Kirkwood Community College will host the 2025 Midwest Women in Safety Conference on Oct. 16 at its Linn County Regional Center in Hiawatha.
The annual event focuses on advancing professional development in safety for women, emphasizing their experiences and leadership across various industries.
“The Women in Safety Conference is about sharing stories of leadership, innovation and resilience,” said Quinn Pettifer, Kirkwood director of corporate training services. “Women in safety roles bring vital perspectives and expertise that strengthen every workplace, and this conference celebrates that impact.”
Originally started to provide a platform for safety professionals to connect and share best practices, the conference has evolved into a space where women leaders in safety can exchange ideas, inspire colleagues and highlight their role in protecting workplaces and communities.
The day will feature keynote presentations, breakout discussions and panels exploring both technical aspects of safety and the professional experiences of women in the field. Sessions will address navigating challenges in industries where women have historically been underrepresented, while showcasing success stories and lessons learned.
The conference will conclude with an awards ceremony honoring outstanding contributions to the field. Recipients of the 2025 Safety Woman of the Year and 2025 Lifetime Achievement awards will be announced at the event.
The Midwest Women in Safety Conference reflects Kirkwood’s commitment to supporting professional excellence while recognizing diverse voices helping to shape safer workplaces. By combining technical expertise with personal experience, the conference continues to grow as a resource for the region’s safety professionals.
