2026 PANELISTS
Liz Lidgett is an art advisor, author and gallery owner. As founder of Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design, she works with people to find the perfect piece of art for their style, space, and budget. Representing over 75 artists from around the world, she has a passion for making the art world accessible. Her book, Art for Everyone, was recently published by Simon Element (Simon and Schuester). Liz has also been a contributor for many national publications, working with brands like Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart, and Apartment Therapy. She lives in Des Moines, IA, with her husband, Nick Renkoski, their children, Rocky and Effie, and their ever-expanding art collection.
@lizlidgett - @lizlidgettgallery - Liz Lidgett Gallery & Design Website
LIZ LIDGETT
Chrissy Brabandt is the Store Leader at SCHEELS in Jordan Creek Mall, an employee-owned company. She has been with SCHEELS for more than 25 years, including the past five years in West Des Moines. Throughout her career, Chrissy and her family have relocated across the Midwest, living in Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks, North Dakota, as well as Great Falls, Montana, as she pursued leadership opportunities with the company.
Chrissy is passionate about developing female leaders throughout SCHEELS and is one of just four female Store Leaders across the company's 36 locations. She has also been recognized for her commitment to community involvement, serving on numerous nonprofit boards and organizations in the communities she has called home.
Ask Chrissy what she loves most about her role, and her answer comes without hesitation: the people.
"When I can go to work every day and know that I am a part of a team of people who share the same goals and have such pride in their work, it makes it so much more enjoyable. Seeing people succeed is magical and so rewarding."
Her favorite part of the day is getting out of the office to connect with customers and coworkers, and she'd love for you to say hello if you see her while shopping at SCHEELS.
Raised in a small farming town in central North Dakota, Chrissy credits her humble beginnings for shaping her leadership style and work ethic. She moved to Bismarck after high school, discovered SCHEELS a few years later, and has built an incredible career with the company ever since. She is married to her husband, Len, whom she met on her very first day at SCHEELS, and together they have a son who is a senior at Waukee High School.
In the spring of 2027, Chrissy will begin an exciting new chapter as she moves to Oklahoma City to accomplish a career bucket-list goal: opening a brand-new SCHEELS store from the ground up in a new market. It's a testament to her belief in embracing new opportunities, even when they're a little scary.
@desmoinesscheels - @chrissybrabandt - SCHEELS Website
CHRISSY BRABANDT
Jaclyn Taylor is the owner of Taylor REP, where she serves as an Owner's Representative, helping organizations and communities successfully navigate design and construction projects from concept to completion. As a trusted advocate for her clients, Jaclyn assembles high-performing project teams, manages the design and construction process, and ensures every project stays aligned with the owner's vision, budget, schedule, and long-term goals.
A graduate of the University of Iowa, Jaclyn began her career with The Enterprise Companies in Chicago in 2001, spending ten years managing high-rise development, redevelopment, and construction projects as an Owner's Representative. She returned to Central Iowa in 2014, where she held strategic leadership roles throughout the architecture, engineering, and construction industry before launching Taylor REP in 2020.
By combining expertise in owner representation, project management, strategic planning, and change management, Jaclyn helps clients confidently navigate complex projects through clear communication, thoughtful leadership, and practical solutions. Her passion lies in creating meaningful spaces where people can do their best work, connect with others, and thrive.
Jaclyn's commitment to building stronger communities extends well beyond her professional work. She serves as Vice Chair of the On With Life Board of Directors, Chair of the On With Life Community Advisory Council, is a Past President of the Des Moines Downtown Chamber, and is a member of the National Consortium of Independent Owner's Representatives.
Outside of work, Jaclyn enjoys sharing her passion for building and community with her 11-year-old son, who occasionally joins her as part of the "Taylor REP team" and continues to be a constant source of inspiration and purpose.
@jaclyntaylor1977 - Taylor REP Website
JACLYN TAYLOR
Vanessa Andersen is a licensed mental health therapist and the owner of Pink Couch Wellness, a group private practice. Since founding Pink Couch Wellness in 2022, she has grown the practice from one office to three clinics serving Grimes, Ankeny, Waukee, and the surrounding communities.
