Inside the 2025 JA Rising Women Workshop

Confidence, Careers, and Connection

Author: Seherzada Devedzic
Community Involvement
Published: Tuesday, 12 Aug 2025

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Image caption: Deanna Strable-Soethout, President & CEO of Principal Financial Group, delivers an inspiring keynote address at the 2025 JA Rising Women Workshop.

This summer, we had the incredible honor of welcoming over 30 bright and motivated young women to the 2025 JA Rising Women Workshop Presented by Starbucks and we’re still buzzing from the energy, inspiration, and impact of the day. This full-day workshop was designed to empower young women with the tools, confidence, and knowledge they need to take charge of their futures.

The day began with a powerful keynote from Deanna Strable-Soethout, President & CEO of Principal Financial Group, whose leadership journey and words of encouragement set an empowering tone for the breakout sessions and panel discussion that followed, covering everything from high-growth career paths to building authentic confidence.

Image caption: Students engage actively in a hands-on activity during Kristin Economos breakout session.

Participants then moved into smaller breakout sessions led by two dynamic leaders:

Janet DeJager, Software Engineer Leader at Businessolver
Kristin Economos, owner of Life Skills Launch and Director of the Adams Leadership Institute at Drake University

These sessions focused on exploring high-growth careers and encouraged attendees to reflect on their own personal and professional goals.

Image caption: The panel of inspiring female leaders shares career insights and personal stories.

One of the most impactful moments of the day was a panel discussion moderated by Kaylee Durham, Financial Analyst at Principal Financial Group. The panel featured diverse insights and career stories from a powerhouse group of professionals:

Maureen Cosgrove, Attorney at McCormally & Cosgrove PLLC
Heather Kreiner, Financial Literacy Director at the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services
Erin Rollenhagen, Founder of People-Friendly Tech
Kristen Strawhacker Bonzer, PT, DPT, LAT, ATC, Owner of Kith and Kin Health Collaborative

“I feel more prepared and open-minded about my future because they all explained their experiences and how they weren't linear, but they all are happy with where they ended up,” shared one student attendee.

Image caption: Whitney Warne leads a confidence-building session, “Be Different, Not Better,” inspiring students to embrace their authentic selves.

In the afternoon, attendees rotated between two engaging workshop experiences:

Whitney Warne, owner of Ivory House Photography and Evoke EQ, led “Be Different, Not Better,” a session focused on building confidence through authenticity.
Simultaneously, Meghan Benson, Emily Matulac, and Lauren Wieland from Principal Financial Group facilitated an interactive session on mastering the interview process.

Each attendee also received a professional headshot, courtesy of Lauren Campbell Photography, a meaningful takeaway they can use in future college or career opportunities.

To wrap up the day, participants enjoyed a sweet treat from the Sweet Swirls Ice Cream Truck. A fun and relaxed ending to a day filled with reflection, growth, and new connections.

"The JA Rising Women event brought together aspiring young leaders with accomplished female professionals in our community. Through shared experiences and wisdom, meaningful connections were formed that will inspire the next generation,” said Sarah Nauman, JA Rising Women Committee Member. “Being part of planning this impactful event was truly rewarding."

We’re incredibly grateful to our JA Rising Women Committee, Kaylee Durham, Sarah Nauman, Sr Strategist - Asset Class Marketing and Dawn Roberts, CFO – PFN & PSI from Principal, for their vision and leadership in bringing this event to life. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to our incredible speakers, panelists, volunteers, and sponsors, including our lunch sponsor PurposeBank, whose support made this experience possible.

The JA Rising Women Workshop is one of the many ways Junior Achievement of Central Iowa is working to inspire and empower young people. We’re proud of the confidence, clarity, and connections this year’s workshop helped foster and we can’t wait to see how these future leaders take on the world.