I am now an Executive Director and manage every part of the nonprofit business from administrative, HR and accounting, to fundraising and marketing. Being in a nonprofit is all about sales! I also run a web design business in my spare time, which really doesn’t exist anymore. I have done this since 2009.

Marketing, Management, Accounting, Finance, HR, Entrepreneurial, Medical, Sales, Fundraising, nonprofit

Jennifer Carter

Contact: jennifer-carter@uiowa.edu or linkedin

Applying to grad school and have to do an admissions interview? Reach out to me and I can help you prepare. I conduct admissions interviews for Tippie’s Specialized Master’s programs.

Admissions

Stefanie Munsterman-Scriven

Contact: S.Munsterman-Scriven@cedar-rapids.org or linkedin

Stefanie Munsterman-Scriven (she/her) is the Executive Director of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission, an agency that works to prevent and eliminate discrimination and disparities by providing education and outreach to the community and investigating complaints of discrimination. Stefanie leads the strategic direction, community engagement, vision, operations, and performance of the Commission. She is passionate about equity and civil and human rights and believes it is our individual and collective responsibility to work towards building a community of belonging.

Prior to returning to the Commission, Stefanie worked in the non-profit sector across the U.S. and globally. To drive innovation and create sustainable outcomes, she applied her expertise in community engagement and development, project and process management, strategic planning, resource acquisition, program design and delivery, and leadership. She served as Program Director with Habitat for Humanity, Program Director of Brand and Public Relations with ACT, Inc., Adjunct Professor with Mt. Mercy University, Founder and President of Strategic Solutions, and worked in Human Resources.

Stefanie is active in her community and currently serves on a wide number of boards and advisory councils, including the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Iowa Advisory Board; Innovation Council of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance; Inclusive ICR Advisory Council; Iowa Council of Homelessness; Catherine McAuley Center; President of the ACLU of Iowa; and Treasurer of the Iowa League of Human and Civil Rights Agencies. Stefanie also volunteers at the Cedar Valley Humane Society and as a sexual assault advocate for Riverview Center.

Management, Law, HR, Civil Rights, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, non-profit

Zoe Waters

Contact: zoe@necessarybehavior.com or linkedin

I founded my own company when I was 19, from my living room, during my second year of school. I figured out how to do all of the filing myself to create the business, and within three months, had scaled it internationally. We’ve been open for 3 years as of October 2021 and have accomplished so much.

Before all of that, I held my first internship out of high school within the realm of sexual violence prevention education, my first position within the field as a staff writer with the company Project Consent, my second internship the first summer after college working directly in sexual violence advocacy, and my first in-person position by my second year of college at RVAP, as the Campus Sexual Violence Prevention Educator, later moving into the role of Raise the Bar Coordinator. My last two years of school at Iowa were focused on working on my business.

We opened up internships to students globally after our first year and have open internships in over ten departments: Editorial, Marketing, Social Media, Podcast Production, Finance, and more.

I’ve had the chance to work with people such as Sophia Amoruso and Paris Hilton and companies such as Google and Snapchat. We are currently working on a super-secret project between Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+.

I majored in Social Justice here at Iowa but I have honors certificates in Coding from Harvard and Marketing from the University of Illinois. 

I really enjoy sharing my knowledge and resources with others and have mentored quite a few people in the past few years. If you’d like to know more about me or anything that I’m involved in, I’d love to hear from you!

Zoe Waters

Contact: zoe@necessarybehavior.com or linkedin

I founded my own company when I was 19, from my living room, during my second year of school. I figured out how to do all of the filing myself to create the business, and within three months, had scaled it internationally. We’ve been open for 3 years as of October 2021 and have accomplished so much.

Before all of that, I held my first internship out of high school within the realm of sexual violence prevention education, my first position within the field as a staff writer with the company Project Consent, my second internship the first summer after college working directly in sexual violence advocacy, and my first in-person position by my second year of college at RVAP, as the Campus Sexual Violence Prevention Educator, later moving into the role of Raise the Bar Coordinator. My last two years of school at Iowa were focused on working on my business.

We opened up internships to students globally after our first year and have open internships in over ten departments: Editorial, Marketing, Social Media, Podcast Production, Finance, and more.

I’ve had the chance to work with people such as Sophia Amoruso and Paris Hilton and companies such as Google and Snapchat. We are currently working on a super-secret project between Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+.

I majored in Social Justice here at Iowa but I have honors certificates in Coding from Harvard and Marketing from the University of Illinois. 

I really enjoy sharing my knowledge and resources with others and have mentored quite a few people in the past few years. If you’d like to know more about me or anything that I’m involved in, I’d love to hear from you!

Joni Wallace

Contact: linkedin.com/in/joniwallace or twitter.com/JoniWallaceML

I am a proud Tippie Grad – Go Hawks! 

Joni Wallace is Director, Artificial Intelligence at Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies subsidiary. She is responsible for strategy and execution of machine learning and artificial intelligence technology services. Joni spent the last decade leading global data and analytics teams while spearheading innovative technology solutions for insight-driven customers. Prior to joining the aerospace and defense industry, Joni consulted for Accenture, based in Chicago, Illinois, focused on technology for supply chain optimization. She has a BBA in finance from the University of Iowa and an EMBA in analytics from Loras College. Contact Joni at linkedin.com/in/joniwallace or twitter.com/JoniWallaceML.

Management, BAIS, Finance

Dawn Ealy

Contact: dawnealy@peakcadencellc.com or linkedin.com/in/dawn-ealy/ 

I have a diverse background in leadership, project management, HR, technology, operations, and documentation within companies ranging from three employees to 30,000. After graduating college with a Computer Science major and Business Management minor, I worked for a large pharmaceutical company. Seven years later, I moved back to Iowa and have worked for a variety of organizations that span real estate, health care, education, technology and consulting. In 2021, I founded my consulting company, Peak Cadence LLC. I work with small, growing companies to optimize their organizations, processes and teams around the natural ways they work. I coach leaders, helping them structure their teams and workflows to maximize clarity and efficiency, while increasing engagement. 

I enjoy bringing my variety of experience to the mentoring program and love helping mentees make connections to new ideas, people and opportunities.

Management, BAIS, HR, Entrepreneurial, Consulting

Gwen Johnson

Contact: 319-631-4936 gwen@gwenjohnson.com 

My background was social work until accidentally getting into real estate 25 years ago. I have a team of amazing people and we have been one of the top teams in the country for 10 years. I love my life and I love helping people build wealth. I also am a partner in a handy person business called Iowa Dwellings that does house repairs and building.

