|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Good morning, Fearless readers:
Thank you to everyone who joined us last week for our second Fearless Focus of 2025. We hope you learned a lot about barriers to health care for women in Iowa and what's being done to address them.
Stay tuned for information about our third Fearless Focus in September.
In this week’s Fearless e-newsletter, you will find:
- A story about Viktoriia Baturina and the threat of deportation Ukrainian women and children are facing in northwest Iowa.
- Coverage from our 2025 gender equity survey.
- In the headlines: Megan Milligan was named Anawim Housing president.
- In case you missed it: Taylored Expressions is expanding in Ankeny.
- Lots more!
— Macey Shofroth, Fearless editor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘There is nothing to go back to’: Ukrainian refugees in northwest Iowa fear being forced back into danger
|
|
|
|
BY MACEY SHOFROTH, FEARLESS EDITOR
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Martha Hulshof’s sister, Miranda, began work as a missionary in Ukraine in 1997. She’s married to a Ukrainian pastor and has lived there permanently with him and their two children since 1999.
When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Miranda began to help fleeing Ukrainians match with sponsors near her sister in northwest Iowa and Sioux County.
Through Uniting for Ukraine, the Biden-era program that allowed Ukrainians fleeing the war to come to the U.S. through humanitarian parole, Martha and Miranda helped nearly 150 Ukrainians get to the States. Military mobilization laws in Ukraine prevent men ages 18-60, except those with exclusions, from leaving the country. As a result, 123 of the refugees who settled in northwest Iowa were women and children.
“These are like my family now,” Martha said. “I love these people. We celebrate holidays with them. We go to their weddings. We’re going to have our first Ukrainian baby in June.”
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is no longer facilitating the Uniting for Ukraine program after President Donald Trump enacted Executive Order “Securing Our Borders.” The order also prevents migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela from accessing the humanitarian parole program.
This past spring, many of the Ukrainian refugees received communications from the Department of Homeland Security that advised them to self-deport, regardless of their current status. This has left the community confused and fearful at the idea of being forced back to their former home that is still a warzone. At least four preemptively moved to Germany and Poland to avoid being deported back to Ukraine.
“There is nothing to go back to. Some of these people have lost their homes. There’s nothing, there’s no jobs, there’s no economy,” Martha said. “I could tell you horrible stories about some of them and how they barely got out with their lives. They’ve lost their family members or they’ve lost everything. Why send them back?”
Martha and other local volunteers have been helping the Ukrainian refugees navigate the immigration legal system to hopefully find a path to staying in their new homes. They said the work is difficult, confusing and expensive, with at least one donor providing funding for legal representation.
We interviewed Viktoriia Baturina via email about her experiences fleeing Ukraine and settling in northwest Iowa, and her fears about being forced to return.
The following has been edited to be entirely in her words, but has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.
|
|
|
I was born in the tourist city of Odesa, Ukraine, which is located on the Black Sea. My mother was a chief forestry engineer and my father was a newspaper editor. My mother died when I was a child, and my father died five years ago. My older brother, sister and I were left without parents. My brother and sister are now in Ukraine.
I graduated from school, then got a bachelor's degree in international economics and human resources management, then got a master's degree in civil law. We never waited for help from anyone, we coped on our own and created our own life. I had a beautiful home. God blessed me with two wonderful sons. We had two businesses – the production of wooden dishes and a flower workshop. And in 1 second everything changed.
The war began. Bombs and missiles spared no one. Nothing was left from the past life. It was very scary. The eyes saw, the ears heard, but the mind refused to believe in what was happening. You see how the missile flies, how it falls, you hear the explosion, you see how your house collapses. I had to lie to my children that everything would be fine, although I myself did not know how it would be.
I decided to leave my city for the village. It was scary on the road, the only thing that saved me was prayer. All the horror that was happening in different cities of Ukraine cannot be described in words, Ukrainians told about Russians that raped women, children and even babies, shot civilians right on the street. It is impossible to forget and impossible to forgive.
When we moved to the village, there were empty stores, no gasoline. My brother found a farm to buy meat from, and we began to produce sausages and smoked meats, and then sell them at the market, although we had never done this before. But our parents taught us that there is no shame in working, but there is shame in sitting idle.
