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Good morning, Fearless readers:
It was a news-filled week for gender issues. Iowa legislators passed House File 583 and Senate File 418, bills that remove civil rights protections for transgender and gender diverse Iowans.
We talked with Jo Ellen Whitney, an employment attorney with Dentons Davis Brown, and Keenan Crow, director of policy and advocacy at One Iowa, about how these bills would potentially affect transgender people in the workplace. This story was published before the bills were debated in the chambers.
"What is happening is they are trying to make it so that transgender Iowans can be legally discriminated against in a number of different areas. One of those areas is, of course, employment," said Crow. "They are removing all state level employment protections for transgender folks, allowing folks to fire them or pay them less or schedule them differently from non-transgender employees, which they currently cannot do under law."
In this week’s Fearless e-newsletter, you will find:
- A story about Nana Ouro-Agoro, founder of Akwaaba QC.
- A guest column from Heather Kriener, financial literacy director for the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services.
- And a short column from Sarah Noll Wilson about respect in the workplace.
- In the headlines: Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention announced the inaugural Dan Marburger Mentors in Violence Prevention Advocacy Awards.
- Lots more!
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Nonprofit founder wants everyone to feel welcome in the Quad Cities
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BY MACEY SHOFROTH, FEARLESS EDITOR
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Nana Ouro-Agoro, third from right, with members of her team. Contributed photo.
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Akwaaba is a common greeting in the Akhan language used in Ghana. It means "welcome." The phrase perfectly embodied what Nana Ouro-Agoro hoped to support in the Quad Cities — a welcoming place for all.
Ouro-Agoro is the founder of Akwaaba QC, a nonprofit that supports immigrants and refugees from around the world in the Quad Cities area. Her desire to help this population stems from her own experience — her husband won the diversity lottery visa in 2008 when she was eight months pregnant with her first child. Preparing for parenthood was already a lot for the couple. Adding in a quick move to a new country from their home in Togo made an already stressful period even scarier.
She’s now made it her mission to help others navigate coming to the United States.
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"I’m an immigrant myself. I walk in their shoes. I know what it’s like," Ouro-Agoro said. "I believe that you can find the good out of everyone. I want this organization to welcome everyone from everywhere, because my goal is to see us, one day, be together and work together for the good of the community."
A quick arrival
Because he won the diversity lottery visa, a program that seeks to increase migration from countries with lower immigration rates to the U.S. (at the time of writing, this program has not been shut down by the Trump administration), Ouro-Agoro’s husband was supposed to move to America first. But because she was so close to giving birth, immigration and embassy officials decided it made more sense for her to arrive first.
"So within one week, as I was thinking that I’d have my baby [in Togo], I bought the ticket, grabbed everything I could and left my country," she said.
She arrived in Chicago on March 7, 2008, with less than a month left in her pregnancy. She had to quickly find maternal care, purchase the necessities for her child and try to understand how to live within her new home. She gave birth to her son April 5, 2008.
She was lucky to have family members who had already lived in the Quad Cities and could support her and her husband on the new journey. Even still, it wasn’t easy.
"It was very, very chaotic," she said. "I had everything I needed for the baby back home, like nursery stuff, but I could not take them with me. So I had to look for new clothes with limited resources."
Giving birth so soon after arriving complicated finding employment for Ouro-Agoro, which was part of the stipulation of their visa process. As people who arrived on their own and not as refugees or asylum seekers, they had less access to supportive services.
"It’s very scary," she said. "My husband was the one who had to start working, and the job was not easy. But he didn’t have a choice. He had to do the job to feed us."
Building trust
One year after giving birth, Ouro-Agoro got a job selling insurance. She was meeting with immigrants and refugees, who often didn’t know how the U.S. insurance system worked. She got to know people who struggled with the language and felt mistreated because of that struggle.
She tried to help those families as best as she could. She began working with a nonprofit that served African immigrants in Illinois in 2012. But she knew that people from all around the world called the Quad Cities home, and she wanted to help all of them.
"I just wanted something different. I wanted an organization where everyone is welcome," she said.
She founded a nonprofit that did just that in 2022.
Akwaaba QC initially served the Illinois side of the Quad Cities, and expanded to Iowa in 2023. With funding from both the state of Illinois, the Scott County Health Department in Iowa and the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, the organization is able to connect immigrants with any services they need to establish themselves in their new home. At the time of publication, the organization has not lost its funding due to executive orders related to immigration and refugee spending. However, Ouro-Agoro said the nonprofit’s funding was not included in a budget proposal from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. They have also seen an increase in requests for services from refugees and asylees as a result of the federal funding freeze that is stretching their capacity.
Akwaaba QC operates with a community navigator model. The nonprofit trains volunteers who are leaders within their ethnic community to provide guidance and information to their community members. Eighteen people speaking 17 languages currently volunteer for the position.