Marketing, Management, Real Estate, Entrepreneurial, Sales, Construction

Alicia Anderson

Contact: alicia@thinkdenovo.com 

I majored in Marketing with the Entrepreneurial Certificate and graduated in 2011. Since graduating, I’ve worked at a couple of smaller agencies and also freelanced as a digital marketer for about a year. I’m currently in Cedar Rapids working at de Novo Marketing, a smaller full service agency. I love working at a smaller agency (we have about 18 employees) because it allows me to be involved in many different aspects of the company and gives us all the ability to collaborate as a team.

Marketing, Entrepreneurial

Stephanie Koehler

Contact: stephanie@facf.org 

I majored in Sociology with the plan of working in a social welfare setting. I did that for many years and got burned out. I turned to sales after that. I eventually started working my way up in the sales career tract, car sales, then logistics sales = Sales Executive and Supply Chain Management Consultant (CH Robinson). At the start of COVID my sales career tract came to an end and I was lucky enough to join the nonprofit world. I am now an Executive Director and manage every part of the nonprofit business from administrative, HR and accounting, to fundraising and marketing. Being in a nonprofit is all about sales! I also run a web design business in my spare time, which really doesn’t exist anymore. I have done this since 2009.

Marketing, Management, Accounting, Finance, HR, Entrepreneurial, Medical, Sales, Fundraising, nonprofit

Gwen Johnson

Contact: 319-631-4936 gwen@gwenjohnson.com 

My background was social work until accidentally getting into real estate 25 years ago. I have a team of amazing people and we have been one of the top teams in the country for 10 years. I love my life and I love helping people build wealth. I also am a partner in a handy person business called Iowa Dwellings that does house repairs and building.

Marketing, Management, Real Estate, Entrepreneurial, Sales, Construction

Zoe Waters

Contact: zoe@necessarybehavior.com or linkedin

I founded my own company when I was 19, from my living room, during my second year of school. I figured out how to do all of the filing myself to create the business, and within three months, had scaled it internationally. We’ve been open for 3 years as of October 2021 and have accomplished so much.

Before all of that, I held my first internship out of high school within the realm of sexual violence prevention education, my first position within the field as a staff writer with the company Project Consent, my second internship the first summer after college working directly in sexual violence advocacy, and my first in-person position by my second year of college at RVAP, as the Campus Sexual Violence Prevention Educator, later moving into the role of Raise the Bar Coordinator. My last two years of school at Iowa were focused on working on my business.

We opened up internships to students globally after our first year and have open internships in over ten departments: Editorial, Marketing, Social Media, Podcast Production, Finance, and more.

I’ve had the chance to work with people such as Sophia Amoruso and Paris Hilton and companies such as Google and Snapchat. We are currently working on a super-secret project between Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+.

I majored in Social Justice here at Iowa but I have honors certificates in Coding from Harvard and Marketing from the University of Illinois. 

I really enjoy sharing my knowledge and resources with others and have mentored quite a few people in the past few years. If you’d like to know more about me or anything that I’m involved in, I’d love to hear from you!

Abby Brissley

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-white-grohr 

Abby is an established entrepreneur, mentor, and small business investor with a passion for business owners and employees. Abby currently is the CEO of Gro HR, an outsourcing and consulting company focused on providing customized HR, payroll, and Recruitment solutions for small to medium sized businesses. Her background runs extensively within the HR sector with experience in the retail, healthcare, and consulting industries. Abby is also a coffee connoisseur, and owns Coffee Emporium in Coralville and Cedar Rapids, IA and is also Co-Founder in a new software called Intentio, which streamlines processed for outsourcers of all industries. 

Abby is a graduate of Liberty University, where she earned her MBA- Human Resources and her Undergraduate degree. She is currently writing her dissertation for her PhD as well through Liberty University. 

In her free time, she is extremely active in volunteering, loves fitness and CrossFit, and spending time and traveling with her husband and 3 dogs. 

Management, HR, Entrepreneurial

Dawn Ealy

Contact: dawnealy@peakcadencellc.com or linkedin.com/in/dawn-ealy/ 

I have a diverse background in leadership, project management, HR, technology, operations, and documentation within companies ranging from three employees to 30,000. After graduating college with a Computer Science major and Business Management minor, I worked for a large pharmaceutical company. Seven years later, I moved back to Iowa and have worked for a variety of organizations that span real estate, health care, education, technology and consulting. In 2021, I founded my consulting company, Peak Cadence LLC. I work with small, growing companies to optimize their organizations, processes and teams around the natural ways they work. I coach leaders, helping them structure their teams and workflows to maximize clarity and efficiency, while increasing engagement. 

I enjoy bringing my variety of experience to the mentoring program and love helping mentees make connections to new ideas, people and opportunities.

Management, BAIS, HR, Entrepreneurial, Consulting

DaLayne Williamson

Contact: dwilliamson@procircular.com or www.linkedin.com/in/dalaynewilliamson 

 Currently leading culture, recruiting and HR initiatives for ProCircular, a 5 year old Cyber Security Firm with a commitment to trust and building great relationships internally and externally.

Formerly part of the HR team at MediRevv in Coralville, IA attracting and retaining dedicated staff to one of the fastest growing companies in the midwest.

In my past positions I was focused on developing and implementing workforce strategies and solutions to meet the needs of employers in the Cedar Rapids Iowa City area. Most recently working for Iowa’s Creative Corridor Development Corp, a joint venture between the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and Iowa City Area Development Group as the Director of Workforce Solutions.

I graduated from The University of Iowa with a BA degree in Psychology and a Business minor. 

HR, Entrepreneurial

Clarissa Short

Contact: cicishort@gmail.com or linkedin

I majored in Management and Marketing as well as earned a certificate in event management. I moved to Chicago after graduation and first worked in operation for Coyote Logistics for about a year before switching industries and I now work for a financial tech startup, Tegus, which is an expert network and content platform for investors and hedge fund managers doing qualitative research before making large investment decisions. I work as an analyst, so my job is to source high level executives from the companies or industries that my clients are researching and set up paid consulting calls for the client to be able to ask questions to further their understanding in their research! It’s not at all what I studied, but it’s super interesting and a fast growing start up with tons of room to grow and excel, so I love it! Happy to speak to anyone interested in Logistics or Financial tech companies as well as people who aren’t sure what jobs to be looking for with their majors after graduation. Also, I just went through the transition from college to the working world about a year and a half ago, so I can help with job hunting, negotiating, interviewing, work life balance and setting boundaries, the difference between working for a large corporation and a startup, etc!

Marketing, Finance, Operations

Tara Minetos

Contact: tara.minetos@usbank.com or linkedin

I’m an attorney licensed in 4 states and currently work for U.S. Bank as a Private Wealth Planner (tax strategy, private foundations, complex estate planning). I have a B.S. in Psychology and a J.D. and spent about 7 years at a law firm in the Washington, D.C. area prior to joining the bank.