Then this region also began to be bombed and we had to move again to a completely different part of Ukraine, but there was no peace there either, and we again had to go to another region. The children still remember the sound of rockets and bomb explosions. My youngest son is afraid of loud sounds.
Martha helped us come to Iowa. She was the one who found us sponsors, Sarah and Howard Gulsoff, who became our guardian angels, who provided us with care, comfort and coziness 24/7. They helped us adapt. The children went to a Christian school, where they were met by wonderful teachers. The children really like to study.
For me, this is a completely different life, but I am very glad that we ended up in this region. It is safe here, kind and good people live here. I really like the church community. It is like one big family, ready to help at any moment, without asking for anything in return. At the moment, I work in assisted living. I love my residents, and they love me too. It is so nice to be useful to this society.
Probably, it is no secret to anyone that Ukrainians love to cook, and I decided that my talent will not be wasted. For this reason, I decided to create Ukrainian fares and donate the proceeds to help Ukraine. I also want to be useful to the local population, and I am happy to donate my desserts to auctions, to the crisis center and to Atlas of Sioux Center. This money goes to help local residents in need.
What can we talk about if the war in Ukraine is not over? Every second you will worry about whether to stay or not. The decline of the economy, the increase in food prices. I will have to start from scratch again. But starting from scratch in a country where there is no war is one thing. Starting from scratch where there is a war and worrying every second whether a rocket or a bomb will fall on you is another.
From this news about potentially being deported, my heart beats faster every day. ... But I believe that the Lord will help us stay safe. I am very grateful to Martha for giving us the opportunity to save our lives and to the United States of America for offering us such an opportunity to live in a prosperous and safe country.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Survey respondents: Balancing jobs and life, health care are biggest issues affecting women outside of work
|
|
|
|
COMPILED BY MACEY SHOFROTH AND EMILY BARSKE WOOD
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This coverage is from the Business Record’s annual survey on women’s and gender issues as part of our Fearless initiative. While nonscientific, we believe the results of this questionnaire illustrate current opinions about Iowa women’s equity in and outside of work. Read previous coverage here.
We asked: What are the biggest challenges, obstacles or barriers that you and other women face outside of work?
“Access to health care and the right to make decisions about our own bodies are fundamental, yet OB-GYN care in Iowa has been deteriorating. According to the Des Moines Register, a third of Iowa’s 99 counties are considered maternity care deserts — meaning they lack OB-GYNs, birthing hospitals or birthing centers. Furthermore, with the rollback of DEI efforts, the erosion of transgender rights and the potential loss of vaccine options, it’s clear that Iowa is no longer prioritizing the well-being of its people, particularly women and the LGBTQ+ community.”
“I am not a woman, but I feel the factors influencing inflation are a barrier for all of us. The rising food prices. The fluctuation in fuel prices. The cost of day care. The lack of affordable housing. These are all barriers that need to be addressed.”
“I believe the single largest factor we face is centered on work-life balance as it relates to societal procreation. Assuming we desire to perpetuate our species, how will we create a more fairly balanced role assignment? Whoever chooses that role is faced with some level of ‘work outside the home’/career participation. I think it’s pretty fair to say women still have the unique gift of bearing them, but ‘who will attend to the needs of child raising’ is still a challenge for many to resolve.”
“Once again, being taken seriously as a young woman. At the doctor’s office, at the bank, any place where there could potentially be a power imbalance (which is essentially every walk of life right now). I have to constantly worry about how I am being perceived and the energy I am putting off – if I try to command more attention, I am a pushover or bossy.”
“Health care disparities. Heart attacks get dismissed, we’ve lost OB-GYN providers en masse, and gynecological oncologists are nonexistent. Mammograms are unavailable to those in walkers or wheelchairs.”
“Work-life balance of being a mother and a professional is a real challenge that I’ve observed and supported my wife on as she navigates societal expectations.”
“Expectations to do it all! You need to be good at everything or you have the feeling you are failing. Good employee, good spouse and a good mom.”
“Nothing. If women put their mind and energy toward their dreams and goals, nothing is impossible.”
“Affordable and quality health care and OB-GYN care. Women are viewed as second-class citizens because we simply are still not allowed to make decisions about our own bodies due to laws that the Iowa governor and government put into place. Finding quality and affordable child care. Being able to afford housing.”
