BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//ChamberMaster//Event Calendar 2.0//EN METHOD:PUBLISH X-PUBLISHED-TTL:P3D REFRESH-INTERVAL:P3D CALSCALE:GREGORIAN BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20260422T130000Z DTEND:20260422T170000Z X-MICROSOFT-CDO-ALLDAYEVENT:FALSE SUMMARY:Women Empowerment\, Presented by Aptitude Fitness DESCRIPTION:Join us for the Women Empowerment Event\, presented by Aptitude Fitness. Hosted by the Urbandale\, Windsor Heights\, and Des Moines West Side Chambers\, this dynamic and inspiring event is designed to empower\, connect\, and uplift women in the workplace and their personal lives. On April 22\, 2026\, we are thrilled to bring together a diverse group of influential keynote speakers\, all of whom will share their expertise\, stories\, and strategies for success. This event is an incredible opportunity for professional growth\, learning\, and networking.\n\nWhether you're looking to expand your leadership skills\, gain insights from inspiring women\, or simply build meaningful connections with fellow professionals\, the Women Empowerment Morning has something for everyone. Take part in powerful conversations\, hear from remarkable thought leaders\, and leave feeling motivated to take your career and personal goals to the next level.\n\nDon't miss out on this exceptional morning of growth\, empowerment\, and networking!\n\n\n\nDon't want to drive and park downtown? Catch a ride on our shuttle for $10\, thanks to Royal Rides! Sign up when you register!\n\n\n\nAgenda: \n\n8:00-8:30 | Networking & visiting exhibitors\n\n8:30-8:40 | Welcome \n\n8:45-9:30 | Amy Lane and Mica Ramsey-Pipho: Lead with Laughter: Using Humor at Work\n\n9:35-10:20 | Female CEO Panel: Work/Life Balance and Leadership\n\n10:20-10:40 | Break\n\n10:50-11:35 | Rachelle Keck: Overflow: Lead with Energy\, Not Exhaustion\n\n11:40-12:00| Tricia Rivas: Don't Dim It\, Turn It All The Way Up\n\n12:00-12:30 | Networking/Exhibitor Time\n\n\n\n\n\nAttendees encouraged to please visit exhibitors during breaks in programming! \n\n\n\nMeet our Speakers:\n\nDr. Rachelle Keck serves as the President of Grand View University and is the first woman to lead the institution. A proud first generation college graduate\, she earned her B.A. from Wartburg College\, her J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law\, and her Ph.D. in Education from Drake University. Her career began in law\, where she practiced for nearly two decades before transitioning into philanthropy and higher education leadership. She has held philanthropy roles at the University of Iowa Foundation and Indian Hills Community College\, and served as President of Briar Cliff University prior to joining Grand View.\n\n \n\nDr. Keck serves on the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board and the Greater Des Moines Partnership Board\, bringing the voice of higher education into statewide and regional economic strategy. Nationally\, she serves on several boards and advisory councils focused on the future of higher education. A sought after speaker\, she is known for her dynamic and practical insights on leadership and impact. In 2024\, she delivered the American keynote address at Denmark's historic Rebild celebration.\n\n \n\nHer leadership has been recognized with numerous awards\, including Pioneering President (Council for Independent Colleges)\, Woman of Influence (Des Moines Business Record)\, Woman on Fire (FuseDSM)\, Woman of Vision (Altoona Chamber of Commerce)\, and Inspiring Advocate for Women (Girls Scouts of Greater Iowa).\n\n \n\nShe and her husband\, Jim\, are the proud parents of four children.\n\n\n\n\n\nAmy Lane joins ATW with an extensive background in curriculum development\, training\, and talent growth/development. An instructor by trade\, Amy quickly realized the importance of building individual roles and functional teams through communication and innovative deep-dive learning opportunities. Through these forums\, she was tasked to build community and corporate partnerships. These interactions to educate others continually built authentic\, trusted relationships and heightened her problem-solving skills to connect\, create and make a difference. Amy has developed e-learning\, implemented learning management systems\, and facilitated leaders and teams on strategic priorities to grow and thrive in their futures. In addition\, she has participated in in-depth trainings on communication\, leadership\, coaching & feedback\, equity & inclusion\, and change management.\n\nAmy has a B.S. from Iowa State University\, Master's in Administration and a Specialist's Degree focused on Leadership from Drake University. \n\nIf she is not networking with her community virtually or physically\, you will find her practicing yoga or walking her hounds Fletch & Ace.\n\n\n\n \n\nMica Ramsey-Pipho is a proud Des Moines native who joined ATW in 2025. Mica has a background in training and development\, and K-12 education\, where she discovered her passion for adult learning. Mica holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Drake University and a Master of Science in Adult Learning and Leadership from Kansas State University with a graduate certificate in Social Justice Education.