Finance, Law

Stephanie Koehler

Contact: stephanie@facf.org 

I majored in Sociology with the plan of working in a social welfare setting. I did that for many years and got burned out. I turned to sales after that. I eventually started working my way up in the sales career tract, car sales, then logistics sales = Sales Executive and Supply Chain Management Consultant (CH Robinson). At the start of COVID my sales career tract came to an end and I was lucky enough to join the nonprofit world. I am now an Executive Director and manage every part of the nonprofit business from administrative, HR and accounting, to fundraising and marketing. Being in a nonprofit is all about sales! I also run a web design business in my spare time, which really doesn’t exist anymore. I have done this since 2009.

Marketing, Management, Accounting, Finance, HR, Entrepreneurial, Medical, Sales, Fundraising

Brenda Myers

Contact: brenda_myers@hillsbank.com 

Brenda majored in Mass Communications and Sociology. She has experience in content management, social media, advertising, and marketing strategy/implementation/evaluation. She currently works at Hills Bank, but has worked at Columbia College, Special Learning Center, and Memorial Community Hospital. She has worked in many industries including banking, higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit

Marketing, Management, Nonprofit, Banking

Zoe Waters

Contact: zoe@necessarybehavior.com or linkedin

I founded my own company when I was 19, from my living room, during my second year of school. I figured out how to do all of the filing myself to create the business, and within three months, had scaled it internationally. We’ve been open for 3 years as of October 2021 and have accomplished so much.

Before all of that, I held my first internship out of high school within the realm of sexual violence prevention education, my first position within the field as a staff writer with the company Project Consent, my second internship the first summer after college working directly in sexual violence advocacy, and my first in-person position by my second year of college at RVAP, as the Campus Sexual Violence Prevention Educator, later moving into the role of Raise the Bar Coordinator. My last two years of school at Iowa were focused on working on my business.

We opened up internships to students globally after our first year and have open internships in over ten departments: Editorial, Marketing, Social Media, Podcast Production, Finance, and more.

I’ve had the chance to work with people such as Sophia Amoruso and Paris Hilton and companies such as Google and Snapchat. We are currently working on a super-secret project between Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+.

I majored in Social Justice here at Iowa but I have honors certificates in Coding from Harvard and Marketing from the University of Illinois. 

I really enjoy sharing my knowledge and resources with others and have mentored quite a few people in the past few years. If you’d like to know more about me or anything that I’m involved in, I’d love to hear from you!

Joni Wallace

Contact: linkedin.com/in/joniwallace or twitter.com/JoniWallaceML

I am a proud Tippie Grad – Go Hawks! 

Joni Wallace is Director, Artificial Intelligence at Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies subsidiary. She is responsible for strategy and execution of machine learning and artificial intelligence technology services. Joni spent the last decade leading global data and analytics teams while spearheading innovative technology solutions for insight-driven customers. Prior to joining the aerospace and defense industry, Joni consulted for Accenture, based in Chicago, Illinois, focused on technology for supply chain optimization. She has a BBA in finance from the University of Iowa and an EMBA in analytics from Loras College. Contact Joni at linkedin.com/in/joniwallace or twitter.com/JoniWallaceML.

Management, BAIS, Finance

Kayla Kremer

Contact: kkremer@aegonam.com or linkedin

Kayla Kremer is a client portfolio manager for the global real assets platform at Aegon Asset Management. In this role, Kayla is responsible for collaborating with sales, product, marketing and investment teams to ensure client needs and investment solutions are met. She serves as a deeply knowledgeable proxy for portfolio managers, providing counsel to clients on topics specific to the investment platform. Previously Kayla held positions across the real estate and fixed income investment teams. She has been in the industry and started with Aegon in 2011. Kayla received her BBA in finance and economics from the University of Iowa. She is a CFA charterholder. Kayla maintains the Series 7 and 63 licenses and is a registered representative of Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

Finance, Economics, Real Estate, Sales

Barb Baker

Contact: Bkbaker921@gmail.com or linkedin

Since graduating from the U of I with a journalism and mass communications degree, my career path has led me on an interesting journey. I have been a television news reporter, transportation logistics manager, non-profit development leader, corporate trainer, foundation manager, community advocate, and currently serve as a corporate advertising and community relations director. I’m also an adjunct professor at Tippie COB.

My passion is to help organizations and individuals reach their full potential, whether it be through marketing, funding, personal/professional growth and development, or a combination of these.

Marketing, Management, Sales, fundraising, nonprofit

Stephanie Koehler

Contact: stephanie@facf.org 

I majored in Sociology with the plan of working in a social welfare setting. I did that for many years and got burned out. I turned to sales after that. I eventually started working my way up in the sales career tract, car sales, then logistics sales = Sales Executive and Supply Chain Management Consultant (CH Robinson). At the start of COVID my sales career tract came to an end and I was lucky enough to join the nonprofit world. I am now an Executive Director and manage every part of the nonprofit business from administrative, HR and accounting, to fundraising and marketing. Being in a nonprofit is all about sales! I also run a web design business in my spare time, which really doesn’t exist anymore. I have done this since 2009.

Marketing, Management, Accounting, Finance, HR, Entrepreneurial, Medical, Sales, Fundraising

Kama Small

Contact: easmall88@gmail.com 

I graduated from Iowa in 1992 with a BA in History. I have been in the insurance industry for 25 years. I started my career working in a State Farm agency. I worked as a field claims adjuster, working for State Farm and American Family Insurance. I have worked for Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company for 18 years in commercial underwriting. I have earned several insurance designations, including CPCU, CIC and CRM.

Insurance

Tara Minetos

Contact: tara.minetos@usbank.com or linkedin

I’m an attorney licensed in 4 states and currently work for U.S. Bank as a Private Wealth Planner (tax strategy, private foundations, complex estate planning). I have a B.S. in Psychology and a J.D. and spent about 7 years at a law firm in the Washington, D.C. area prior to joining the bank.

Finance, Law

Stefanie Munsterman-Scriven

Contact: S.Munsterman-Scriven@cedar-rapids.org or linkedin

Stefanie Munsterman-Scriven (she/her) is the Executive Director of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission, an agency that works to prevent and eliminate discrimination and disparities by providing education and outreach to the community and investigating complaints of discrimination. Stefanie leads the strategic direction, community engagement, vision, operations, and performance of the Commission. She is passionate about equity and civil and human rights and believes it is our individual and collective responsibility to work towards building a community of belonging.