“Outside the workplace, men often lack accountability in respecting women’s needs, opinions and aspirations. They may not feel obligated to take women seriously or afford them the same credibility, regardless of their roles or status in society.”
“Viewed as immaterial due to age or gender.”
“Being the default parent. Household manager. Finding child care. Scheduling transportation and other activities for kids, ensuring homework is done, etc. It’s another full-time job. The guilt of being not good enough at work and not good enough at home. The balance sucks. Always the one who solves problems. Money. Inflation and cost of living. Being one more hardship away from financial ruin. Being crazy in debt while still making money. Cost of student sports. Dealing with technology.”
“Balancing fitting in with society with being their most authentic self.”
“The struggle between parental care and child care. Things like driving my mom to the doctor in the morning, working a full day, then picking my fifth grader up from a practice in the evening.”
“Our loss of basic bodily autonomy should have all of us out protesting in the streets. Women’s reproductive decisions are essential health care, and when our businesses allow the state and our health insurance companies to make decisions for us on those matters, it sends a strong message that we are not respected as individuals and as equals.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“WOMEN, WHETHER SUBTLY OR VOCIFEROUSLY, HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A TREMENDOUS POWER IN THE DESTINY OF THE WORLD.”
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Megan Milligan named Anawim Housing president. Megan Milligan has been named president of Anawim Housing, a role she will assume in September. She has been president and CEO of the Iowa Center for Economic Success since 2014. She replaces Cynthia Latcham, who announced in April that she was leaving Anawim Housing. Milligan was vice president of the nonprofit’s foundation from 2008 to 2014. During her time with the Anawim Housing, she worked with the group’s founder, Sister Stella Neill. “Megan’s experience, leadership, and deep understanding of Anawim’s mission make her uniquely qualified to lead us into our next chapter,” Dan Manning, chair of Anawim Housing’s board of directors, said in a news release. “We are thrilled to welcome her back.
Greater Des Moines Partnership announces two promotions. The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced the promotion of two team members. Courtney Shaw has been promoted to chief communications and engagement officer. She will continue to oversee the Partnership’s communications and marketing efforts while also taking on leadership of the events team and investor relations work. Alicia Chilton has been promoted to vice president of marketing. She will continue to lead and enhance the Partnership’s marketing and advertising work for both economic development and talent.
UNI names Allison Rank as inaugural director of the Center for Civic Education. The University of Northern Iowa announced Allison Rank will serve as the founding director of the college's new Center for Civic Education. The center is intended to foster civic education among university students, pre-K-12 students and teachers and the broader public through research, teaching and public outreach. Rank will oversee the center's activities, foster relationships with stakeholders and lead strategic planning. She previously worked at the State University of New York at Oswego as an associate professor and department chair in the politics department.
Iowa Dem Christina Bohannan announces 3rd challenge of Miller-Meeks. Iowa City Democrat and University of Iowa law professor Christina Bohannan announced her third campaign for Iowa's 1st District. For the third time she will attempt to unseat incumbent Marianne Miller-Meeks, who won the election by 7 percentage points in 2022 and 0.2 percentage points in 2024. Bohannan believes she will succeed in 2026 because of the current political atmosphere and her near success in 2024. The race is expected to be among the most tightly contested races in the country, according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center taps Dana Rupe as new director (Corridor Business Journal). An unexpected argument from the right (the Atlantic). Lawmakers vote to decriminalize abortions for women in England and Wales (New York Times). Nowhere in the world to run: The international law ripping children from their mothers (the 19th). The woman behind the New Deal (NPR). After devastating injuries, Iowa tennis player fundraising for nurses (Cedar Rapids Gazette).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Taylored Expressions grows crafting business in Ankeny
|
|
|
|
BY GIGI WOOD, SENIOR STAFF WRITER
|
|
|
Cupcakes were all the rage back in the early aughts, made popular by TV shows like “Sex and the City,” which highlighted New York City’s Magnolia Bakery. The height of the cupcake trend was 2008 — when the economy soured, cupcakes were an affordable luxury.
That’s when crafting blogger Taylor VanBruggen began producing her “Cuppy” cupcake rubber stamps. Fast forward 17 years, and VanBruggen and her husband operate a growing rubber stamp factory in Ankeny.
Read more about VanBruggen's store.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Like this newsletter? Please forward to a friend!
Did someone share this newsletter with you? Sign up here.
|
|
|
|
|
