DES MOINES, IOWA (February 10, 2020) — Emerge Iowa, the state’s premier organization that recruits, trains, and provides a powerful network to Democratic women who want to run for office, will host the Emerge Iowa DAWN Awards on Sunday, 2-5PM, March 8, 2020, at the Holiday Inn Downtown Mercy Campus in Des Moines. The event will commemorate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day and honor Democratic women of the Hawkeye State, awarding several standout individuals for their contributions to Iowa politics. Founded at the end of 2017, this year Emerge Iowa will train its second cohort of aspiring women political leaders in its candidate training program.
The Emerge Iowa DAWN Awards will recognize six exceptional Democratic women for their work in Iowa politics and their activism. Each award recognizes a unique aspect of community involvement and public service. Chelsea Chism-Vargas, who ran for Des Moines City Council in Ward 4, will be honored with the DAWN Rising Star Award. The Jo Ann Zimmerman Activist Award will be presented to Penny Rosfjord, chair for the 4th District of the Iowa Democratic Party’s State Central Committee. Royceann Porter, the first person of color to be elected to a county-wide office in Johnson County, will be recognized with the DAWN Local Elected Official Award. Representative Marti Anderson, who has served in the State House since 2012 and is the Ranking Member on the Justice Appropriations sub-committee, will be recognized with the DAWN State Elected Official Award. The Barbara Boatwright Lifetime Achievement Award will honor Sister Irene Muñoz, CHM, a social justice advocate fighting for the rights of migrants, as well as Teresa Wolff, an ally for the next generation of female Democratic candidates.
In 2020 and beyond, Emerge Iowa alumnae will run up and down the ballot to make change, help push forward policies that are responsive to all Iowans, and achieve gender parity in elected office. Emerge Iowa is proud to carry on the legacy of DAWN's List by providing campaign training, mentoring, and support for Iowa Democratic women.
To purchase tickets, please visit: http://bit.ly/emergeiadawnrsvp2020.
There will be complimentary appetizers. This is a ticketed event, but press will be granted free entry with RSVP to chair@emergeia.org.