The organization provides education and information, as well as any referrals to services they cannot provide. Ouro-Agoro said their biggest service is accompanying refugees and immigrants wherever they are needed, translating and helping them understand how to navigate U.S. systems.
"We want to bridge the gap and the cultural and language barriers," Ouro-Agoro said. "Language is the biggest barrier. If people don’t understand what you are telling them, it’s going to be difficult for them to trust you."
In three short years, Ouro-Agoro has witnessed the relief in many of her community members when they have someone walking beside them. With four full-time employees, they continue to find ways to make the immigration process more comfortable.
"When we serve people, not only do they feel welcomed, but they feel understood. They feel helped. They feel they belong. And they say they never got that feeling anywhere else," she said.
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Guest column: Taking charge of your financial future: Budgeting tips for women to empower your life
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BY HEATHER KRIENER, FINANCIAL LITERACY DIRECTOR
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As the financial literacy director for the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services, I’m proud to lead initiatives like the SmartHer Money program, which empowers Iowa women to make informed and confident financial decisions. My passion for financial literacy stems from my early career work with survivors of domestic violence.
For nine years, I advocated for women fleeing violence, many of whom did not have enough money to afford even one night of safety in a hotel, let alone rebuild their lives. This experience taught me an invaluable lesson: Financial independence is often the key to safety. It’s the safety to leave an abusive relationship, to break free from a job that no longer serves you and to take control of your life. That’s why budgeting is so essential for every woman — whether you’re aiming for safety, freedom or simply the ability to live life on your terms.
Start with the basics: Track your income and expenses
When we talk about financial security, the first step is always budgeting. It’s easy to lose track of where your money is going, and even easier to feel like things are out of control. The good news? By starting with the basics and tracking where your money flows, you’ll gain a better understanding of your finances and see exactly where changes can be made.
Once you have a handle on your spending, look for opportunities to cut back. The key to successful budgeting is consistency, so find a method that works for you — whether it’s a simple spreadsheet, an app or another system — and make it a regular habit that fits your lifestyle.
Need help getting started? We offer free online resources and budgeting templates at smarther.iowa.gov to help you organize your finances and start tracking today.
Set practical goals for your future
Now is the perfect time to reflect on your financial habits and set clear goals for the future. Here are some practical tips to help you stay on track:
Eliminate waste and cut costs
Once you’ve tracked your spending, you’ll likely spot areas where you can reduce waste. Consider these tips to cut unnecessary expenses:
- Save on energy: Switch to energy-efficient LED light bulbs, seal drafty windows with caulk and make sure your furnace and refrigerator filters are replaced regularly to improve appliance efficiency.
- Cut food waste: According to the USDA, the average household of four loses $1,500 to uneaten food annually. Planning your meals ahead of time helps avoid overspending at the grocery store and reduces unnecessary trips that can lead to impulse buys.
- Review subscriptions: If you have memberships or subscription services you rarely use, it’s time to cancel them.
Set savings goals
- Set "SMART" goals: Be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound when setting your savings goals.
- Break larger goals into smaller steps: If you're saving for a big goal, such as your child’s college education, break it down into smaller, manageable goals. For example, the large goal might be: "I will save $10,000 in a 529 plan for my child’s college education by the time they graduate in 2035." Smaller steps to reach that goal might include: "I will put $1,500 from my tax return into an ISave 529 account for my child by April 2025," and "I will decrease my monthly grocery expense by $50 per month by March 31, 2025. I will reallocate the $50 saved monthly to my child’s college fund."
Use tools and resources
- Take advantage of financial tools and calculators available on smarther.iowa.gov to plan for retirement, track compound interest and set long-term goals.
Consistency and planning: the keys to financial success
The journey to financial freedom and security doesn’t happen overnight. But with consistency, planning and a clear focus on your goals, you can take control of your finances in 2025 and beyond. Financial security isn’t just about the money — it’s about creating the space to live life on your terms, to leave situations that no longer serve you, and to take that next big step toward a future that’s entirely yours to create.
By following these budgeting tips, you’ll build a strong foundation for your financial future and gain the freedom and safety that comes with being in control of your finances. As we jump into 2025, let’s commit to being proactive, setting goals and taking actionable steps to empower ourselves financially. Your future self will thank you.
Heather Kriener is the financial literacy director for the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services, focused on promoting financial stability and preventing financial exploitation. She holds a bachelor's degree in health promotion from the University of Northern Iowa and began her career advocating for victims of domestic violence. Heather’s work in victim counseling, empowerment and program supervision has led to her current role, where she empowers Iowans through education and protects individuals from scams and predatory practices.
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"WE MUST HAVE PERSEVERANCE AND ABOVE ALL CONFIDENCE IN OURSELVES. WE MUST BELIEVE THAT WE ARE GIFTED FOR SOMETHING AND THAT THIS THING MUST BE ATTAINED."
