February 13th, 2024

S.H.E. Counts (Supporting Helping Empowering Women) and the Brooklyn Opera House are kicking off Women’s History Month with an International Women’s Day event on March 1. The event is being held at the Brooklyn Opera House and Michael J. Manatt Community Center in Brooklyn. The day will begin at 8:30am with networking booths. At 9:45am the group will transition into the opera house and hear from the keynote speaker, Claudia Schabel. At 11am a panelist of three women from different areas of expertise will answer questions and share information. Then, at Noon, lunch will be served with a wrap up of the day by Hollie Tometich and Mary Kramer will speak. Tickets for the event are $25 if purchased in advance and are available at brooklynoperahouse.com/events.

The theme for the event is Inspire Inclusion and Claudia Schabel is the keynote speaker. She is the Founder, President and CEO of Schabel Solutions. Her approach as a sought-after diversity, equity and inclusion consultant combines over 20 years of DEI and human resources practitioner experience, largely with Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies, with her international, multicultural background. Born and raised in Brazil, Claudia lived and worked in Japan for five years prior to moving to the United States and earning a BA in International Relations from Drake University. Fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish and proficient in Japanese, Claudia deeply understands cross-cultural communication. This expertise positions her to offer impactful consulting, training and coaching services in the areas of DEI and cultural competency. Alicia Blankenfeld, committee member of SHE Count, says, “International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity to shine a light on champions worldwide committed to forging an inclusive world.”

Members of the speaking panel are Jessica Dillon, Dr. Clara Montague, and Dr. Elizabeth Tigges. Jessica Dillon, CPWA® at Grinnell Wealth Management provides financial planning and investment management for individuals and families in Central Iowa and virtually. With a focus on holistic financial planning, she enjoys connecting the dots in her clients’ lives to help them maximize their financial future. Jessica celebrates over 20 years of experience in the investment management field, having started her career investing institutional funds on trading desks before transitioning to directly working with families and nonprofits, helping plan and implement effective financial strategies to achieve the security and prosperity they value.

Dr. Clara Montague is a member of the faculty and a proud alumna of Grinnell College, where she teaches in the gender, women’s, and sexuality studies program. Her scholarship explores the global history and politics of academic feminist movements to advance education for women and girls. Clara’s other professional interests include digital studies, geography, art activism, and criminal justice, including work with Grinnell’s Liberal Arts in Prison Program.

Dr. Elizabeth Tigges grew up primarily in southeast Iowa. She got her undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Simpson college, and her medical degree at Des Moines University. She subsequently completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio. She has been practicing women’s health for 12 years, and in Grinnell, Iowa for the last 8 years. Tigges has a particular interest in robotic gynecologic surgery, prolapse, women’s mental health, and leadership. She feels her passion is in empowering women, supporting them in ways that are best for them and guiding them through life’s joys and challenges, its suffering, and its opportunities.

The focus of the panel will be to have attendees ask questions related to women in the areas of financial empowerment, women’s education, women’s health and leadership. Jane Penyich, member of the SHE Counts advisory committee says, “We are excited to welcome this diverse group of women to our International Women’s Day event and are looking forward to what they have to share with the attendees.”

Lunch will be in the Michael J. Manatt Community Center and will be catered by the Mayflower Dining Services. A buffet-style meal will be served of chicken chardonnay, parsley potatoes, a side salad and dessert, and vegetarian and gluten free options will be available. Attendees will be encouraged to mingle with others and network during lunch.

Hollie Tometich will facilitate the panel of speakers and give a wrap up presentation. Hollie is a Life and Leadership Coach who has been the Executive Director of Ottumwa Leadership Academy since 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Central College and has a wealth of experience in leadership development, strategic planning, marketing, public relations, and public speaking. She is a Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths Coach and a certified Speaker, Trainer, Coach with the John Maxwell Team. Additionally, Hollie has a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.

Mary Kramer, the former ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and former Iowa State Senator will close out the day by speaking on her life and experiences. “Mary has such a neat background and life story. Her contribution to the day will be inspirational and we look forward to hearing from her.”, says Blankenfeld.

The remaining month of March will be focused on collecting period products for SHE Counts at various businesses in Grinnell, Brooklyn and Montezuma. Donations of pads, tampons or menstrual cups will be accepted at Hy Vee, Fareway, Saints Rest Coffee Shop, Center Ground coffee shop in Brooklyn, and Vivarium Coffee in Montezuma. UPH Grinnell Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic collects products year long. All products are then distributed throughout the community to the MICA food pantry, the Drake Community Library food cupboard, GHS female bathrooms and other locations as the needs arise.

Closing out the month of March, SHE Counts will be collaborating with Grinnell Mutual and the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce for the second Women + Friends event. The night will focus on shopping at local downtown businesses and donating period products at Solera Wine Bar. “Be sure to save the date for March 20 for this night out. It is sure to be a fun evening with friends of SHE Counts”, states Penyich.

For more information or questions about the events, please contact Jennifer Cogley at [email protected].

S.H.E. Counts is a partner program of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation (CDAF), a family foundation which oversees the work of ten local partner programs and funds. Supporting the growth of Grinnell in various arenas through these programs, CDAF encourages the improvement of all Grinnellians’ quality of life.