Diane Ramsey is the Co-Founder & EPIC Corporate Challenge Co-Chair of Iowa Women Lead Change. IWLC transitioned from a grassroots-driven once-a-year event to a statewide 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to advance women’s leadership development and excellence.
On June 13, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad issued a proclamation in support of The EPIC Corporate Challenge, a public-private statewide partnership in support of women in leadership. With the proclamation, the Governor will acknowledge that the continued growth of Iowa’s economy depends on the cultivation of diverse talent in the workforce.
In partnership with Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa Women Lead Change (IWLC), the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and the Iowa Department of Workforce Development, The EPIC Corporate Challenge is an initiative that brings together Iowa businesses to formally commit to grow and retain women at all levels of company leadership, creating a unique community of organizations working collectively on the vital issues of recruiting, maintaining, and promoting women in the workforce. The EPIC Corporate Challenge officially launched on March 31 with opening ceremonies in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.
“Iowa has an opportunity to continue its unparalleled growth by unlocking the potential of all our talents and this is particularly true for women-owned businesses, women in leadership, women on corporate boards and women in elected office,” said Branstad. “Companies that achieve diversity in their management and on their corporate boards attain better financial results, on average, than other companies.”
Hy Vee, Inc., Delta Dental, and Rockwell Collins serve as Presenting Sponsors of The EPIC Corporate Challenge. “Many of the state’s largest and most influential employers have signed on to send a clear message that they are serious about advancing women in their workforce,” said Diane Ramsey, CEO of IWLC. As of today, 33 Iowa businesses have joined as EPIC member organizations.
Organizations that commit to the challenge commit to three things:
Companies that sign on to be EPIC Corporate Challenge partners will commit to set voluntary measurable goals in at least one of the following areas:
More information on the EPIC Corporate Challenge, as well as information on how organizations can get involved can be found at www.IWLCLeads.org/EPIC.