\n\n\n\nMica is a DiSC certified practitioner\, Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths Coach\, Crucial Conversations and Crucial Influence certified trainer\, HBDI certified practitioner\, and 200-hour certified teacher in Mindfulness\, Social Emotional Leaning (SEL)\, and Yoga. She is dedicated to fostering personal and professional growth\, helping individuals learn more about themselves and others\, and encouraging positive change.\n\n\n\nCommitted to continual development\, Mica serves on the Education Committee of ATD Central Iowa as the Director of Education. Outside of work\, she enjoys spending time with her husband\, son and their black Labrador. Her hobbies include reading\, cooking\, gardening\, biking\, walking\, and being a student of Yoga. Mica also supports her community by volunteering on the School Improvement Advisory Council for the Woodward-Granger School District.\n\n\n\n\n\nTricia Rivas is a visionary consultant\, lifelong entrepreneur\, and unapologetic small business cheerleader.\n\n\n\nWith over two decades of experience in the beauty industry and small business development\, she helps mission-driven business owners align their culture with their big\, bold visions.\n\n\n\nShe doesn't do fluff\, and she's not your accountability buddy\, she's the one who rolls up her sleeves\, sits beside you\, and maps out a path that finally matches the passion in your head and heart. \n\n\n\nTricia is especially passionate about supporting rural business owners\, nonprofits\, creative thinkers\, and community-centered brands who are ready to stop playing small.\n\n\n\nWhen she's not helping businesses realign\, you can find her leading her award-winning salon\, Trixies Salon & Spa\, serving those experiencing hair loss\, or cruising rural Iowa with a cup of local coffee and a head full of new ideas.\n\n\n\nCEO Panel - moderated by Amanda Mulcahy with Connectify HR\n\nNikki Russell supports women across Des Moines\, Clive\, and central Iowa who are seeking practical\, sustainable fitness solutions designed for real life\, through Aptitude Fitness.\n\nDriven by her own experiences\, she dove deep into professional development\, completing multiple certifications and trainings to better serve women navigating similar struggles. Nikki is a Certified Fitness Coach (AFAA)\, Certified Nutrition Coach (PN Level 1)\, and Certified Perimenopause & Menopause Coach (Integrative Women's Health Institute). She also holds additional certifications in yoga foundations\, barre\, Axle\, TRX\, and Pound.\n\nHer approach is rooted in real-life balance helping women connect fitness\, nutrition\, and mindset so they can thrive at every stage of life. Her work in hormone and cycle-based nutrition has been featured on NBC WHO-TV 13 (Your Cycle Optimized) and the Your Sasstastic Life Podcast (YouTube and audio).\n\nNikki's mission is simple: to provide practical tools and reliable guidance the very tools she wishes she had earlier in her own journey. She believes that taking care of yourself isn't selfish it's essential. And she is passionate about helping women find the balance they've been craving.\n\n\n\nMelissa Ness is the Founder and CEO of Connectify HR\, a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) dedicated to simplifying HR for businesses and emphasizing local service and community involvement. With a career spanning 25 years\, Melissa has held key leadership roles\, including CEO\, CFO\, COO\, and President in the PEO\, IT and Telecommunications Industries in companies from 30 employees to 16\,000 employees.\n\n\n\nMelissa is committed to servant leadership and is deeply involved in her community\, including serving on several nonprofit and business boards. Additionally\, Connectify HR donates a percentage of its revenue and time to local non-profits\, driven by a mission to support those in need.\n\n\n\nOutside of her professional life\, Melissa enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband of 23 years and their two kids. They love camping\, reading by the beach\, and exploring nature together.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRenee Hardman serves as President & CEO at Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI)\; one of Iowa's largest non-profits serving all 99 counties with close to 350 employees offering services for Immigrant & Refugees\, persons with disabilities\, adoptive care and foster care services\, early childhood\, Mental health and Global Greens.\n\nPreviously employed at Broadlawns Medical Center's inaugural Chief Diversity\, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Vice President of Human Resources.\n\n \n\nShe earned her Bachelor's degree and Masters in Business (MBA) from Drake University. Ms. Hardman holds a senior professional human resources (SPHR) certification.\n\n \n\nIn 2017 Renee made history when she was elected as the first African American woman to the West Des Moines City Council in its 125-year history as Member-At-Large. She is now a member of the Iowa Senate\, serving the 16th District.\n\n\n\n \n\nThank you to our Sponsors: X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:

