Click here for the Word version of the press release (includes pictures).
NEWS RELEASE:
August 3, 2017
CONTACT PERSON:
Kristen Corey
515-281-4470
kristen.corey@iowa.gov
Sonya Streit
515-242-5640
sonya.streit@iowa.gov
2017 Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame honorees to be inducted Saturday, August 26th at the Staplin Performing Arts Center in West Des Moines
Public Invited to Induction Ceremony
DES MOINES - Four remarkable women will be inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, August 26, at the Staplin Performing Arts Center located at Valley High School, 3650 Woodland Avenue in West Des Moines, Iowa. (Please note: this is a change in location from an earlier press release). The event is free and open to the public.
The Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame is held in conjunction with Women's Equality Day, August 26, which commemorates the day in 1920 when American women first obtained the right to vote.
Highlights include Hall of Fame awards to:
- Jane Boyd (deceased), Cedar Rapids
- U.S. Senator Joni K. Ernst, Red Oak
- Councilwoman Christine Hensley, Des Moines
- Governor Kimberly K. Reynolds, Osceola
Cristine Wilson Medal for Equality and Justice to: Alicia Parrott Claypool, West Des Moines
To celebrate the honorees and their families and friends, the Friends of the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women will host a reception immediately following the ceremony in the atrium of the Staplin Performing Arts Center. The reception is free and open to the public. Attendees do not need to register.
The Iowa Women's Hall of Fame is sponsored by the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women (ICSW). Awards will be presented to the recipients by Sherill Whisenand, chair of the 2017 Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame Selection Committee, Rachelle Hunt Russian and Elizabeth Coonan, Commissioners on the ICSW.
As of 2017, 172 women will have been inducted into the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame.
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Note to editors: Media are welcome and encouraged to attend the ceremony. Please see attached for 2017 biographies and photos.
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Biographies and Photos
Jane Boyd (deceased) – formerly of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
DOB: November 2, 1869
DOD: December 16, 1932
“Over the course of her work, Jane Boyd expanded the role of women as instigators of social change, out of the home and into the community. She empowered women of diverse cultures and socio-economic status to step up and out of the home to engender social, political and financial change.”
--Written by nominator Dorothy S. Gordon from Cedar Rapids, Iowa in her nomination of Jane Boyd
Jane Boyd (1869-1932) was born and raised in Tipton, Iowa. She became certified as a teacher, taught grade school in Iowa and Minnesota. In 1894, she moved to Cedar Rapids, where she worked as an educator and social worker for nearly 40 years until her death in 1932. In the late 1800s, Cedar Rapids was a manufacturing center, with a financial and social chasm between the factory owners and the immigrant families who worked there. Jane was inspired to serve those with the highest need, effecting social changes and community based services that would endure to the present day.
Jane started by supporting the installation of ventilation doors to Tyler School in Cedar Rapids, which was attended by the children of immigrant families. The school had no sewer or ventilation and was an unhealthy, unsanitary environment. The plight of the many immigrant children, brought Jane Boyd into the sphere of social work, as she reached out to hundreds of children and families to help provide necessities such as food and medical attention. There was also a need for cultural and social community support and education, as up to 22 different immigrant cultures were represented in the Oak Hill area of Cedar Rapids and the Tyler School at this time, including freed slaves coming north after the civil war.
In 1918, Jane moved from teaching to devoting her time to social work. Her efforts gathered many diverse families together in a community ministry. Part of the First Christian Church, she was also on the Board of the Missionary Society, the general board, taught Sunday school, and became a deaconess.
From 1918 to 1929, Jane worked as a social worker at Tyler School. She provided hands-on care to the sick children and drew community support for needed medical care and services. She paved the way for the Perkins Law and basic health care through the University of Iowa. In 1921, she founded the Community House in Oak Hill (now Wellington Heights). In 1924, a board was assembled to run the House and this community organization, now the Jane Boyd Organization, has carried on serving thousands of diverse families: women, children, and individuals to improve their quality of life and that of their families, through community services and education.
Additional quote:
“Through her community house and particularly by her own devotion to a life of service to others, Jane Boyd has left a legacy of social awareness and change, particularly in the treatment of women and children.”
--Written by Dorothy S. Gordon in her nomination of Jane Boyd
U.S. Senator Joni K. Ernst – Red Oak, Iowa
DOB: 7/1/1970
“In an era when women in the military are being given the same advantages and opportunities, including combat positions, Senator Ernst led the way…in each of her elected positions, Senator Ernst has been a leader. She has not been afraid to enter an unfriendly room of citizens. She has always conducted her discussions with respect for her opponents, her critics and her constituents.”
