S.H.E Counts plans events for Women’s History Month

BROOKLYN -- S.H.E. Counts (Supporting Helping Empowering Women) and the Brooklyn Opera House are kicking off Women’s History Month with an International Women’s Day event March 1.

The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Brooklyn Opera House and Michael J. Manatt Community Center with networking booths. At 9:45 a.m. Claudia Schabel will deliver the keynote speech.

Schabel is the founder, president and CEO of Schabel Solutions. Her approach as a sought-after diversity, equity and inclusion consultant combines over 20 years of DEI and human resources practitioner experience, largely with Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies, with her international, multicultural background.

Born and raised in Brazil, Schabel lived and worked in Japan for five years prior to moving to the United States and earning a BA in International Relations from Drake University.

A panel consisting of Jessica Dillon, Dr. Clara Montague, and Dr. Elizabeth Tigges will answer questions and share information related to women’s financial empowerment, women’s education, women’s health and leadership beginning at 11 a.m.

Dillon, with Grinnell Wealth Management, provides financial planning and investment management for individuals and families in Central Iowa and virtually. She has over 20 years of experience in the investment management field.

Montague is an alumna and member of the faculty of Grinnell College, where she teaches in the gender, women’s and sexuality studies program. Her scholarship explores the global history and politics of academic feminist movements to advance education for women and girls.

Tigges grew up primarily in southeast Iowa. She got her undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Simpson college and her medical degree at Des Moines University.

She completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio. She has been practicing women’s health for 12 years, the last eight in Grinnell.

Lunch will be served at noon with a wrap-up of the day by Hollie Tometich and Mary Kramer.

Tometich is a life and leadership coach who has been the executive director of Ottumwa Leadership Academy since 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Central College. She is Gallup certified CliftonStrengths coach and has a certificate in divserity and inclusion from Cornell University.

Kramer, the former ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and former Iowa State Senator will close out the day by speaking on her life and experiences.

Tickets for the event are $25 if purchased in advance and are available at brooklynoperahouse.com/events.

During the rest of the month, SHE Counts will collect menstrual products at various businesses. Donations of pads, tampons or menstrual cups will be accepted at Hy Vee, Fareway, Saints Rest Coffee Shop, Center Ground coffee shop in Brooklyn, and Vivarium Coffee in Montezuma.

UPH Grinnell Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic collects products year long. All products are then distributed throughout the community to the MICA food pantry, the Drake Community Library food cupboard, GHS female bathrooms and other locations as the needs arise.

Closing out the month of March, S.H.E. Counts will be collaborating with Grinnell Mutual and the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce for the second Women + Friends event. The night will focus on shopping at local downtown businesses and donating period products at Solera Wine Bar.

“Be sure to save the date for March 20 for this night out. It is sure to be a fun evening with friends of SHE Counts”, states Penyich.

For more information or questions about the events, contact Jennifer Cogley at jennifer@ahrensfamilyfoundation.org.