MARIE CURIE
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Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention announces inaugural Dan Marburger Mentors in Violence Prevention Advocacy Awards: University of Northern Iowa's Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention is honoring the legacy of Dan Marburger, the Perry High School principal who lost his life from gun violence in January 2024, with the Dan Marburger Mentors in Violence Prevention Advocacy Awards. The award recognizes a team and individual whose advocacy of the center's Mentors in Violence Prevention Strategies (MVP) has positively affected their community. The Perry High School MVP advisory team will receive the inaugural team award, including AP English teacher and at-risk coordinator Christine Krohn, counselor Tami Valline and special education teacher Allisa Bahney. Jenny Wagner, special education ELA teacher at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, will receive the inaugural individual award.
Ballerina Misty Copeland named 2025 Bucksbaum Lecture speaker: Drake University named ballerina Misty Copeland as the featured speaker for its 2025 Martin Bucksbaum Distinguished Lecture. Copeland is an award-winning ballet dancer, co-founder of Life in Motion Productions and created the nonprofit Misty Copeland Foundation. She was also the first Black woman to be named a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre. The lecture will take place at 7 p.m. April 2 at the Knapp Center and is free and open to the public.
Different paths to tackling child care charted by Iowa Democrats, Republicans: Both Republicans and Democrats in Iowa revealed vastly different plans to address child care issues in Iowa. Gov. Kim Reynolds proposed a "continuum of care" plan, helping preschool providers and child care centers to partner to provide full-day care. Democratic lawmakers in the Iowa House proposed a plan to expand tax credits and child care assistance eligibility and create a grant program to raise child care workers' wages. Reynolds' proposal advanced last week while the Democrats' proposal faces an uphill battle, according to a story by the Cedar Rapids Gazette.
Greater Des Moines National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) celebrates Women in Construction (WIC) Week March 2-8: The Greater Des Moines NAWIC will celebrate WIC Week from March 2 to March 8. The nationwide event aims to highlight and celebrate the contributions of women in the construction industry. The weeklong celebration will include a keynote speaker, networking opportunities and community outreach initiatives. Find the schedule of events here.
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Mikaela Shiffrin seals legacy as one of skiing's greatest with historic 100 World Cup wins (NPR). BCG studied dozens of women who became CFOs. Here’s what got them to the top (Fortune). Why do women live longer than men? (New York Times). Hy-Vee, Caitlin Clark Foundation partner to raise money for childhood nutrition (Business Record). Supreme Court turns back challenges to laws keeping abortion opponents away from clinics, patients (AP News). Can the pill really make women more anxious? (BBC).
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Guest opinion: ‘Women aren’t looking for a battle over words — we’re looking for respect’
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"What about the men who are afraid to say the wrong thing?"
I was on a podcast recently and talking about ways to build stronger relationships with the team members you serve. The host appreciated my approach and followed up with, "I know a number of men that are hesitant to engage in conversations like this with women because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing — that their words might be misconstrued in this post-#MeToo world."
I’ve been sitting with that.
And here’s what I’d like to say in response:
In my career alone, as a professional, business owner, author, keynote speaker, facilitator and researcher, I have:
- Been asked if I was married because they wanted to know if I was single in professional settings while facilitating virtually on a serious topic.
- Been told I was "smart for being so young" and "easy on the eyes."
- Been asked in a trust-building workshop if I’d ever worn a wet T-shirt.
- Had a prospect, after I rescinded a leadership development proposal after experiencing aggression from this person, tell me I was "the most horrible person they had ever experienced" and that I should "forget they ever lived." And then send six follow-up harassing emails throughout the day.
These are just a few examples I have experienced in just the last five years and this list doesn’t include the countless examples I didn’t include or have observed.
So, when these men say they’re nervous about being misunderstood, I can’t help but wonder — have they considered what it’s like to be correctly understood and still disregarded, objectified or harassed? Have they considered the sheer volume of inappropriate comments that women navigate — not hypothetically, but constantly?
If the fear is about "saying the wrong thing," here’s a simple guide: If it’s something you wouldn’t say to a man in the same professional setting, maybe don’t say it to a woman.
To be clear, I know many men who don’t worry about this, because they respect the women in their lives, and they don’t view attraction as the highest possible compliment they can give a woman. Because they know that if something is said that is regrettable or unintended, they will own it and learn from it.
Mentorship, leadership and collaboration should never come with an undercurrent of gendered discomfort. Women aren’t looking for a battle over words — we’re looking for respect, just like anyone else.
Let’s shift the conversation from fear to accountability. Because the real issue isn’t that men might say the wrong thing. It’s that too many have already said the wrong thing — and too many women have had to just deal with it.
Sarah Noll Wilson is an executive coach, in-demand keynote speaker and bestselling author of "Don’t Feed the Elephants." Noll Wilson is a contributor to Harvard Business Review and Forbes, and her expertise has been featured in BBC Radio, the Washington Post, Business Insider and the New York Post. She also hosts Conversations on Conversations, a podcast with listeners in over 80 countries.
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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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