The Iowa Women’s Foundation has appointed Claudia Schabel as its new president and CEO, the Coralville-based nonprofit announced. Ms. Schabel, who joined the organization in June 2025, assumed the role April 1.
Ms. Schabel succeeds outgoing president and CEO Deann Cook, who the organization credited with strengthening IWF and creating what board chair Barb Baker called “lasting change for women and girls across Iowa.”
Ms. Baker said the board selected Ms. Schabel for her commitment to Iowa women and girls and her track record in strategic planning, advocacy and stakeholder collaboration.
“We have full confidence in her leadership to advance our mission, expand our grantmaking reach, and ensure that every woman in our state has the opportunity to thrive economically,” Ms. Baker said.
Her career has earned her several recognitions for leadership and community impact, including the 2024 Drake University Zimpleman College of Business Women’s Impact Award, the 2023 Iowa State University Ivy College of Business Woman Business Owner of the Year Award and the 2010 State of Iowa Robert D. Ray Iowa Latino Ambassador Award.
Cook expressed confidence in her successor. “IWF’s mission to empower women and girls is vital to Iowa,” Cook said. “Claudia is an excellent choice to lead this work into the next chapter.”
Ms. Schabel said she is building on a strong foundation. “I stand on the shoulders of those who founded and grew IWF and look forward to building upon the organization’s strong history to advance our vision,” she said.
The Iowa Women’s Foundation is a statewide nonprofit focused on improving economic prosperity for Iowa women and girls through research, education, grantmaking, advocacy and collaboration.