Prior to returning to the Commission, Stefanie worked in the non-profit sector across the U.S. and globally. To drive innovation and create sustainable outcomes, she applied her expertise in community engagement and development, project and process management, strategic planning, resource acquisition, program design and delivery, and leadership. She served as Program Director with Habitat for Humanity, Program Director of Brand and Public Relations with ACT, Inc., Adjunct Professor with Mt. Mercy University, Founder and President of Strategic Solutions, and worked in Human Resources.

Stefanie is active in her community and currently serves on a wide number of boards and advisory councils, including the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Iowa Advisory Board; Innovation Council of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance; Inclusive ICR Advisory Council; Iowa Council of Homelessness; Catherine McAuley Center; President of the ACLU of Iowa; and Treasurer of the Iowa League of Human and Civil Rights Agencies. Stefanie also volunteers at the Cedar Valley Humane Society and as a sexual assault advocate for Riverview Center.

Management, Law, HR, Civil Rights, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, nonprofit

Jan Gorman

Contact: jan-gorman@uiowa.edu

Jan Gorman has a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and certifications in Project Management, Mediation, and Human Resources. Her professional education and experience is in Budget and Resource Allocation, Employee and Management Relations, Teaching/Consultative, Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Strategic Planning, Leadership and Program Development, Policy Development, and Program Assessment.   She has worked professionally for non profits and government departments, leading several to national leadership recognition;  she teaches for the University of Iowa, St. Ambrose University and NC State University;  and owns her consulting company coaching struggling leaders and companies to achieve desired outcomes.  

Law, HR, Management, Consulting

Cynthia Roehr

Contact: cmroehr@gmail.com

After an 8 year career in public accounting, I took a position as a Practice Administrator with a mid-sized anesthesia practice. In my 24 years managing their practice I gained a solid understanding of the business side of medicine, lobbying and managing a growing, successful business. I am now a national consultant and speaker in the healthcare space.

I take great joy in coaching women in their career aspirations and personal growth and am currently the President of the Iowa Women’s Leadership Network. I would love the opportunity to connect and assist – <3 – making the world better, one person at a time.

Management, Accounting, HR, Medical

Shannon McMahon 

Contact: shannon-mcmahon@iowa-city.org

I am the Communications Coordinator for the City of Iowa City. My work includes writing, website content management, social media, graphic design and staff management. I oversee a team of nine, and also oversee City Channel 4 Cable. My education includes Communications and Business Management.

Marketing, Management

Barb Baker

Contact: Bkbaker921@gmail.com or linkedin

Since graduating from the U of I with a journalism and mass communications degree, my career path has led me on an interesting journey. I have been a television news reporter, transportation logistics manager, non-profit development leader, corporate trainer, foundation manager, community advocate, and currently serve as a corporate advertising and community relations director. I’m also an adjunct professor at Tippie COB.

My passion is to help organizations and individuals reach their full potential, whether it be through marketing, funding, personal/professional growth and development, or a combination of these.

Marketing, Management, Sales, fundraising

Stephanie Koehler

Contact: stephanie@facf.org 

I majored in Sociology with the plan of working in a social welfare setting. I did that for many years and got burned out. I turned to sales after that. I eventually started working my way up in the sales career tract, car sales, then logistics sales = Sales Executive and Supply Chain Management Consultant (CH Robinson). At the start of COVID my sales career tract came to an end and I was lucky enough to join the nonprofit world. I am now an Executive Director and manage every part of the nonprofit business from administrative, HR and accounting, to fundraising and marketing. Being in a nonprofit is all about sales! I also run a web design business in my spare time, which really doesn’t exist anymore. I have done this since 2009.

Marketing, Management, Accounting, Finance, HR, Entrepreneurial, Medical, Sales, Fundraising

Gwen Johnson

Contact: 319-631-4936 gwen@gwenjohnson.com 

My background was social work until accidentally getting into real estate 25 years ago. I have a team of amazing people and we have been one of the top teams in the country for 10 years. I love my life and I love helping people build wealth. I also am a partner in a handy person business called Iowa Dwellings that does house repairs and building.

Marketing, Management, Real Estate, Entrepreneurial, Sales, Construction

Brenda Myers

Contact: brenda_myers@hillsbank.com 

Brenda majored in Mass Communications and Sociology. She has experience in content management, social media, advertising, and marketing strategy/implementation/evaluation. She currently works at Hills Bank, but has worked at Columbia College, Special Learning Center, and Memorial Community Hospital. She has worked in many industries including banking, higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit

Marketing, Management, Nonprofit, Banking

Stefanie Munsterman-Scriven

Contact: S.Munsterman-Scriven@cedar-rapids.org or linkedin

Stefanie Munsterman-Scriven (she/her) is the Executive Director of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission, an agency that works to prevent and eliminate discrimination and disparities by providing education and outreach to the community and investigating complaints of discrimination. Stefanie leads the strategic direction, community engagement, vision, operations, and performance of the Commission. She is passionate about equity and civil and human rights and believes it is our individual and collective responsibility to work towards building a community of belonging.

Prior to returning to the Commission, Stefanie worked in the non-profit sector across the U.S. and globally. To drive innovation and create sustainable outcomes, she applied her expertise in community engagement and development, project and process management, strategic planning, resource acquisition, program design and delivery, and leadership. She served as Program Director with Habitat for Humanity, Program Director of Brand and Public Relations with ACT, Inc., Adjunct Professor with Mt. Mercy University, Founder and President of Strategic Solutions, and worked in Human Resources.

Stefanie is active in her community and currently serves on a wide number of boards and advisory councils, including the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Iowa Advisory Board; Innovation Council of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance; Inclusive ICR Advisory Council; Iowa Council of Homelessness; Catherine McAuley Center; President of the ACLU of Iowa; and Treasurer of the Iowa League of Human and Civil Rights Agencies. Stefanie also volunteers at the Cedar Valley Humane Society and as a sexual assault advocate for Riverview Center.

Management, Law, HR, Civil Rights, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, nonprofit

Zoe Waters

Contact: zoe@necessarybehavior.com or linkedin

I founded my own company when I was 19, from my living room, during my second year of school. I figured out how to do all of the filing myself to create the business, and within three months, had scaled it internationally. We’ve been open for 3 years as of October 2021 and have accomplished so much.

Before all of that, I held my first internship out of high school within the realm of sexual violence prevention education, my first position within the field as a staff writer with the company Project Consent, my second internship the first summer after college working directly in sexual violence advocacy, and my first in-person position by my second year of college at RVAP, as the Campus Sexual Violence Prevention Educator, later moving into the role of Raise the Bar Coordinator. My last two years of school at Iowa were focused on working on my business.

We opened up internships to students globally after our first year and have open internships in over ten departments: Editorial, Marketing, Social Media, Podcast Production, Finance, and more.