Join \;us for the \;Women Empowerment Event\, presented by Aptitude Fitness. \;Hosted by the Urbandale\, Windsor Heights\, and Des Moines West Side Chambers\, \;this dynamic and inspiring event is designed to empower\, connect\, and uplift women in the workplace and their personal lives. On April 22\, 2026\, we are thrilled to bring together a diverse group of influential keynote speakers\, all of whom will share their expertise\, stories\, and strategies for success. This event is an incredible opportunity for professional growth\, learning\, and networking.

\n\n

Whether you'\;re looking to expand your leadership skills\, gain insights from inspiring women\, or simply build meaningful connections with fellow professionals\, the Women Empowerment Morning has something for everyone. Take part in powerful conversations\, hear from remarkable thought leaders\, and leave feeling motivated to take your career and personal goals to the next level.

\n\n

Don'\;t miss out on this exceptional morning of growth\, empowerment\, and networking!
\n
\nDon'\;t want to drive and park downtown? Catch a ride on our shuttle for $10\, thanks to Royal Rides! Sign up when you register!
\n
\nAgenda: \;
\n8:00-8:30 \;| \;Networking &\; visiting exhibitors
\n8:30-8:40 \;| \;Welcome \;
\n8:45-9:30 \;| \;Amy Lane and Mica Ramsey-Pipho: Lead with Laughter: Using Humor at Work
\n9:35-10:20 \;| Female CEO Panel: Work/Life Balance and Leadership
\n10:20-10:40 \;| \;Break
\n10:50-11:35 \;| \;Rachelle Keck: Overflow: Lead with Energy\, Not Exhaustion
\n11:40-12:00| \;Tricia Rivas: \;Don&rsquo\;t Dim It\, Turn It All The Way Up
\n12:00-12:30 | Networking/Exhibitor Time
\n
\n
\nAttendees encouraged to please visit exhibitors during breaks in programming! \;
\n
\nMeet our Speakers:
\nDr. Rachelle Keck serves as the President of Grand View University and is the first woman to lead the institution. A proud first‑\;generation college graduate\, she earned her B.A. from Wartburg College\, her J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law\, and her Ph.D. in Education from Drake University. Her career began in law\, where she practiced for nearly two decades before transitioning into philanthropy and higher education leadership. She has held philanthropy roles at the University of Iowa Foundation and Indian Hills Community College\, and served as President of Briar Cliff University prior to joining Grand View.
\n \;
\nDr. Keck serves on the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board and the Greater Des Moines Partnership Board\, bringing the voice of higher education into statewide and regional economic strategy. Nationally\, she serves on several boards and advisory councils focused on the future of higher education. A sought‑\;after speaker\, she is known for her dynamic and practical insights on leadership and impact. In 2024\, she delivered the American keynote address at Denmark&rsquo\;s historic Rebild celebration.
\n \;
\nHer leadership has been recognized with numerous awards\, including Pioneering President (Council for Independent Colleges)\, Woman of Influence (Des Moines Business Record)\, Woman on Fire (FuseDSM)\, Woman of Vision (Altoona Chamber of Commerce)\, and Inspiring Advocate for Women (Girls Scouts of Greater Iowa).
\n \;
\nShe and her husband\, Jim\, are the proud parents of four children.
\n
\n
\nAmy Lane joins ATW with an extensive background in curriculum \;development\, training\, and talent growth/development. An instructor by trade\, \;Amy \;quickly realized the importance of building individual roles and functional teams through communication and innovative deep-dive learning opportunities. Through these forums\, she was tasked to build community and corporate partnerships. These interactions to educate others continually built authentic\, trusted relationships and heightened her problem-solving skills to connect\, create and make a difference.  \;Amy has developed e-learning\, implemented learning management systems\, and facilitated leaders and teams on strategic priorities to grow and thrive in their futures. In addition\, she has participated in in-depth trainings on communication\, leadership\, coaching &\; feedback\, equity &\; inclusion\, and change management.

\n\n

Amy has a B.S. from Iowa State University\, Master&rsquo\;s in Administration and a Specialist&rsquo\;s Degree focused on Leadership from Drake University.  \;

\n\n

If she is not networking with her community virtually or physically\, you will find her practicing yoga or walking her hounds Fletch &\; Ace.
\n
\n \;

\n\n
Mica Ramsey-Pipho \;is a proud Des Moines native who joined ATW in 2025. Mica has a background in training and development\, and K-12 education\, where she discovered her passion for adult learning. Mica holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Drake University and a Master of Science in Adult Learning and Leadership from Kansas State University with a graduate certificate in Social Justice Education.
\n
\nMica is a DiSC certified practitioner\, Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths Coach\, Crucial Conversations and Crucial Influence certified trainer\, HBDI certified practitioner\, and 200-hour certified teacher in Mindfulness\, Social Emotional Leaning (SEL)\, and Yoga. She is dedicated to fostering personal and professional growth\, helping individuals learn more about themselves and others\, and encouraging positive change.
\n
\nCommitted to continual development\, Mica serves on the Education Committee of ATD Central Iowa as the Director of Education. Outside of work\, she enjoys spending time with her husband\, son and their black Labrador. Her hobbies include reading\, cooking\, gardening\, biking\, walking\, and being a student of Yoga. Mica also supports her community by volunteering on the School Improvement Advisory Council for the Woodward-Granger School District.
\n\n


