Women who inspire: Stories from the Women Impacting ISU calendar • Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics • Iowa State University

CATEGORIES: May 2025, Voices

Article by Hope Anderson, Catt Center public relations/events planning intern

Since 2007, the Women Impacting ISU calendar has recognized twelve women each year – faculty, staff, and students who have made a meaningful impact at Iowa State through their leadership and achievements.

The idea for the calendar began in 2005 when student Angela Groh Fogt, inspired by a similar project at the University of Kansas, brought the concept back to Ames. With support from the Carrie Chapman Catt Center and a Women’s Enrichment Fund mini grant, the first calendar was published in 2007. Now funded by the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost, the calendar remains a powerful tradition celebrating the women shaping Iowa State’s future.

In the lead-up to the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first calendar, we asked past calendar honorees about their memories of when they were honored, where they are today, and what words of wisdom they have for current and future honorees.

Cilia Maria Ruiz-Paz was an honoree on the very first edition of the Women Impacting ISU calendar in 2007. She was honored in her senior year studying psychology and international studies. Today, Ruiz-Paz works for the chief of police and oversees legislative and special projects for the Miami Beach Police Department. She is also a reserve police officer and, as a minority female in leadership, does her best to set an example for the next generation by breaking stereotypes and biases.

Ruiz-Paz said, “To be featured on the calendar – and especially in its first edition – was a great honor that validated my work and positively reinforced the drive for change for women and minorities in law enforcement and beyond.” To current and future honorees, she said, “I hope that this honor also validates your contributions to society and reminds you that all your efforts have played a part in leaving this earth better than you found it.”

Denise Williams-Klotz was honored on the 2019 edition of the calendar. During the week of the reception, she remembers potty training her son, signing with a literary agent for her debut novel and being recognized by the Catt Center. She said, “It felt like I was seeing progress and recognition and joy in all facets of my life, and it was a really wonderful and memorable week.”

Today, Williams-Klotz is at the ISU Foundation, working with donors who love ISU and want to see the students, faculty and staff flourish. Her son is curious, kind, and genuinely funny, and her tenth novel just came out. She has the calendar framed in her office as a reminder of the recognition and how there is always more to do. She says to the current and future honorees, “Thank you for the work you do, the work you will do, the work that you will not be thanked for, and the work you should be thanked for. You make the spaces you’re in brighter, better, and bolder.”

Chandra Peterson was a senior studying political science and philosophy when she was featured on the 2011 edition of the calendar. Her favorite part of this honor was meeting other women who were making significant contributions across Iowa State’s campus. Currently, Peterson works as a public defender at the Federal Defender’s Office in the District of Oregon, based in Portland.

Peterson would like to share a message with future honorees: “Our world has always needed smart and dedicated women, and it needs us now more than ever. Take a moment to celebrate all that you have accomplished to reach this point. If you are being honored in this calendar, you have certainly been working hard. Keep striving to make our community a better place for everyone.”

Emily (Barske) Wood was a senior in journalism & mass communication and marketing when she was honored on the 2018 edition of the calendar. One of the things she remembers most about her experience was the adjective assigned to her, “innovative.” Wood said, “That word has really stuck with me, inspiring me to look for new, better, and different strategies when facing challenges.”

Wood now works as a special projects editor at the Des Moines Business Record. She is also working on her MFA in narrative nonfiction writing through the University of Georgia and is on track to graduate in August. She said to future honorees, “As someone focused on doing the best for your community, those you work with, and your loved ones, it can be easy to have a full plate. Don’t forget in the midst of your busy schedule to celebrate yourself and appreciate all the delights life has to offer.”

Michelle L. Boettcher was honored on the 2010 edition of the calendar when she served as the assistant dean of students and director of judicial affairs. She is currently a faculty member in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at Clemson University.

Boettcher was both surprised and honored to be included on the calendar alongside many dynamic leaders and women she respected on campus. To current honorees she said, “Congratulations on your recognition on the calendar! Each of you has clearly made a difference in the lives of others, as reflected by your inclusion. I hope you will not only continue to do great work but also lift other women through future calendar nominations and in your daily efforts. Thank you for everything you have done, are doing, and will do in the future. Take care of yourselves as you support others. Go Cyclones!”

Vayda Wilkins was recognized on the 2022 calendar as a senior in civil engineering. During the ceremony, she had the privilege of having her grandparents in attendance. Since they could not be there for her college graduation, this celebration of her accomplishments held special meaning. Wilkins now resides in Corning, New York, where she works as a structural engineer for Vulcraft of New York.

For current honorees, she stated, “This is a distinguished honor and shows that you have made a difference in many individuals’ lives. Congratulations! Take some time to reflect on your experience at Iowa State University and acknowledge the ways you have impacted others. Continue to be an influential woman at ISU, and remember that your voice is heard here. People around you look up to you and recognize you as a leader. In your future endeavors, whether at Iowa State or beyond, make sure to set aside time to consider your positive influence on those around you.”

Stephanie (Zywicki) Masta was honored on the 2013 calendar when she was a doctoral student in education and a graduate assistant at the Research Institute for Studies in Education. She remembers the feeling of being honored and said, “So much of the work we do for universities is often unseen and thankless, so it was incredible to be recognized for doing work that I thought was essential for Iowa State.”

