Women Empowerment Breakfast, Presented by

Description

Join us for the Urbandale Chamber's Women Empowerment Breakfast, a dynamic and inspiring event 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.

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.

Don't miss out on this exceptional morning of growth, empowerment, and networking!

Agenda: 
8:00-8:30 | Networking & visiting exhibitors
8:30-8:40 | Welcome 
8:45-9:30 | Speaker 1
9:35-10:20 | Women CEO Panel
10:20-10:40 | Break
10:50-11:35 | Rachelle Keck: Overflow: Lead with Energy, Not Exhaustion
11:40-12:00| Speaker 4
12:00-12:30 | Networking/Exhibitor Time


Attendees encouraged to please visit exhibitors during breaks in programming! 

Meet our Speakers:
Dr. 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.
 
Dr. 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.
 
Her 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).
 
She and her husband, Jim, are the proud parents of four children.