Vanessa leads a talented team of clinicians and staff who provide comprehensive mental health care through medication management, therapy, and psychological testing. Pink Couch Wellness is well known for its mission of connection, healing, and empowerment, and lives out those values in the communities it serves through advocacy, community engagement, and charitable giving of both time and resources.
Vanessa lives in Grimes with her husband, Chris Andersen, their three sons—Etrick, Evan, and Ethan—and their Goldendoodle, Sassy. Together, they enjoy attending and watching sporting events (Go ISU!), camping, bike riding, and working on puzzles. In quieter moments, you'll find Vanessa decorating, reading, or listening to true crime podcasts.
@pinkcouchwellness - Pink Couch Wellness Website
VANESSA ANDERSEN
Dr. Lauren Patrick is the founder and owner of Blanc Dental Aesthetics in West Des Moines, where she's building a practice from the ground up around a calmer, more elevated, patient-first experience. A licensed Iowa dentist specializing in cosmetic, sleep, and wellness dentistry, she pairs clinical excellence with an environment where patients and staff alike feel valued. A wife and mom to two daughters, she's a passionate advocate for women stepping into ownership and leadership.
@drlaurenpatrick - @blancdentalaesthetic - Blanc Dental Aesthetics Website
DR. LAUREN PATRICK
THIS IS ALYX’S FOURTH YEAR AS OUR AMAZING MODERATOR! WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE HER.
Alyx is a four-time regional Emmy award winning journalist. She co-anchors KCCI 8 News This Morning, the most watched morning newscast in the market. For the last decade+, Alyx has covered big Iowa stories from the caucuses to Caitlin Clark and the Final Four in Cleveland. She believes in people and the value of their voice and that's what led her to journalism. Alyx is a mom of two running on love for her family, dry shampoo, and caffeine.
SIDE NOTE BY ABI: Alyx is humble…her bio could be much longer. :)
@alyxsacks - @kcci8 - KCCI Website
ALYX SACKS
Our 2025 panelists.
Erika Macia’s journey is rooted in resilience and empowerment. At 17, she migrated from Mexico to California, inspired by her father's entrepreneurial spirit in a small town of Michoacán. His dedication became the foundation for her drive to succeed. In 2008, Erika met her husband, Tar Macias, CEO of Hola America Media Group. Together, they launched Hola Iowa in 2014, expanding their mission to uplift the Latino community. In 2018, they settled in West Des Moines, Iowa, where they still live with their beloved puppy, Canelo. In 2024, Erika was named Latina Publisher of the Year by the National Association of Hispanic Publications. That same year, she launched two major initiatives:
● JEFAS Latinas in Business, a magazine that’s more than a publication—it's a movement. Designed to support, connect, and empower Latina entrepreneurs, it offers resources, mentorship, and a strong community.
● The Latina Business Excellence Summit in Des Moines, which brought together 250 Latina entrepreneurs for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration.
To Erika, JEFAS is about more than business—it's about legacy, collaboration, and lifting others. She believes Latina entrepreneurs are vital to innovation, economic growth, and thriving communities. "Despite facing numerous challenges, Latinas continue to emerge as formidable leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries," she says.
Erika Macias
Dr. Rachelle Keck is the 14th and first female president of Grand View University. A first-generation college student, she holds a B.A. from Wartburg College, a J.D. from the University of Iowa, and a Ph.D. from Drake University. Her career spans law, philanthropy, and higher education leadership - including presidencies at both Briar Cliff and Grand View.
Dr. Keck serves on multiple national, state, and local boards and is a sought-after speaker on leadership, philanthropy, and the future of education. In 2024, she was the American keynote speaker at Denmark’s historic Rebildfesten celebration.
She has been recognized as a Woman of Influence, Woman on Fire, and Pioneering President, among other honors. Her upcoming book, SelfQ™: The Intelligence of You, will be released in late 2025. She and her husband, Jim, are the proud parents of four children.
Dr. Rachelle Keck
Erin Gerlich became the sixth Executive Director of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union in May of 2024. Gerlich served as associate director and sport administrator at the IGHSAU prior to assuming her Executive Director duties. She has served as the head of emerging sports and new projects, acted as a liaison for all sports medicine coordination and initiatives, and served as the sport administrator for wrestling and tennis. She has also led the IGHSAU Student Athletic Advisory Committee.
Gerlich is credited for her instrumental role in introducing girls wrestling to the state of Iowa. Her dedication and achievements were recognized in 2023 when she was honored with the Charlotte Bailey Award from the Iowa Wrestling Coaches & Officials Association, as well as the AAU Wrestling Women’s Empowerment Award. She was also the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association President from 2022-2023, being the first female to ever hold this position for the organization.
Gerlich holds a master’s degree in health promotion from Oklahoma State University and a bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Performance from Iowa State University. Erin previously served as the secondary school activities director and certified athletic trainer in the Panorama Community School District. Erin, her daughter Avery, and partner Shawn reside at Lake Panorama.
Erin Gerlich
Rachel Preisser, MD is a skilled and dedicated radiologist who co-founded GRACE Breast Imaging & Medical Spa, Iowa’s only woman owned imaging center. She is board-certified and fellowship-trained in breast imaging, with over 15 years of experience in the field. Dr. Preisser also serves as Director of Breast Imaging Services for MercyOne Northeast Iowa acting as co-director of their NABPC accredited Breast Center.
Dr. Preisser completed her breast imaging fellowship at UC Health Diane O’Connor Thompson Breast Center at the University of Colorado. Prior to this, she completed both radiology residency and a musculoskeletal imaging fellowship at Allegheny Health Network and medical school at the University of Iowa.
Dr. Preisser is involved in breast cancer awareness advocacy at a state and national level. She has previously served on the board of directors for Fighting Through Kinship and was a recurring panelist in the Society of Breast Imaging Summer Series. She serves on the board of directors for the Iowa Medical Society and has previously chaired a committee for the Society of Breast Imaging.
Dr. Preisser’s favorite part of her job is connecting with her patients as a care partner. She is passionate about improving access to quality breast imaging for all Iowans. Dr. Preisser’s vision for GRACE Breast Imaging & Medical Spa is to create a serene and comforting environment that empowers women and provides exceptional breast care. Her compassionate approach and dedication to improving patient outcomes make her a respected leader in the field of breast imaging.
www.graceimagingandspa.com , Insta/FB/Linkedin: @graceimagingandspa
Dr. Rachel Preisser
Nola Cartmill (she/her) is the Chief Diversity Officer and a member of the Legal team at Holmes Murphy, where she leads the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy through its Uniquely United initiative. In this role, she advises the Executive Committee, supports leadership training and employee development, and helps shape inclusive practices both internally and with clients.
With a foundation in employment law, Nola has spent her career helping organizations navigate complex workplace dynamics, compliance, and culture change. Her approach is rooted in a deep commitment to creating spaces where people can truly belong — not just fit in.
Nola earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Iowa and her JD from Harvard Law School. She has been honored by Best Lawyers in America and Chambers and Partners for her work in labor and employment law, and was named one of the Des Moines Business Record’s Forty Under 40.
Beyond her professional work, Nola serves as Past Chair of the Des Moines Performing Arts Board of Directors and is a member of its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force. She actively supports nonprofit organizations that reflect her values around justice, creativity, and community.
When she’s not working, Nola is spending time with her daughter Harper and her partner, watching Iowa Hawkeye or Chicago Bears football, traveling, reading, or catching a Broadway show. She also shares candid reflections on parenting, leadership, and life’s messy in-betweens on Instagram (@lalalawyerslittlechaoticlife) and TikTok (@lalalawyerlilchaoticlife).
Nola Cartmill
Maggie Ferrentino (she/her) is Associate General Counsel at EMC Insurance, where she practices employment, corporate, and life insurance law. She previously litigated employment cases for two Des Moines area law firms and worked as a teacher and administrator at a Montessori school in Kansas City for four years between college and law school.
Maggie holds a BA in Law, Politics, & Society from Drake University and a JD from Drake Law School. She has remained involved as a proud Drake alum by serving on the Drake University College of Arts & Sciences National Advisory Council and the Drake Law School Board of Counselors and by founding and serving as inaugural president of the Drake Law School Recent Alumni Engagement Board. She is the past president of the Iowa State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, the Please Pass the Love Board of Directors, the Polk County Juvenile Drug Court Advisory Board, and has been a board member or volunteer with the Des Moines Public Library, Junior League of Des Moines, Friends of Planned Parenthood, and Girls on the Run. She was named to the Business Record’s 2017 Forty Under 40 class.
Maggie and her husband, Joe, are happily childfree by choice and live in Des Moines with the light of their lives: Their rescue dog, Darlo. In her free time, Maggie enjoys cooking vegan food, participating in a competitive jigsaw puzzle league, (slowly) running half marathons, and ambitiously trying to keep up with her four book clubs.
Maggie Ferrentino
THIS IS ALYX’S THIRD YEAR AS OUR AMAZING MODERATOR! WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE HER.
Alyx is a four-time regional Emmy award winning journalist. She co-anchors KCCI 8 News This Morning, the most watched morning newscast in the market. For the last decade, Alyx has covered big Iowa stories from the caucuses to Caitlin Clark and the Final Four in Cleveland. She believes in people and the value of their voice and that's what led her to journalism. Alyx is a mom of two running on love for her family, dry shampoo, and caffeine.
Side note: Alyx is humble…her bio could be much longer. :)
Alyx Sacks
Our 2024 panelists.
Suzanna de Baca
Suzanna de Baca is president and CEO of Business Publications Corporation (BPC), an award-winning, Iowa-based media company that publishes Business Record, dsm and ia magazines and custom products. Suzanna has published articles and has been interviewed on leadership and governance at a wide variety of outlets, including: New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, Time Magazine, US News & World Report, Forbes, MSNBC, CNBC, National Public Radio, and others.
She serves on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards and is active in the community. She is also a poet whose work has been published nationally and internationally. Ms. de Baca graduated from Iowa State University (with Distinction) and holds an MBA from the Harvard University School of Business Administration.
@suzannadebaca
Shannon Woods
Shannon Woods is the Chief Legal and Strategy Officer of Consumer Safety Technology (CST), a private equity-based portfolio of companies focused on substance use detection, monitoring, and reporting with a mission to help individuals live and drive responsibly. CST, through its Intoxalock brand, is the largest provider of ignition interlock devices in the US, and Shannon has been instrumental in partnering with advocacy groups and legislators nationwide to ensure that laws/rules adopted in each state make roads and communities safe while reducing recidivism amongst drivers.
Shannon, an Iowa native and graduate of Buena Vista University and Drake University Law school. She fell in love with private practice as a litigation attorney, but eventually became the first female attorney to serve on the legal team of Hy-Vee, Inc. Since joining CST eight years ago, she has partnered with her incredible team to pass legislation to create needed change, drive company growth by providing complex legal support and strategically guide the fast-paced business growth. Shannon’s passion is executive leadership with a focus on creating high functioning teams that celebrate diversity, inclusion and opinions.
@shanjwoods
Arelys Valles
Arelys Valles was born in Havana, Cuba, moving to Florida shortly after.
During her collegiate career at University of the Cumberlands, Arelys was a 2x All-American, 4x-National Qualifier and Bill Farrell International Champion/All-American. Arelys became a first generation college graduate with a double major, Bachelor of Science in Exercise & Sport Science and Public Health, followed by her Master of Science in Coaching. She then served as Head Women’s Wrestling Coach at Brewton-Parker College where she lead a very decorated team.
Arelys joined Grand View University in 2020 as Head Assistant Women’s Wrestling Coach, Head Girl’s Coach for Grand View Wrestling Club and Adjunct Professor. Since being at Grand View, Valles has accumulated an extensive list of coaching successes: All-Americans, Heart of America Conference champions and team championships, National Champions, and International participants and Champions. Valles was also voted the Heart of America Conference Assistant Coach of the Year (2021/2023), as well as AAU Iowa Women’s Wrestling Coach of the Year (2023), and has continued her wrestling career as a 3x Senior National All American and 4x Senior World Team Trial Qualifier.
