The 2024 SheTalks event was nothing short of inspiring, as students, faculty, and community members gathered to celebrate the incredible stories of seven dynamic women from across Iowa State University and the Ames community. The event, hosted in a unique Pecha Kucha-style format, kept the energy high with each speaker presenting 20 slides in just 20 seconds each. The result? A whirlwind of emotions—we laughed, we cried, and we walked away deeply moved and motivated by the lessons shared.

From L to R: Amanda Lepper, Ellyn Grimm, Jassma-ray Johnson, Kori Heuss, Lindsey Long, Jennifer Knox, and Melissa Chamberlin.

Lindsey Long, senior director of donor relations and events at the ISU Foundation, took us back to her days as a soccer player at Iowa State from 1999 to 2003. Through injuries and setbacks, Lindsey shared how a growth mindset and the courage to face her fears helped her transition from sports to discovering her true purpose. Her journey of finding her way back to ISU, earning a degree in marketing, and ultimately shaping meaningful connections for students, alumni, and friends was both personal and relatable.

Kori Heuss, a powerhouse businesswoman and owner of Heuss Printing, the Iowan Magazine, Pioneer Publishing, and more, brought a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship. Kori’s story was filled with late nights and unexpected twists—including a delirious, late-night purchase of chickens—that illustrated the sometimes humorous and always challenging path to success. Kori emphasized the honor of being invited to such a meaningful event, noting, “The other women presenters shared honest, meaningful, impactful and motivating stories. We are all so busy that spending purposeful time getting to know each other through this event was a true gift.”

The lineup continued to inspire with Jennifer Knox, author and owner of Saltlickers, Jassma’ray Johnson, CEO and founder of Simply Samone LLC, Melissa Chamberlin, associate professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Iowa State, and Ellyn Grimm and Amanda Lepper, co-owners of Dog-Eared Books. Each shared powerful stories of overcoming adversity, building businesses, and pursuing their passions with authenticity and resilience.

The room was filled with a sense of camaraderie and empowerment, as these women’s stories touched on life, business, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. It was an unforgettable event, and we are grateful to everyone who came to support and celebrate these amazing women in our community! Here’s to more moments like these, where inspiration is shared, and futures are shaped!