I’ve had the chance to work with people such as Sophia Amoruso and Paris Hilton and companies such as Google and Snapchat. We are currently working on a super-secret project between Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+.

I majored in Social Justice here at Iowa but I have honors certificates in Coding from Harvard and Marketing from the University of Illinois. 

I really enjoy sharing my knowledge and resources with others and have mentored quite a few people in the past few years. If you’d like to know more about me or anything that I’m involved in, I’d love to hear from you!

Lydia Sax

Contact: lydia@thinkdenovo.com 

I am currently the Director of Operations at de Novo Marketing, based in Cedar Rapids, IA. Prior to being the Director of Operations, I served as the Operations Manager and de Novo’s very first Account Manager. I have been with de Novo since 2013. Prior to de Novo, I worked at another advertising agency – J.W.Morton & Associates – as a Media Specialist. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2009 with a B.A. in Marketing and minor in French Studies.

Outside of work, I participate on the Advisory Board for Corridor Women Connect, volunteer on the Marketing and Grants Committees for the Iowa Women’s Foundation, and volunteer as a coach for Girls on the Run in North Liberty. 

Marketing, HR, Operations

Joni Wallace

Contact: linkedin.com/in/joniwallace or twitter.com/JoniWallaceML

I am a proud Tippie Grad – Go Hawks! 

Joni Wallace is Director, Artificial Intelligence at Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies subsidiary. She is responsible for strategy and execution of machine learning and artificial intelligence technology services. Joni spent the last decade leading global data and analytics teams while spearheading innovative technology solutions for insight-driven customers. Prior to joining the aerospace and defense industry, Joni consulted for Accenture, based in Chicago, Illinois, focused on technology for supply chain optimization. She has a BBA in finance from the University of Iowa and an EMBA in analytics from Loras College. Contact Joni at linkedin.com/in/joniwallace or twitter.com/JoniWallaceML.

Management, BAIS, Finance

Dawn Ealy

Contact: dawnealy@peakcadencellc.com or linkedin.com/in/dawn-ealy/ 

I have a diverse background in leadership, project management, HR, technology, operations, and documentation within companies ranging from three employees to 30,000. After graduating college with a Computer Science major and Business Management minor, I worked for a large pharmaceutical company. Seven years later, I moved back to Iowa and have worked for a variety of organizations that span real estate, health care, education, technology and consulting. In 2021, I founded my consulting company, Peak Cadence LLC. I work with small, growing companies to optimize their organizations, processes and teams around the natural ways they work. I coach leaders, helping them structure their teams and workflows to maximize clarity and efficiency, while increasing engagement. 

I enjoy bringing my variety of experience to the mentoring program and love helping mentees make connections to new ideas, people and opportunities.

Management, BAIS, HR, Entrepreneurial, Consulting

Rita Guzman

Contact: guzmanr09@gmail.com or linkedin

As a strong believer that international experiences are critical in higher education, I studied abroad in London and participated in the Tippie Dublin Summer Internship Program. My internship experience as a radio host in Dublin led me towards the field of international education. I worked for the University of Iowa Study Abroad Office and Tippie College of Business as a program ambassador, diversity ambassador, mentor, and outreach assistant. After graduating in 2018 with a marketing major, international business certificate, and Portuguese minor, I taught English in Portugal through the Fulbright Program. After Fulbright, I moved to Chicago to continue working in higher education as a College Relations Manager for IES, a study abroad provider. I currently work in admissions for online graduate programs in my role as an Enrollment Advisor for AllCampus. 

Marketing, Management, International/study abroad

Barb Baker

Contact: barb.baker@grinnellmutual.com or linkedin

Majored in journalism and mass communications, which took me from television reporting to non-profit fundraising to corporate advertising and public relations at a national insurance company. 

Marketing, Management, Insurance

Abby White

Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-white-grohr 

Abby is an established entrepreneur, mentor, and small business investor with a passion for business owners and employees. Abby currently is the CEO of Gro HR, an outsourcing and consulting company focused on providing customized HR, payroll, and Recruitment solutions for small to medium sized businesses. Her background runs extensively within the HR sector with experience in the retail, healthcare, and consulting industries. Abby is also a coffee connoisseur, and owns Coffee Emporium in Coralville and Cedar Rapids, IA and is also Co-Founder in a new software called Intentio, which streamlines processed for outsourcers of all industries. 

Abby is a graduate of Liberty University, where she earned her MBA- Human Resources and her Undergraduate degree. She is currently writing her dissertation for her PhD as well through Liberty University. 

In her free time, she is extremely active in volunteering, loves fitness and CrossFit, and spending time and traveling with her husband and 3 dogs. 

Management, HR, Entrepreneurial

Jan Gorman

Contact: jan-gorman@uiowa.edu

Jan Gorman has a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and certifications in Project Management, Mediation, and Human Resources. Her professional education and experience is in Budget and Resource Allocation, Employee and Management Relations, Teaching/Consultative, Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Strategic Planning, Leadership and Program Development, Policy Development, and Program Assessment.   She has worked professionally for non profits and government departments, leading several to national leadership recognition;  she teaches for the University of Iowa, St. Ambrose University and NC State University;  and owns her consulting company coaching struggling leaders and companies to achieve desired outcomes.  

Law, HR, Management, Consulting

DaLayne Williamson

Contact: dwilliamson@procircular.com or www.linkedin.com/in/dalaynewilliamson 

 Currently leading culture, recruiting and HR initiatives for ProCircular, a 5 year old Cyber Security Firm with a commitment to trust and building great relationships internally and externally.

Formerly part of the HR team at MediRevv in Coralville, IA attracting and retaining dedicated staff to one of the fastest growing companies in the midwest.

In my past positions I was focused on developing and implementing workforce strategies and solutions to meet the needs of employers in the Cedar Rapids Iowa City area. Most recently working for Iowa’s Creative Corridor Development Corp, a joint venture between the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and Iowa City Area Development Group as the Director of Workforce Solutions.

I graduated from The University of Iowa with a BA degree in Psychology and a Business minor. 

HR, Entrepreneurial

Shannon McMahon 

Contact: shannon-mcmahon@iowa-city.org

I am the Communications Coordinator for the City of Iowa City. My work includes writing, website content management, social media, graphic design and staff management. I oversee a team of nine, and also oversee City Channel 4 Cable. My education includes Communications and Business Management.

Marketing, Management

Barb Baker

Contact: Bkbaker921@gmail.com or linkedin

Since graduating from the U of I with a journalism and mass communications degree, my career path has led me on an interesting journey. I have been a television news reporter, transportation logistics manager, non-profit development leader, corporate trainer, foundation manager, community advocate, and currently serve as a corporate advertising and community relations director. I’m also an adjunct professor at Tippie COB.

