IA Women in Tech Happy Hour — 2025 Catalysts Honoree
Beyond the Title; Building Belonging for Women in Tech
Women in Tech Happy Hour is a movement, not just a meetup.
At the 2025 Catalysts Live event on July 17th, Liz Keehner, principal at Next Level Ventures, and Kate Lyon, general counsel at Openloop Health, took the stage to explain more.
What is the IA Women in Tech Happy Hour?
No panels. No tickets. No pressure.
It’s a space where women in tech can simply show up, enjoy some free drinks and good vibes, and connect with others in the industry — from coders to creators to community builders.
The event was created two years ago by four local women who wanted to challenge the status quo of traditional networking events. One of the founders, Kate Lyon, said she’d had countless conversations with women who often found themselves one of the few, if not the only, women in the room at tech events.
“We need more than networking — we need real conversations."
So, alongside her co-founders, including Liz Keehner, she helped create the space they themselves needed. In just the past year, the group has hosted three Women in Tech Happy Hour events, and hundreds of women showed up. It was clear they weren’t alone in wanting to feel seen and connected in Iowa’s tech community.
“The magic happens when the pressure is off."
When no one’s asking for a resume or job title, women let down their guard. They ask real questions. They shed imposter syndrome. And, event by event, the founders have seen a shift. Women who were quiet at first came back the next time ready to speak up and to encourage others.
“Vulnerability unlocks voices,” Keehner said.
And when women see themselves in others, they gain the confidence to speak up at work, in life, and in the tech community as a whole.
Keehner and Lyon also emphasized that these events are a way to challenge the idea that tech is only for certain types of people.
“The truth is, tech doesn’t care about titles, departments, or industries. It doesn’t recognize gender, background, or job descriptions.”
Because of this, Women in Tech Happy Hour doesn’t gather people based on job titles. It brings them together through shared curiosity. Curiosity about how technology is shaping the future, and how we can grow and adapt with it.
“Women in tech isn’t just a happy hour event — it’s a movement. When women come together, they spark curiosity and courage. And when we’re together, we can achieve anything.”
As one attendee put it:
“Attending the Women in Tech event was an empowering experience that left me feeling confident, supported, and deeply connected to a community of inspiring women. The stories, insights, and genuine encouragement shared throughout the afternoon reminded me that I belong in this industry and have the strength to lead and grow.”
Attend the next one on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Des Moines: RSVP here
Explore more stories from this year’s honorees:
