Women Public & Non-Profit in Des Moines, IA

If/When/How is a student organization at Drake University, situated in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa, where it contributes to the vibrant campus culture and community engagement that define the institution. This organization reflects Drake University's core values of equity, inclusion, community engagement, and global engagement—principles that guide everything the university does. Drake University has a meaningful history and rich traditions that create a foundation for student success and community impact. From the iconic Drake Relays to campus traditions like hubbelling and the Kissing Rock, Drake fosters a sense of connection and shared purpose among its diverse student body. The university welcomes the most diverse entering student classes in its history, creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. Located in Des Moines, a fast-growing and diverse Midwestern metro area, Drake is interwoven with the city's vibrant cultural and professional landscape. The university's student-focused leadership model prioritizes student achievement and success above all else, ensuring that organizations like If/When/How have the support and resources needed to make a genuine difference. With over 3,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, Drake creates intimate class sizes and close personal relationships that allow student organizations to flourish. The university's emphasis on service learning, community volunteering, and professional development means that If/When/How operates within a culture that values meaningful engagement and real-world impact. Through this organization, Drake students in Des Moines, IA continue the university's legacy of transforming student lives and strengthening communities.

Drake Law Women represents a legacy of empowerment and professional sisterhood at Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa. Founded in 1974 when fewer than six percent of Drake Law students were female, the organization emerged from a vision to support and advocate for women in legal education during a transformative period for the profession. What began as the Drake Women's Law Caucus has grown into a cornerstone organization that reflects the dramatic evolution of gender representation in law school. Today, Drake Law Women serves as a community hub for female law students seeking connection, mentorship, and shared purpose. The organization's membership encompasses women with varied legal interests and backgrounds, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences. Members benefit from access to experienced female attorney mentors who provide guidance, support, and inspiration as they navigate their legal education and early careers. This intergenerational connection between students and practicing attorneys strengthens the entire Des Moines legal community. The organization's commitment extends beyond professional networking to meaningful community impact. Drake Law Women sponsors annual philanthropic events that directly benefit Children and Families of Iowa, channeling the collective passion of its members toward social good. The Emergency Fund provides critical support to members during times of financial need, embodying the organization's values of solidarity and mutual care. With approximately half of Drake Law School's current student body being female, Drake Law Women has successfully transitioned from an advocacy organization into a thriving professional community. The organization maintains active membership programs, a lending library, and regular networking opportunities. Many Drake Law School alumni credit their time with Drake Law Women as formative to their professional identities and continue to value the friendships and connections forged within the organization.

Founded on February 25, 1984, when forty-one Iowa attorneys gathered to draft its constitution, the Iowa Organization of Women Attorneys (I.O.W.A.) has evolved into a vital community for legal professionals based in Des Moines, Iowa. What began as a focused effort to address the needs and concerns of women in the Iowa legal profession has blossomed into a statewide membership organization that spans all judicial districts. I.O.W.A. is built on the principle that women deserve equal standing and opportunity within the legal profession and society at large. The organization's volunteer-driven leadership ensures that decisions reflect the real experiences and priorities of its diverse membership. I.O.W.A. creates meaningful connections among women legal professionals at all career stages, from law students exploring their options to experienced judges and practitioners. The organization's commitment extends beyond professional advancement to include advocacy for justice and equality for all persons within Iowa. Members benefit from a supportive community that understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in law. I.O.W.A. provides essential resources, networking platforms, and collaborative opportunities that strengthen both individual careers and the broader legal community. By maintaining strong connections with local bar associations and statewide organizations, I.O.W.A. ensures that women's voices and perspectives shape the future of the legal profession in Des Moines and throughout Iowa. The organization's four-decade history demonstrates its enduring commitment to promoting diversity, equality, and professional excellence.