New board takes the helm at a critical moment for Iowa women entrepreneurs
Des Moines, Iowa (June 25, 2026)—The Iowa chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) has installed its 2026-2027 leadership team, bringing together a group of women entrepreneurs committed to strengthening opportunities for women business owners across a state that ranks 47th in the nation for women-owned business growth and economic impact.
The new board will focus on advocacy, connection and creating pathways for women entrepreneurs to grow from surviving to scaling their businesses.
"There's never been a more important time for women business owners to lift one another up, speak with a collective voice and advocate for meaningful change," said Rachel Formaro, president of NAWBO Iowa and founder and CEO of Collabry. "Women are building businesses despite significant barriers, and Iowa has an opportunity to become a state where women entrepreneurs don't just succeed in spite of the system, but because of it. We intend to be part of driving that change."
Women own more than 15 million businesses nationwide, yet women-owned businesses generate just 4.6% of total U.S. business revenue. In Iowa, persistent challenges including limited access to capital, caregiving responsibilities and gaps in business support systems continue to create obstacles for women entrepreneurs. Iowa currently ranks 47th in the nation for women-owned business growth and economic impact.
Rachel Formaro is founder and CEO of Collabry and a longtime advocate for women entrepreneurs. With more than 20 years of experience in communications and business strategy, she has helped lead NAWBO Iowa's advocacy efforts and now steps into the role of president. She also serves on the board of the Chrysalis Foundation for Girls and Women and volunteers with Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa.
The 2026-2027 NAWBO Iowa board includes:
Past President: Mollie Frideres, MFS HR Solutions
Secretary: Janice Marquardt, Passwall Solutions
Treasurer: Penny Schmidt, Apella Wealth
Director of Advocacy: Charlene Austin, eXp Realty
Director of Advocacy: Rebekah Brandmeyer, Elevated Strategies
Director of Communications: Alexson Calahan, Small Adventures Communications
Director of Corporate Partners: Kimberly Baeth, Cutting Edge Success
Director of Membership: Karla Rendall, 2 KOKO, LLC
Director of Programs: Joy Greer, Peel Business Design
Click here to find out more about our current Board of Directors.
