July 10, 2023

Julie Gosselink, president, CEO, and chair of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation (CDAF), was honored recently by her friends, colleagues, and the Iowa Women’s Foundation at the 2023 10th edition of OVATION: A Tribute to Iowa Women and Girls.

Serving on numerous local and state boards and committees, Julie is known as a key supporter and investor in community efforts that uphold her late grandfather’s words to “Leave it better than you found it.” Julie was recognized for her continued efforts and involvement in her philanthropic work in the Grinnell community, and as someone who says yes to serving the needs of others. Since joining CDAF in 2001, Julie’s service has included the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, Grinnell Education Partnership, Grinnell Medical Center Foundation, Iowa Council of Foundations, Mayflower Community Foundation, SHE Counts, Drake Community Library capital campaign, and Build a Better Grinnell task force. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for Grinnell College and has been instrumental in supporting a variety of restoration efforts for the Grinnell community in the wake of the 2020 pandemic and derecho.

The Iowa Women’s Foundation works to positively impact the lives of Iowa women and girls who face barriers of education, transportation, employment, childcare, housing, and mentorship through positive social change facilitated through research, grantmaking, education, collaboration, and advocacy. www.iawf.org