Masta is now a professor in the College of Education at Purdue University. Her words of advice for current and future honorees are, “Sometimes it’s easy to think that our work is unrecognized–still do it anyway!”

Stephanie Salasek was recognized on the 2014 calendar when she was the senior associate director of admissions. She recalls meeting Kristine Roush, the public relations/events planning intern for the Catt Center, when she had her photo taken for the calendar. This encounter led to a connection with Roush’s mother, a leader in a major grocery chain, and they have collaborated for many years since then.

Salasek now runs her own business, Look Up Communications, which focuses on helping businesses, colleges, universities, and organizations enhance public speaking skills and overall communication intelligence. Additionally, she authored a book titled “Cookies to Contracts: 50 Ways to Enhance Your Public Speaking Intelligence.” Her advice to current and future honorees is: “Keep your calendar. When you need a little boost years from now, it’s enjoyable to look back and remember the difference you made.”

Beth Hartmann was featured on the 2014 calendar when she was as a lecturer for the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering. She continues to work at Iowa State University as a teaching professor in both the Program for Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) and the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering.

When she received this honor, Hartmann expressed her delight in being able to sign the posters that would later be laminated, saying it made her feel like a celebrity. Her advice to future honorees is, “Keep doing great things for others. Our work matters.”

Lisa Lund outside Jack Trice Stadium — Lisa Lund

Lisa Lund was honored on last year’s calendar. She remembers getting the email about being selected while at home with her two daughters. Lund says that they were the first two she told the news to, and they still have the calendar with her picture displayed in their rooms.

Lund is still the manager of information technology support at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Since being honored, she has expanded the food pantry to have free reusable bags and a fresh produce farmer’s market in the summer and fall, and has extended outreach to other colleges. Lund advises future honorees: “This is a time that we need strong women who use their voice wisely. Keep spreading positivity and making an impact. Your work does NOT go unnoticed.”

Elizabeth Hoffman was part of the 2013 edition of the calendar. She described that recognition as a great honor and she enjoyed meeting the other honorees at the calendar reception. Hoffman still lives in Ames, having retired from the university on January 1, 2025. During her tenure as a professor of economics, Hoffman also served as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences from 1993-1997 and as executive vice president and provost from 2007-2012.

Hoffman urges current and future honorees, “Enjoy your year as a calendar honoree and nominate others to follow you.”

Megan (Todd) Rodenburg was an honoree on the 2008 calendar edition. She remembers feeling honored even to be considered for the calendar as an Iowa State student, saying her involvement on campus shaped who she was then and who she is now. “It was so special to be included in that group of women,” she said.

After graduating in 2008 with a marketing degree, Rodenburg spent 14 years working for the Athletics Department, and she has now been with Engineering Career Services for the last three years. To current honorees she says, “Congratulations on your honor! Take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments and be proud of the impact you’ve left at Iowa State!”

Rohini Ramnath was featured on the very first calendar in 2007. She said that it was an outstanding feeling to be among so many outstanding women at Iowa State and see many faces that had impacted her own journey. Ramnath currently lives in Washington, D.C., and is working at the DC Department of Education.

Her advice to current and future honorees is, “Looking back is as important as looking forward. I am where I am because of the fight of so many people, particularly Black and Brown folks. There is incredible power in the collective – make sure to lean on one another and offer support wherever and whenever possible.”

Mariana Gonzales was one of two students honored on the 2022 edition of the calendar. She was nominated by her good friends and Kappa Kappa Gamma sisters, Emma and Jillian. She said it was an amazing moment to be surrounded by women leaders. She is now a content creator for the Democratic Governors Association in Washington, D.C.

Gonzales says, “Iowa State University is such a special place and will forever have a soft spot in my heart. I’m immensely grateful for the women who supported me during my journey there, such as the staff at the Catt Center, the Collegiate Panhellenic Council community, Dr. Toyia Younger, and many more. It would not be the place it is without such tremendous women leaders.”

Susan Lamont was a part of the 2013 edition of the calendar. She remembers how huge of an honor it was because, as she says, “impact” is what it’s all about.

Lamont retired from the university last summer, but is still active professionally, nationally and internationally, as well as volunteers time in her department. Her message to current and futures is, “Be gracious in accepting honors – you deserve the recognition!”

Shannon Coleman was featured on the 2023 calendar, with “inclusive” as the adjective used to describe her in her role as an associate professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and state extension specialist for Human Sciences Extension and Outreach. She is currently an associate professor and state extension specialist at Louisiana State University AgCenter. She says, “Recently, my colleagues referred to me as the “connector” because I helped them identify who they should collaborate with. I believe that “connector” perfectly complements the word “inclusion” as I strive to ensure that the right people are at the table.”

Coleman’s message for current and future honorees is, “Someone thought of you to provide you with your flowers because you made an amazing impact on their lives. Take time and smell your flowers. You deserve this honor.”

Visit the Catt Center website for more information about the Women Impacting ISU calendar, including how to nominate someone for the 2026 commemorative edition.

Published: May 12, 2025