--Written by nominator Mary Whisenand from Des Moines, Iowa in her nomination of U.S. Senator Ernst
U.S. Senator Joni Kay Ernst is not only a military veteran, she is the first female combat veteran to serve in the U.S. Senate. Born in Red Oak, Iowa, she graduated as valedictorian at Stanton High School and went on to earn her undergraduate degree at Iowa State University. While earning her degree, she joined the R.O.T.C. and upon graduation embarked in a 23-year career with the U.S. Army Reserves and the Iowa National Guard where she retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel. During her tenure with the Iowa National Guard, she led convoy missions from Kuwait into Iraq as the company commander of the 1168th Transportation Company.
In civilian life, Senator Ernst served as the Montgomery County Auditor, elected in 2004. In 2011, Senator Ernst ran and was elected in a special election to the seat vacated by Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds. She went on to win re-election to the seat in 2012 and then, in 2013, she announced her intent to run for the seat being vacated by Senator Tom Harkin, later winning that seat.
After being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Ernst resigned from the Iowa National Guard to focus on her new duty assignments. She currently sits on the U.S. Senate committees for Armed Services, Environment and Public Works, Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and Small Business and Entrepreneurship. As a freshman Senator, with only days in office, she was chosen to deliver the Republican response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address and was a featured speaker at the 2016 Republican National Convention.
In her private life, she is married to Gail Ernst, a retired U.S. Army Ranger. They have one daughter, Libby. She continues to be an active community member in her local church, the Montgomery County Republican Party, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2265. She is also a member of the Montgomery County Farm Bureau.
Additional quote:
“Senator Ernst should not be considered for this recognition simply on the fact that she is the first female elected to federal office from the state of Iowa. She should be considered and awarded the honor because of her ‘lead by example’ life in Iowa.”
--Written by nominator Sherill Whisenand in her nomination of U.S. Senator Ernst
Councilwoman Christine Hensley – Des Moines, Iowa
DOB: 8/12/1949
“Her professional life was successful long before it was common to see women in leadership roles in the business community and therefore she was a role model to many young women just entering the business world. She set a beautiful example of integrity, hard work and success.”
--Written by Connie Wimer of Des Moines in a letter of support
Christine Hensley was elected to the Des Moines City Council in January 1994 and serves Ward III (downtown, west and southwest areas) of Des Moines. She is serving her sixth-term, and will have served 24 years at the end of this term. She is the longest-serving member and has participated in the most significant renovation of the downtown area in the history of the city. She has played a role in the development of $2.5 billion in projects.
Councilwoman Hensley has been active on numerous boards, serving as president of the Iowa Student Loan board, the Neighborhood Finance Corporation, Bravo Greater Des Moines, the Des Moines Symphony, the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART), the Iowa League of Cities (inducted into the Iowa League of Cities Hall of Fame), the YWCA and Rebuilding Together. She has also served on the boards of the Polk County Housing Trust Fund, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation, Midwest Housing Equity Group, Junior Achievement, the Des Moines Art Center, the Iowa Bankers Association, Lutheran Hospital, the Des Moines Social Club, the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Des Moines Civic Center.
In her professional career, Councilwoman Hensley retired in 2012 from Bank of the West as the Regional Community and Government Affairs Officer covering Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Previously, she was the Executive Director of the YWCA of Greater Des Moines, Regional Recruitment/Personnel Director at Deloitte and Touche and worked at the Des Moines company Coopers and Lybrand.
Councilwoman Hensley was born and raised in Des Moines and attended St. Joseph’s Academy and Drake University.
Additional quote:
“Christine Hensley has made a lasting impact on the Des Moines community in her more than 23 years as a Des Moines City Council member. She has aggressively helped the city grow while setting an example that other women seeking or serving in elected office can follow.”
--Written by nominator Linda Westergaard in her nomination of Christine Hensley
Governor Kimberly K. Reynolds – Osceola, Iowa
DOB: 8/4/1959
“She has proven over and over again that she has the tenacity, the perseverance, the heart and the dedication to the State of Iowa and to her family to show women and girls that anything is possible with hard work.”
--Written by Gloria Mazza of Clive, Iowa in her nomination of Governor Kim Reynolds
Governor Kimberly (Kim) K. Reynolds is a fifth generation Iowan, born and raised in St. Charles. It’s a small town, but it had a big impact on her life. Growing up in St. Charles, she learned the importance of community, love of country, discipline, fiscal responsibility and penny pinching. All of these attributes have played a positive role throughout her 23 years of leadership in public service.