\n
\nTricia Rivas \;is a visionary consultant\, lifelong entrepreneur\, and unapologetic small business cheerleader.
\n
\nWith over two decades of experience in the beauty industry and small business development\, she helps mission-driven business owners align their culture with their big\, bold visions.
\n
\nShe doesn&rsquo\;t do fluff\, and she&rsquo\;s not your accountability buddy\, she&rsquo\;s the one who rolls up her sleeves\, sits beside you\, and maps out a path that finally matches the passion in your head and heart. ​\;
\n
\nTricia is especially passionate about supporting rural business owners\, nonprofits\, creative thinkers\, and community-centered brands who are ready to stop playing small.
\n
\nWhen she&rsquo\;s not helping businesses realign\, you can find her leading her award-winning salon\, Trixies Salon &\; Spa\, serving those experiencing hair loss\, or cruising rural Iowa with a cup of local coffee and a head full of new ideas.
\n
\nCEO Panel - moderated by Amanda Mulcahy with Connectify HR
\nNikki Russell \;supports women across Des Moines\, Clive\, and central Iowa who are seeking practical\, sustainable fitness solutions designed for real life\, through Aptitude Fitness.

\n\n

Driven by her own experiences\, she dove deep into professional development\, completing multiple certifications and trainings to better serve women navigating similar struggles. Nikki is a Certified Fitness Coach (AFAA)\, Certified Nutrition Coach (PN Level 1)\, and Certified Perimenopause &\; Menopause Coach (Integrative Women&rsquo\;s Health Institute). She also holds additional certifications in yoga foundations\, barre\, Axle\, TRX\, and Pound.

\n\n

Her approach is rooted in real-life balance&mdash\;helping women connect fitness\, nutrition\, and mindset so they can thrive at every stage of life. Her work in hormone and cycle-based nutrition has been featured on NBC WHO-TV 13 (Your Cycle Optimized) and the Your Sasstastic Life Podcast (YouTube and audio).

\n\n

Nikki&rsquo\;s mission is simple: to provide practical tools and reliable guidance&mdash\;the very tools she wishes she had earlier in her own journey. She believes that taking care of yourself isn&rsquo\;t selfish&mdash\;it&rsquo\;s essential. And she is passionate about helping women find the balance they&rsquo\;ve been craving.
\n
\nMelissa Ness \;is the Founder and CEO of Connectify HR\, a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) dedicated to simplifying HR for businesses and emphasizing local service and community involvement. With a career spanning 25 years\, Melissa has held key leadership roles\, including CEO\, CFO\, COO\, and President in the PEO\, IT and Telecommunications Industries in companies from 30 employees to 16\,000 employees.
\n
\nMelissa is committed to servant leadership and is deeply involved in her community\, including serving on several nonprofit and business boards. Additionally\, Connectify HR donates a percentage of its revenue and time to local non-profits\, driven by a mission to support those in need.
\n
\nOutside of her professional life\, Melissa enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband of 23 years and their two kids. They love camping\, reading by the beach\, and exploring nature together.
\n
\n
\n
\n
\nRenee Hardman serves as President &\; CEO at Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI)\; one of Iowa&rsquo\;s largest non-profits serving all 99 counties with close to 350 employees offering services for Immigrant &\; Refugees\, persons with disabilities\, adoptive care and foster care services\, early childhood\, Mental health and Global Greens.

\n\n

Previously employed at Broadlawns Medical Center&rsquo\;s inaugural Chief Diversity\, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Vice President of Human Resources.
\n \;

\n\n

She earned her Bachelor&rsquo\;s degree and Masters in Business (MBA) from Drake University. Ms. Hardman holds a senior professional human resources (SPHR) certification.

\n\n

 \;

\n\n

In 2017 Renee made history when she was elected as the first African American woman to the West Des Moines City Council in its 125-year history as Member-At-Large. She is now a member of the Iowa Senate\, serving the 16th District.
\n
\n \;

\n\n

Thank you to our Sponsors:
\n

\n LOCATION:The Tea Room 713 Walnut St.\, Unit 600 Des Moines\, IA 50309 UID:e.1185.17588 SEQUENCE:3 DTSTAMP:20260421T104131Z URL:http://business.uniquelyurbandale.com/events/details/women-empowerment-breakfast-presented-by-aptitude-fitness-17588 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR