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Good morning, Fearless readers:
In this week’s newsletter, you’ll find coverage of our first Fearless Focus event of the year, which featured three women business owners. Thank you to Alicia Jaime, Gabriella Torres and LaDrina Wilson for sharing their entrepreneurship journeys with us last month.
We will soon share the panelists for our next Fearless Focus in June, which will focus on the state of health care today. Stay tuned for more information.
In this week’s Fearless e-newsletter, you will find:
- A recap of our Fearless Focus featuring women business owners.
- A column about imposter syndrome from guest columnist Holly Stevenson.
- In the headlines: Angel Ramirez won the special election for Iowa House District 78.
- In case you missed it: A closer look at Bondurant Chamber of Commerce executive director Courtney Ackerson.
- Lots more!
— Macey Shofroth, Fearless editor
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Fearless Focus recap: Four thoughts on supporting women business owners
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BY MACEY SHOFROTH, FEARLESS EDITOR
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Women business ownership rates are growing at a rapid pace. Even so, female entrepreneurs continue to face barriers in accessing capital and opportunities to grow their businesses.
The Fearless team hosted our first Fearless Focus event of 2025 on April 17, focusing on women business owners and their entrepreneurship journeys. The panelists discussed issues they’ve encountered since starting their own businesses, the ways they operate and how communities can better support business owners like them.
The speakers included:
Alicia Jaime, co-owner and president, International Veterinary Supplies
Gabriella Torres, Clinton, Iowa-based artist and consultant
LaDrina Wilson, founder and CEO, Iman Consulting
Here are four takeaways from the event. You can watch the full event at fearlessbr.com/events.
Partnerships and collaboration with others can help your business thrive
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Jaime and her husband moved to Iowa from Argentina over 25 years ago, and learning the culture and customs of their new home was difficult. They then had to learn the intricacies of business ownership when they opened their own veterinary supply company after the one they worked at closed.
They relied on support from people they trusted to put their business on the track to success.
"If you don’t have a business background, always be in partnership with those that are going to give you the best advice professionally," she said. "The teamwork is key to being successful. Feed yourself with everything that surrounds you."
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Wilson explained that those relationships can become capital when you’re at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. When she was starting, she offered discounted coaching services to a photographer who took her headshot, and they both were able to benefit.
Build your business based on your values
Wilson greatly values the autonomy and independence entrepreneurship has allowed her. Jaime loves that her entrepreneurial spirit provides employment for other Iowans. Torres is proud of the hard work she put in to become the expert in her business.
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"What’s really rewarding is the ability to build something from the ground up and watch it grow and truly understand and know every little aspect of your business," Torres said. "It’s almost like a child for me, I know it so very well and I care for it and watching it grow is so satisfying. You started with this seed of an idea and now you’re watching it, you’ve nurtured it into success."
Torres also discussed how planning and preparation play a huge part in how she presents her business to the world.
"Knowing your stuff really goes a long way in showing someone that you have really thought through your plan. I’ve been underestimated my entire life, just because I’m a woman or this or that, so I come prepared and exceed their expectations," she said.
Seek out organizations meant to support small businesses
Iowa is home to several organizations that provide monetary or strategic support to small businesses. Jaime listed several, such as SCORE Association, the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the Iowa chapter of the National Association of Women in Business and local and state chambers of commerce.
"Sometimes you are in the middle of a challenge that you don’t know how to solve," Jaime said. "There are many groups and networks that are very important where you can meet people and get answers. Even with creating your idea of the business. There are many offices and organizations that are here to help in Iowa."
Know your worth
Torres explained that business ownership pushed her to be what she didn’t know she could be and do things she didn’t know she could do. She never expected to negotiate contracts and manage her accounting, but years of being a solopreneur showed her she was capable.
As a business owner, you learn new skills while enhancing those that inspired you to start your business in the first place. Wilson explained that it’s important to honor the unique value you bring to the table by reflecting your worth in your pricing.
"Year one, I left a lot of money on the table because I lacked the confidence," she said. "It took me hiring another team member who was able to say, ‘No, there’s just no way you should be giving that away.’"
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Commentary: How women and their mentors can defeat imposter syndrome
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BY HOLLY STEVENSON, GUEST COLUMNIST
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Pauline Clance first introduced the term "imposter phenomenon" in a 1978 paper, yet this pervasive sense of self-doubt and fraudulence has only recently gained mainstream recognition. Over time, the term evolved into "imposter syndrome," becoming widely used in discussions about irrational feelings of inadequacy, particularly among women in professional settings.
According to recent findings from the National Library of Medicine, 80% of people routinely experience feelings of imposter syndrome, so it is a condition that does not discriminate. The psychological experience of feeling undeserving of accomplishments and the subsequent constant fear of being exposed as a fraud plague all levels of seniority in the workplace, and research has shown it to actually increase as one becomes more experienced. This is likely due to the fact that individuals tend to overestimate the abilities of their peers and underestimate their own capabilities in comparison. Importantly, such feelings can emerge in any and all areas of a person’s life, and are not restricted to the workplace.
Overcoming imposter syndrome, and empowering others to do the same, is achievable with deliberate and continuous effort. Recognizing the different types of imposter syndrome allows us to identify them materializing in ourselves and others, allowing us to diminish them. In moderation, many of the traits are positive, reminding us that we care about the things we are doing and want to do our best. However, setting unattainable expectations for ourselves and feeling hopeless and unworthy when we fail to meet these unachievable standards is exhausting and takes a toll on one’s spirit.
The perfectionist
Perfectionism is often paralyzing, and for some individuals who suffer from this type of imposter syndrome, it can simply be a more palatable name for procrastination. These individuals view one minor flaw in an otherwise seamless performance as equating to failure, which in turn leads to high levels of shame. Such people set unrealistically high standards for themselves and often have trouble delegating as they require complete control over everything. The participation in over-planning, over-preparing and over-thinking often results in very little actual transpiring; at some point, it’s important to simply begin and try one’s best. Of course, regardless of the results and successes they experience, these individuals always feel they could have done better. As leaders in the workplace, it is important that we recognize whether we possess perfectionism tendencies, as research indicates that psychological safety for workers is diminished in such instances.
Top tip: Applauding the small wins and celebrating the effort are a helpful way to diminish these feelings in ourselves and others. The "all or nothing" mentality that debilitates perfectionists can be dismantled by focusing on the positives in the everyday and by applauding effort.
The expert
According to the expert, to not know everything is to know nothing. Of course, nobody, regardless of skill set or experience, can know absolutely everything. However, these individuals set themselves up for failure by viewing themselves as unqualified or uninformed if they do not know something. Due to viewing competence in terms of how much they understand, in the workplace these are the colleagues who often shudder at the thought of being viewed as "in charge" and regularly dismiss their achievements, strengths or abilities.
Top tip: As a mentor, embracing vulnerability and admitting when we do not know something ourselves promotes a culture where it is understood that nobody has all the answers.
The soloist
Soloists feel that, in order for a project to be a success, they must do everything on their own. These people tend to be hyper-independent to a fault and struggle to collaborate and trust others. Perhaps due to being let down previously by others, these individuals struggle to ask for or receive help, which frequently leads to burnout and feelings of isolation. By prioritizing the needs of others or a project instead of their own, these are the workers who work through lunch or do not take their paid time off because they feel that without them working, things will not get done.
Top tip: Reminding ourselves and others of the importance of work-life harmony is critical. When leaders and mentors model behavior such as spending time with loved ones, embracing their hobbies and not responding to noncritical emails after work hours, others are more likely to emulate these actions, allowing themselves to reap the benefits of less stress and a sense of community.
The natural genius
When I was a child I decided I wanted to learn to play the drums. It looked easy enough, but on discovering it required a high level of skill, I immediately decided I no longer wanted to embark on that journey. The natural genius feels like if they have to try at all to master a new skill, they are a failure. Of course, if we are not putting ourselves in positions to learn and grow, our true potential is stagnated. Early in life or in their career, success has likely come relatively easily for these people, and this has resulted in a shortsighted view of success. Perhaps if I had stuck it out with my drumming lessons I would be in a completely different career right now – we will never know. I do know, however, that the constant pressure to be the best with minimal effort sets these people up for feelings of intense inadequacy.
Top tip: When complimenting others, it is easy to use generalizations, which can inadvertently increase feelings of imposter syndrome. Instead of calling a team member "the smart one" or "the techy one," we can simply ask a question or request help with our device. This tactic helps others to feel valued for more than their professional skills, allowing them to try new things and put in effort.
The superhuman
When a new team is formed at work, this person joins it. When a friend is having a party, they’re planning it. When their child has a bake sale at school, they’re making a variety of delicious treats. This person feels a strong need to be involved in absolutely everything simultaneously. By struggling to say no and being consistently afraid of letting others down, these individuals cannot give every project or person in their life their undivided attention because they are simply involved in too much at once. Research shows that women disproportionately shoulder formal and informal caregiving responsibilities such as housework and child and elder care. For example, a recent study in Australia found that women spend, on average, 18 hours cleaning at home each week, compared with the 12 that men spend. Women can therefore be susceptible to falling into the superhuman trap due to the inherently caring nature that many women possess.
Top tip: Comparison is often the thief of joy and, although we do all have the same 24 hours in a day, we do not all have the same resources or bandwidths. We must ensure that we are not buying into toxic hustle culture, are using social media mindfully and are recognizing that people share only a deliberately curated highlight reel. By reminding ourselves of these facts, we are less inclined to feel guilty for doing the things that recharge and energize us, which will help reduce these feelings of inadequacy. Try thinking of yourself as a loved one does and you’ll quickly realize that we are our own harshest critics.
By understanding what imposter syndrome looks like for ourselves and others, we are able to address it and call it out. Using common language creates a culture of acceptance where people can openly talk about struggling with imposter syndrome. If mentors and leaders can admit to these tendencies, it normalizes what is, unfortunately, a ubiquitous experience. Being intentional in reminding ourselves and others that to be human is to be fallible, and that the unknown allows for creativity and innovation, will diminish feelings of fraudulence.
All we can do is strive for our best, however that looks in that hour or day, without feeling shame or fear, and encourage others to do the same.
Holly Stevenson is the director of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at Optimae LifeServices. She was awarded her Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Iowa in 2021, and is a published author and regular speaker on topics including intersectionality and inclusive leadership. In a volunteer capacity, she serves as co-chair of Inclusive Iowa and is on the executive board of Lavender Legal. She was also the youngest honoree in the Corridor Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 Class of 2024. Originally from Scotland, Stevenson is passionate about facilitating crucial and courageous conversations, and being a voice for the silenced.
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"YOU MAY BE DISAPPOINTED IF YOU FAIL, BUT YOU ARE DOOMED IF YOU DON'T TRY."
BEVERLY SILLS
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Angel Ramirez claims victory in Iowa House District 78 special election. Democrat Angel Ramirez won the special election to represent southeast Cedar Rapids in House District 78. She will finish out the remainder of former Rep. Sami Scheetz’s term, who resigned April 1 with a year and a half left to take a role on the Linn County Board of Supervisors. Ramirez prevailed against Republican Bernie Hayes, winning 79% of the votes, according to the unofficial results. She is the first Latina elected to the Iowa State Legislature, according to the Des Moines Register.
Iowa Women’s Foundation opens 2025 Core Grant applications. The Iowa Women’s Foundation officially opened the application for its 2025 Core Grants. Grant awardees receive up to $50,000 for programs addressing one of the six identified barriers to self-sufficiency for girls and women in Iowa: child care, housing, transportation, employment, mentorship and education/training. Iowa-based nonprofits, licensed child care centers and registered in-home child care providers are eligible and must submit a letter of interest by 5 p.m. on May 16. Visit IWF’s website to learn more about the grant.
Love for Red celebrates five-year anniversary with fundraiser. Local nonprofit Love for Red will celebrate its five-year anniversary June 1 at Big Creek State Park in Polk City. Love for Red fights period poverty in Iowa by providing menstrual products to schools and organizations throughout high school, along with other awareness and advocacy measures. The fundraiser will include food, beverages, cake and entertainment. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Harm reduction vending machine launched at Polk County Health Department. The Family Planning Council of Iowa has provided a harm reduction vending machine installed outside of the Polk County Health Department. The machine offers free health and safety resources, such as Narcan to reverse opioid overdoses, emergency contraception, birth control, gun locks and more. No payment, ID or registration is required. "This vending machine is a harm reduction strategy that meets people where they are, providing free and judgment-free access to critical health and safety tools," Polk County Health Department director Juliann Van Liew said in a press release. Learn more about the vending machine here.
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Des Moines to introduce park popups (Axios Des Moines). 21-year Deere veteran Edgin to lead John Deere Foundation (Quad Cities Business Journal). Former nurses tell of harrowing experiences at state-run Iowa mental health facility (Des Moines Register). Iowa City schools launching full-day preschool at every elementary building (The Gazette). A Black, all-female WWII unit got a congressional medal 80 years after making history (NPR). Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, just announced she’s announced she’s ramping up her investments. (Inc.)
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A Closer Look: Courtney Ackerson
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BY MICHAEL CRUMB, BUSINESS RECORD SENIOR STAFF WRITER
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Courtney Ackerson believes her background in the nonprofit sector will serve her well in her new role as the executive director of the Bondurant Chamber of Commerce, a position she started in March.
Ackerson, who is also a licensed therapist, recalls getting involved in volunteer work as part of her sorority in college, later volunteering with the board of directors for the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association. She said she caught the volunteer bug and began engaging with various boards, including the Drake Neighborhood Association.
She has continued her work with the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association, serving as its executive director along with her new job leading the Bondurant Chamber of Commerce.
It is that job and her work with the neighborhood association that she feels will benefit her the most as she tackles her new role, Ackerson said.
"I learned about the benefits of getting businesses together and community organizing," she said. "I learned a lot from that process. I really like working with businesses and making sure they thrive."
The Business Record sat down recently with Ackerson to learn more about her and her vision for leading the Bondurant Chamber of Commerce. Her responses have been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.
Read the story online
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At its core, Fearless exists to help empower Iowa women to succeed in work and life. We believe that everyone has a story to share and that we cannot progress as a society unless we know about one another. We share stories through featuring women in our reporting, featuring guest contributions and speakers at our events.
We are always looking for new stories to share and people to feature. Get in touch with us!
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