@arelys94
Dr. Maria Corona
Maria Corona, Ph.D., serves as the Executive Director of the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV). With a membership comprised of 22 comprehensive victim service provider agencies or crime victim centers, ICADV is a pivotal organization dedicated to addressing domestic violence issues statewide. Dr. Corona leads ICADV’s strategic direction and programming, including resource development, capacity building, and public policy efforts that support survivors of gender-based violence at the state and national level.
Dr. Corona is dedicated to uplifting the strengths and generative power of immigrant communities in the context of interpersonal, community, and systemic violence. Her scholarly pursuits encompass a broad spectrum of critical topics, including the help-seeking behaviors of domestic violence survivors in rural settings, the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among DV-convicted individuals, and the profound community health ramifications of immigration policies. As a research practitioner, she remains engaged with research initiatives connected to immigration and gender-based violence such as the National Institute of Health awarded project called Understanding Latina Experiences with Victimizations, Intersectionality, and Discrimination (LAT-VIDA) and ProACTIVE. Dr. Corona volunteers for Al Exito Iowa and the Research and Policy Leadership Fellowship with Esperanza United.
Prior to joining ICADV, she was awarded the prestigious Mid-Iowa Health Foundation HealthConnect Fellowship to support her dissertation project and bold system change ideas. In 2020, she earned the K. Patricia Cross Futures Leaders Award for her academic and civic contributions.
@mabeishere
Maria Morgan, JD
Maria Morgan is the Chief Administrative Officer and Vice President of Administration for Broadlawns Medical Center.
Maria has spent most of her career in civil rights, human resources counseling, and employment law. She has extensive experience developing, and implementing programming and policy focused on fair employment practices, equity in compensation and diversity and inclusion, through her work with health care organizations, colleges and universities, and other organizations.
Maria worked as Staff Counsel for Health Midwest where she was responsible for all aspects of employment law for a 13-hospital system. She has expertise guiding and leading organizational leadership teams in employment matters in corporations, non-profit organizations, government, healthcare, and education. She has led organizations in transformational work through change management, policy review and development, process development, strategic planning, and programming.
Sara Hopkins
Sara is a top-producing Realtor® in the Greater Des Moines area with a passion for highlighting all the amazing things within the city of Des Moines! Whether it is showcasing the unique small businesses throughout town or being a passionate supporter of Des Moines public schools, Sara is rooted in recognizing all the great things to love about her city. Sara has been in real estate since 2010 and recently opened an office in the Highland Park neighborhood. She is the CEO of the Sara Hopkins Real Estate team, a growing team of all woman, who believes in creating strong neighborhoods with community involvement, being authentic at all times, obsessing over the details, doing the right thing for the long term and being transparent at all times. In 2023, Sara launched the first woman only homeownership course designed to help every woman not only dream of a home, but to possess the strategies and wisdom on HOW to make it hers. Her passion lies in helping others, whether it be on the multiple nonprofit boards she serves on around town, or helping all types of clients buy and sell their homes, she is an expert at meeting people where they are and helping them envision and accomplish their dreams.
@realtorsarahopkins
Alyx Sacks
Alyx is our amazing panel moderator for the second year in a row!
Alyx Sacks is an anchormom up before the sun. She anchors KCCI 8 News This Morning, the most watched morning newscast in the market. Alyx has been working in TV news for 13 years, 9 of which have been here in Des Moines. Aside from her on-air and reporting duties, Alyx is a Hearst Gives Back Champion. In that role, she coordinates volunteering and giving opportunities in the community. Outside of news, Alyx is a busy mom of two, running on coffee and dry shampoo. She enjoys yoga, weightlifting, heading back to the mountains whenever she can, and is a proud member of the small, but mighty, Baddies Book Club.
@alyxsacks