My passion is to help organizations and individuals reach their full potential, whether it be through marketing, funding, personal/professional growth and development, or a combination of these.

Marketing, Management, Sales, fundraising

Alicia Anderson

Contact: alicia@thinkdenovo.com 

I majored in Marketing with the Entrepreneurial Certificate and graduated in 2011. Since graduating, I’ve worked at a couple of smaller agencies and also freelanced as a digital marketer for about a year. I’m currently in Cedar Rapids working at de Novo Marketing, a smaller full service agency. I love working at a smaller agency (we have about 18 employees) because it allows me to be involved in many different aspects of the company and gives us all the ability to collaborate as a team.

Marketing, Entrepreneurial

Clarissa Short

Contact: cicishort@gmail.com or linkedin

I majored in Management and Marketing as well as earned a certificate in event management. I moved to Chicago after graduation and first worked in operation for Coyote Logistics for about a year before switching industries and I now work for a financial tech startup, Tegus, which is an expert network and content platform for investors and hedge fund managers doing qualitative research before making large investment decisions. I work as an analyst, so my job is to source high level executives from the companies or industries that my clients are researching and set up paid consulting calls for the client to be able to ask questions to further their understanding in their research! It’s not at all what I studied, but it’s super interesting and a fast growing start up with tons of room to grow and excel, so I love it! Happy to speak to anyone interested in Logistics or Financial tech companies as well as people who aren’t sure what jobs to be looking for with their majors after graduation. Also, I just went through the transition from college to the working world about a year and a half ago, so I can help with job hunting, negotiating, interviewing, work life balance and setting boundaries, the difference between working for a large corporation and a startup, etc!

Marketing, Finance, Operations

Stephanie Koehler

Contact: stephanie@facf.org 

I majored in Sociology with the plan of working in a social welfare setting. I did that for many years and got burned out. I turned to sales after that. I eventually started working my way up in the sales career tract, car sales, then logistics sales = Sales Executive and Supply Chain Management Consultant (CH Robinson). At the start of COVID my sales career tract came to an end and I was lucky enough to join the nonprofit world. I am now an Executive Director and manage every part of the nonprofit business from administrative, HR and accounting, to fundraising and marketing. Being in a nonprofit is all about sales! I also run a web design business in my spare time, which really doesn’t exist anymore. I have done this since 2009.

Marketing, Management, Accounting, Finance, HR, Entrepreneurial, Medical, Sales, Fundraising

Gwen Johnson

Contact: 319-631-4936 gwen@gwenjohnson.com 

My background was social work until accidentally getting into real estate 25 years ago. I have a team of amazing people and we have been one of the top teams in the country for 10 years. I love my life and I love helping people build wealth. I also am a partner in a handy person business called Iowa Dwellings that does house repairs and building.

Marketing, Management, Real Estate, Entrepreneurial, Sales, Construction

Brenda Myers

Contact: brenda_myers@hillsbank.com 

Brenda majored in Mass Communications and Sociology. She has experience in content management, social media, advertising, and marketing strategy/implementation/evaluation. She currently works at Hills Bank, but has worked at Columbia College, Special Learning Center, and Memorial Community Hospital. She has worked in many industries including banking, higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit

Marketing, Management, Nonprofit, Banking

Zoe Waters

Contact: zoe@necessarybehavior.com or linkedin

I founded my own company when I was 19, from my living room, during my second year of school. I figured out how to do all of the filing myself to create the business, and within three months, had scaled it internationally. We’ve been open for 3 years as of October 2021 and have accomplished so much.

Before all of that, I held my first internship out of high school within the realm of sexual violence prevention education, my first position within the field as a staff writer with the company Project Consent, my second internship the first summer after college working directly in sexual violence advocacy, and my first in-person position by my second year of college at RVAP, as the Campus Sexual Violence Prevention Educator, later moving into the role of Raise the Bar Coordinator. My last two years of school at Iowa were focused on working on my business.

We opened up internships to students globally after our first year and have open internships in over ten departments: Editorial, Marketing, Social Media, Podcast Production, Finance, and more.

I’ve had the chance to work with people such as Sophia Amoruso and Paris Hilton and companies such as Google and Snapchat. We are currently working on a super-secret project between Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+.

I majored in Social Justice here at Iowa but I have honors certificates in Coding from Harvard and Marketing from the University of Illinois. 

I really enjoy sharing my knowledge and resources with others and have mentored quite a few people in the past few years. If you’d like to know more about me or anything that I’m involved in, I’d love to hear from you!

Lydia Sax

Contact: lydia@thinkdenovo.com 

I am currently the Director of Operations at de Novo Marketing, based in Cedar Rapids, IA. Prior to being the Director of Operations, I served as the Operations Manager and de Novo’s very first Account Manager. I have been with de Novo since 2013. Prior to de Novo, I worked at another advertising agency – J.W.Morton & Associates – as a Media Specialist. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2009 with a B.A. in Marketing and minor in French Studies.

Outside of work, I participate on the Advisory Board for Corridor Women Connect, volunteer on the Marketing and Grants Committees for the Iowa Women’s Foundation, and volunteer as a coach for Girls on the Run in North Liberty. 

Marketing, HR, Operations

Rita Guzman

Contact: guzmanr09@gmail.com or linkedin

As a strong believer that international experiences are critical in higher education, I studied abroad in London and participated in the Tippie Dublin Summer Internship Program. My internship experience as a radio host in Dublin led me towards the field of international education. I worked for the University of Iowa Study Abroad Office and Tippie College of Business as a program ambassador, diversity ambassador, mentor, and outreach assistant. After graduating in 2018 with a marketing major, international business certificate, and Portuguese minor, I taught English in Portugal through the Fulbright Program. After Fulbright, I moved to Chicago to continue working in higher education as a College Relations Manager for IES, a study abroad provider. I currently work in admissions for online graduate programs in my role as an Enrollment Advisor for AllCampus. 

Marketing, Management, International/study abroad

Barb Baker

Contact: barb.baker@grinnellmutual.com or linkedin

Majored in journalism and mass communications, which took me from television reporting to non-profit fundraising to corporate advertising and public relations at a national insurance company. 

Marketing, Management, Insurance

Cynthia Roehr

Contact: cmroehr@gmail.com

After an 8 year career in public accounting, I took a position as a Practice Administrator with a mid-sized anesthesia practice. In my 24 years managing their practice I gained a solid understanding of the business side of medicine, lobbying and managing a growing, successful business. I am now a national consultant and speaker in the healthcare space.

I take great joy in coaching women in their career aspirations and personal growth and am currently the President of the Iowa Women’s Leadership Network. I would love the opportunity to connect and assist – <3 – making the world better, one person at a time.