During high school, Kim met her future husband (Kevin Reynolds). Kim and Kevin later married on April 3, 1982. In the years ahead, the couple welcomed three daughters (Jennifer, Nicole and Jessica), their spouses and nine grandchildren to the family.
Her parents (Charles and Audrey Strawn) also taught Kim that with hard work, high expectations and a passion for what you do, anything is possible. That drive to make a difference is what drives her today.
Kim didn’t set out to become a politician or elected official. But, when the Clarke County Treasurer decided to retire in 1994, she saw an opportunity to take her ideas and turn them into action. Kim was elected County Treasurer and served 14 years. Then, she was elected as a State Senator and later Lieutenant Governor. While serving as Lt. Governor, Kim went back to school. At age 57, she finally earned her college degree from Iowa State University. It had been a life-long, personal goal.
As Iowa’s lieutenant governor, she led international trade missions to China, Germany, Brazil, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand. Kim helped attract more than $14 billion in private investment to the state. She also led many important state initiatives including: Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress; Future Ready Iowa Alliance; Governor’s STEM Advisory Council; and the Iowa Energy Plan.
On May 24, 2017, Kim became the Iowa’s 43rd governor and the first woman to hold this position. As Governor, Kim is focused on building a better Iowa through four key priorities: creating a competitive business environment; developing the most innovative energy policy in the country; educating our children for the knowledge economy; and training Iowans for the jobs of tomorrow.
Kim is a member of the National Governors Association's Executive Committee. She also serves as Honorary Chair of the EPIC Corporate Challenge and national Honorary Chair of Million Women Mentors. Kim remains a passionate advocate for women in leadership and Iowans of all ages.
Additional quote:
“One would have to look far and wide to argue with her credentials for her commitment to all women, any age with an emphasis on justice, opportunity, and education of all Iowans.”
--Written by nominator Gloria Mazza in her nomination of Governor Kim Reynolds
Alicia Parrott Claypool – West Des Moines, Iowa
DOB: 11/1/1946
“Alicia is a passionate, strategic, tenacious and compassionate leader who understands and is committed to equality and justice for every person. Alicia is a visionary, always with the goal of creating a better world. When Alicia sets her mind to addressing and solving an injustice in the world, the “world” would always do well to acquiesce and ask how it can be of help, too.”
--Written by Connie Ryan, Executive Director, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, in a letter of support
Originally from Jacksonville, Illinois, Alicia Parrott Claypool graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in psychology and elementary education from Illinois College in 1968. She began her career as an elementary school teacher and then went on to receive her master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Iowa in 1984. She served as manager of administrative services for Polk County Social Services, health planner with the Iowa Department of Substance Abuse, and housing planner for the cities of Des Moines, Iowa City and the Johnson County Regional Planning Commission.
Alicia was the founder and executive director of The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, and co-founder of Iowa Safe Schools. She was also the president and owner of Claypool and Associates, a consulting firm which provided strategic planning, board development and fundraising for nonprofit organizations and public agencies.
She served as the Iowa Civil Rights Commission Chair (2005-2011) and Vice-Chair (2001-2005), where she led the drive to win passage in 2007 of significant advancements in Iowa civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the workplace, housing, education and public accommodations, and prohibit bullying of all students in our schools. She is a member of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ where she has served in various capacities from the board of deacons to the Cuba partnership team. She serves or has served in leadership roles with Planned Parenthood Voters of Iowa, Iowa Immigration Education Coalition, Latina Leadership Initiative of Greater Des Moines, Iowa Justice for Our Neighbors, United Way, Community Focus, City of Des Moines Housing Advisory Board, League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Des Moines, Education Campaign Coordinator for the Iowa Equal Rights Amendment Campaign, among other coalitions, and board member at One Iowa and the Des Moines Child and Adolescent Guidance Center.
Alicia was awarded the Matthew Shepard Scholarship Lifetime Achievement Award 2013, Iowa Safe Schools Lifetime Achievement Award 2010, Women of Achievement Award in 2009, Woman of Influence Award 2007, Illinois College Distinguished Service Award 2007, Interfaith Alliance Faith & Freedom Award 2006, Governor’s Volunteer Award 2006, the 2003 Friends of Iowa Civil Rights Award in Education, and the 1998 Friends of Education Award from the Des Moines Public Schools.
She and her husband David Claypool live in West Des Moines. They have three children and seven grandchildren.
Additional quote:
“Alicia has devoted her professional and personal lives to making the world a better place through making it more just and fair – both locally and globally. Everything she does, and the list is considerable, must meet that criteria.”
--Written by Peggy Huppert, Executive Director, NAMI Iowa, in a letter of support