2008 Iowa Women of Innovation

Cindy Rockwell (Entrepreneurial), Andrea Spencer (Academic - Secondary), Julie Rursch (Collegian), Susan Walters-Flood (Small Business), Jacqueline Shanks (Research), Sarah England (Academic - Post-Secondary), Gayle Roberts (accepted by Becky Svatos, Large Company), Lorrie Tritch (Government Agency/Non-Profit), Erin Brasser (Youth)

The Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) held its first annual Iowa Women of Innovation awards presentation on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. Nine professionals, academicians, and students were awarded with “Women of Innovation” awards.

“These women are advancing technology in Iowa,” said TAI president Leann Jacobson. “Their innovations enhance our communities, businesses, and our lives in countless ways. Their work inspires other women and girls to explore career opportunities in technology.”

Keynote speaker Susan M. Puglia, Vice President of IBM Global Sales Technical Leadership, addressed the crowd of approximately 250 attendees. In her presentation entitled “Innovation that Matters,” Puglia addressed the myths associated with innovation and reinforced that developing women leaders in all industries makes good business sense.

Janet E. Phipps Burkhead, attorney with McKee, Voorhees & Sease, PLC and Brigadier General with the Iowa Army National Guard, was the emcee for the evening.

The Iowa Women of Innovation event was supported by the Principal Financial Group, Iowa Department of Economic Development, IBM and Qwest - Iowa.

TAI received more than 70 nominations for these awards, the first of their kind in Iowa. Finalists and winners were selected by Lilia Abron, President of PEER Consultants, PC; David Lyons, Chief Business Development Officer of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation; Janet E. Phipps Burkhead, Attorney with McKee, Voorhees & Sease, PLC and a brigadier general with the Iowa Army National Guard; and Max Phillips, President of Qwest - Iowa.