Management, Accounting, HR, Medical

Stephanie Koehler

Contact: stephanie@facf.org 

I majored in Sociology with the plan of working in a social welfare setting. I did that for many years and got burned out. I turned to sales after that. I eventually started working my way up in the sales career tract, car sales, then logistics sales = Sales Executive and Supply Chain Management Consultant (CH Robinson). At the start of COVID my sales career tract came to an end and I was lucky enough to join the nonprofit world. I am now an Executive Director and manage every part of the nonprofit business from administrative, HR and accounting, to fundraising and marketing. Being in a nonprofit is all about sales! I also run a web design business in my spare time, which really doesn’t exist anymore. I have done this since 2009.

Marketing, Management, Accounting, Finance, HR, Entrepreneurial, Medical, Sales, Fundraising

Gwen Johnson

Contact: 319-631-4936 gwen@gwenjohnson.com 

My background was social work until accidentally getting into real estate 25 years ago. I have a team of amazing people and we have been one of the top teams in the country for 10 years. I love my life and I love helping people build wealth. I also am a partner in a handy person business called Iowa Dwellings that does house repairs and building.

Marketing, Management, Real Estate, Entrepreneurial, Sales, Construction

Kayla Kremer

Contact: kkremer@aegonam.com or linkedin

Kayla Kremer is a client portfolio manager for the global real assets platform at Aegon Asset Management. In this role, Kayla is responsible for collaborating with sales, product, marketing and investment teams to ensure client needs and investment solutions are met. She serves as a deeply knowledgeable proxy for portfolio managers, providing counsel to clients on topics specific to the investment platform. Previously Kayla held positions across the real estate and fixed income investment teams. She has been in the industry and started with Aegon in 2011. Kayla received her BBA in finance and economics from the University of Iowa. She is a CFA charterholder. Kayla maintains the Series 7 and 63 licenses and is a registered representative of Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

Finance, Economics, Real Estate, Sales

Stephanie Koehler

Contact: stephanie@facf.org 

I majored in Sociology with the plan of working in a social welfare setting. I did that for many years and got burned out. I turned to sales after that. I eventually started working my way up in the sales career tract, car sales, then logistics sales = Sales Executive and Supply Chain Management Consultant (CH Robinson). At the start of COVID my sales career tract came to an end and I was lucky enough to join the nonprofit world. I am now an Executive Director and manage every part of the nonprofit business from administrative, HR and accounting, to fundraising and marketing. Being in a nonprofit is all about sales! I also run a web design business in my spare time, which really doesn’t exist anymore. I have done this since 2009.

Marketing, Management, Accounting, Finance, HR, Entrepreneurial, Medical, Sales, Fundraising, nonprofit

Barb Baker

Contact: Bkbaker921@gmail.com or linkedin

Since graduating from the U of I with a journalism and mass communications degree, my career path has led me on an interesting journey. I have been a television news reporter, transportation logistics manager, non-profit development leader, corporate trainer, foundation manager, community advocate, and currently serve as a corporate advertising and community relations director. I’m also an adjunct professor at Tippie COB.

My passion is to help organizations and individuals reach their full potential, whether it be through marketing, funding, personal/professional growth and development, or a combination of these.

Marketing, Management, Sales, fundraising, nonprofit

Brenda Myers

Contact: brenda_myers@hillsbank.com 

Brenda majored in Mass Communications and Sociology. She has experience in content management, social media, advertising, and marketing strategy/implementation/evaluation. She currently works at Hills Bank, but has worked at Columbia College, Special Learning Center, and Memorial Community Hospital. She has worked in many industries including banking, higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit

Marketing, Management, Nonprofit, Banking

Stefanie Munsterman-Scriven

Contact: S.Munsterman-Scriven@cedar-rapids.org or linkedin

Stefanie Munsterman-Scriven (she/her) is the Executive Director of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission, an agency that works to prevent and eliminate discrimination and disparities by providing education and outreach to the community and investigating complaints of discrimination. Stefanie leads the strategic direction, community engagement, vision, operations, and performance of the Commission. She is passionate about equity and civil and human rights and believes it is our individual and collective responsibility to work towards building a community of belonging.

Prior to returning to the Commission, Stefanie worked in the non-profit sector across the U.S. and globally. To drive innovation and create sustainable outcomes, she applied her expertise in community engagement and development, project and process management, strategic planning, resource acquisition, program design and delivery, and leadership. She served as Program Director with Habitat for Humanity, Program Director of Brand and Public Relations with ACT, Inc., Adjunct Professor with Mt. Mercy University, Founder and President of Strategic Solutions, and worked in Human Resources.

Stefanie is active in her community and currently serves on a wide number of boards and advisory councils, including the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Iowa Advisory Board; Innovation Council of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance; Inclusive ICR Advisory Council; Iowa Council of Homelessness; Catherine McAuley Center; President of the ACLU of Iowa; and Treasurer of the Iowa League of Human and Civil Rights Agencies. Stefanie also volunteers at the Cedar Valley Humane Society and as a sexual assault advocate for Riverview Center.

Management, Law, HR, Civil Rights, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, nonprofit

Clarissa Short

Contact: cicishort@gmail.com or linkedin

I majored in Management and Marketing as well as earned a certificate in event management. I moved to Chicago after graduation and first worked in operation for Coyote Logistics for about a year before switching industries and I now work for a financial tech startup, Tegus, which is an expert network and content platform for investors and hedge fund managers doing qualitative research before making large investment decisions. I work as an analyst, so my job is to source high level executives from the companies or industries that my clients are researching and set up paid consulting calls for the client to be able to ask questions to further their understanding in their research! It’s not at all what I studied, but it’s super interesting and a fast growing start up with tons of room to grow and excel, so I love it! Happy to speak to anyone interested in Logistics or Financial tech companies as well as people who aren’t sure what jobs to be looking for with their majors after graduation. Also, I just went through the transition from college to the working world about a year and a half ago, so I can help with job hunting, negotiating, interviewing, work life balance and setting boundaries, the difference between working for a large corporation and a startup, etc!

Marketing, Finance, Operations

Lydia Sax

Contact: lydia@thinkdenovo.com 

I am currently the Director of Operations at de Novo Marketing, based in Cedar Rapids, IA. Prior to being the Director of Operations, I served as the Operations Manager and de Novo’s very first Account Manager. I have been with de Novo since 2013. Prior to de Novo, I worked at another advertising agency – J.W.Morton & Associates – as a Media Specialist. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2009 with a B.A. in Marketing and minor in French Studies.

Outside of work, I participate on the Advisory Board for Corridor Women Connect, volunteer on the Marketing and Grants Committees for the Iowa Women’s Foundation, and volunteer as a coach for Girls on the Run in North Liberty. 

Marketing, HR, Operations

Barb Baker

Contact: Bkbaker921@gmail.com or linkedin

Since graduating from the U of I with a journalism and mass communications degree, my career path has led me on an interesting journey. I have been a television news reporter, transportation logistics manager, non-profit development leader, corporate trainer, foundation manager, community advocate, and currently serve as a corporate advertising and community relations director. I’m also an adjunct professor at Tippie COB.

My passion is to help organizations and individuals reach their full potential, whether it be through marketing, funding, personal/professional growth and development, or a combination of these.

Marketing, Management, Sales, fundraising

Stephanie Koehler

Contact: stephanie@facf.org 

I majored in Sociology with the plan of working in a social welfare setting. I did that for many years and got burned out. I turned to sales after that. I eventually started working my way up in the sales career tract, car sales, then logistics sales = Sales Executive and Supply Chain Management Consultant (CH Robinson). At the start of COVID my sales career tract came to an end and I was lucky enough to join the nonprofit world. I am now an Executive Director and manage every part of the nonprofit business from administrative, HR and accounting, to fundraising and marketing. Being in a nonprofit is all about sales! I also run a web design business in my spare time, which really doesn’t exist anymore. I have done this since 2009.

Marketing, Management, Accounting, Finance, HR, Entrepreneurial, Medical, Sales, Fundraising

Gwen Johnson

Contact: 319-631-4936 gwen@gwenjohnson.com 

My background was social work until accidentally getting into real estate 25 years ago. I have a team of amazing people and we have been one of the top teams in the country for 10 years. I love my life and I love helping people build wealth. I also am a partner in a handy person business called Iowa Dwellings that does house repairs and building.

Marketing, Management, Real Estate, Entrepreneurial, Sales, Construction

Zoe Waters

Contact: zoe@necessarybehavior.com or linkedin

I founded my own company when I was 19, from my living room, during my second year of school. I figured out how to do all of the filing myself to create the business, and within three months, had scaled it internationally. We’ve been open for 3 years as of October 2021 and have accomplished so much.

Before all of that, I held my first internship out of high school within the realm of sexual violence prevention education, my first position within the field as a staff writer with the company Project Consent, my second internship the first summer after college working directly in sexual violence advocacy, and my first in-person position by my second year of college at RVAP, as the Campus Sexual Violence Prevention Educator, later moving into the role of Raise the Bar Coordinator. My last two years of school at Iowa were focused on working on my business.

We opened up internships to students globally after our first year and have open internships in over ten departments: Editorial, Marketing, Social Media, Podcast Production, Finance, and more.

I’ve had the chance to work with people such as Sophia Amoruso and Paris Hilton and companies such as Google and Snapchat. We are currently working on a super-secret project between Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+.

I majored in Social Justice here at Iowa but I have honors certificates in Coding from Harvard and Marketing from the University of Illinois. 

I really enjoy sharing my knowledge and resources with others and have mentored quite a few people in the past few years. If you’d like to know more about me or anything that I’m involved in, I’d love to hear from you!

Kayla Kremer

Contact: kkremer@aegonam.com or linkedin

Kayla Kremer is a client portfolio manager for the global real assets platform at Aegon Asset Management. In this role, Kayla is responsible for collaborating with sales, product, marketing and investment teams to ensure client needs and investment solutions are met. She serves as a deeply knowledgeable proxy for portfolio managers, providing counsel to clients on topics specific to the investment platform. Previously Kayla held positions across the real estate and fixed income investment teams. She has been in the industry and started with Aegon in 2011. Kayla received her BBA in finance and economics from the University of Iowa. She is a CFA charterholder. Kayla maintains the Series 7 and 63 licenses and is a registered representative of Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

Finance, Economics, Real Estate, Sales

Rita Guzman

Contact: guzmanr09@gmail.com or linkedin

As a strong believer that international experiences are critical in higher education, I studied abroad in London and participated in the Tippie Dublin Summer Internship Program. My internship experience as a radio host in Dublin led me towards the field of international education. I worked for the University of Iowa Study Abroad Office and Tippie College of Business as a program ambassador, diversity ambassador, mentor, and outreach assistant. After graduating in 2018 with a marketing major, international business certificate, and Portuguese minor, I taught English in Portugal through the Fulbright Program. After Fulbright, I moved to Chicago to continue working in higher education as a College Relations Manager for IES, a study abroad provider. I currently work in admissions for online graduate programs in my role as an Enrollment Advisor for AllCampus. 

Marketing, Management, International/study abroad

Jan Gorman

Contact: jan-gorman@uiowa.edu

Jan Gorman has a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and certifications in Project Management, Mediation, and Human Resources. Her professional education and experience is in Budget and Resource Allocation, Employee and Management Relations, Teaching/Consultative, Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Strategic Planning, Leadership and Program Development, Policy Development, and Program Assessment.   She has worked professionally for non profits and government departments, leading several to national leadership recognition;  she teaches for the University of Iowa, St. Ambrose University and NC State University;  and owns her consulting company coaching struggling leaders and companies to achieve desired outcomes.  

Law, HR, Management, Consulting

Dawn Ealy

Contact: dawnealy@peakcadencellc.com or linkedin.com/in/dawn-ealy/ 

I have a diverse background in leadership, project management, HR, technology, operations, and documentation within companies ranging from three employees to 30,000. After graduating college with a Computer Science major and Business Management minor, I worked for a large pharmaceutical company. Seven years later, I moved back to Iowa and have worked for a variety of organizations that span real estate, health care, education, technology and consulting. In 2021, I founded my consulting company, Peak Cadence LLC. I work with small, growing companies to optimize their organizations, processes and teams around the natural ways they work. I coach leaders, helping them structure their teams and workflows to maximize clarity and efficiency, while increasing engagement. 

I enjoy bringing my variety of experience to the mentoring program and love helping mentees make connections to new ideas, people and opportunities.

Management, BAIS, HR, Entrepreneurial, Consulting

Kayla Kremer

Contact: kkremer@aegonam.com or linkedin

Kayla Kremer is a client portfolio manager for the global real assets platform at Aegon Asset Management. In this role, Kayla is responsible for collaborating with sales, product, marketing and investment teams to ensure client needs and investment solutions are met. She serves as a deeply knowledgeable proxy for portfolio managers, providing counsel to clients on topics specific to the investment platform. Previously Kayla held positions across the real estate and fixed income investment teams. She has been in the industry and started with Aegon in 2011. Kayla received her BBA in finance and economics from the University of Iowa. She is a CFA charterholder. Kayla maintains the Series 7 and 63 licenses and is a registered representative of Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

Finance, Economics, Real Estate, Sales

Mentor Database was last modified: August 6th, 2023 by Christina Kaufman