DES MOINES, IOWA (August 30, 2022) — The Iowa Restaurant Association today released its 2022 40 “Women to Watch” in Hospitality List. The honorees hail from nearly every segment and function in the industry-from purveyors and entrepreneurs, to chefs and business development professionals. More than 100 nominations were submitted from across the state. All showcased women in Iowa's hospitality industry who are blazing new trails, leading by example, and impressing their peers, customers, and managers daily.
The 2022 List includes:
- Addison Mittlestaedt, Big Grove Brewery, Des Moines
- Alyssa Dreeszen, Cornerhaus 101, Holstein
- Amanda Ripperger, The Sports Page Grill, Indianola
- Angela Harrington, Hotel Grinnell/Highlander Hotel, Grinnell
- Angela Lose, Orchestrate Hospitality, Des Moines
- Aom Nishapat Meesangkaew, Eat Thai Restaurant, West Des Moines
- Beth Jackson, Nourished, Des Moines
- Carolina Hudman, Euphoria Cakes, Des Moines
- Christine Johnson, Joppa Experience, Des Moines
- Colleen Brennan, Bread Worthy Bakery, Iowa City
- Deja Keppler, Savor The Rise, Indianola
- Elise Vaux, Johnson Brothers of Iowa, Des Moines
- EunHa (Lena) Jeong, Iowa State University, Ames
- Heather Sheffer, Gamble Block Brewery, Perry
- Heidi Messelheiser, Des Moines Marriott Downtown, Des Moines
- Heidi Young, Happenings, Steamboat Rock
- Jackie Akerberg, Jackfruitful Kitchen, Des Moines
- Jennifer Ferrell, Yesterday's Restaurant, Arnolds Park
- Jillian Harrington, Apres Bar Co, Des Moines
- Joan Warren Sherwood, Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company, Ames
- Julie Stow, Cedar Rapids Tourism Office, Cedar Rapids
- Katie Porter, The Wallace Centers of Iowa, Des Moines
- Katie Van Dyke, Iowa Culinary Institute, Des Moines
- Kayleigh Phillips, Ohana Poke Shop, Marion
- Krista Matthes, SOMM Wines, Fairfield
- Kristen Daily, Pie Bird Pies, Des Moines
- Krystle Mohr, 5th Quarter Bar and Grill, Van Meter
- LeShawn Smith, Shawnniecakes, Cedar Rapids
- Lesley Rish, Oh High Bakery, Des Moines
- Lumarie Rodriguez-Soto, Waterloo Convention Center, Waterloo
- Lydia Zerby, Iowa Soybean Association, Ankeny
- Lyssa Wade, Veggie Thumper, Des Moines
- Mary Sanigular, The Café, Ames
- Sandra Hendred, Polar Xpress, Ottumwa
- Sara Ostrander, The Centennial, Jefferson
- Shaunna Zanker, Stanhope Locker and Market, Stanhope
- Shaye Wynn, The Salty Dog Bar and Grill, Council Bluffs
- Sheri Hansen, Prairie Meadows, Altoona
- Steph Mehmen, Black Sheep Social Club, Cedar Rapids
- Tanya Doyle, Tanya Doyle Culture Coaching, Luther
Honorees will be featured in Food and Beverage Iowa Business Quarterly. In addition, a synopsis of each woman’s industry story will be launched on the Iowa Restaurant Association website. The honorees will be recognized in person in on November 14, 2022 at the Iowa Events Center (Community Choice Convention Center) during the Iowa Restaurant Association’s annual Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony.
“This year’s honorees exemplify the multitude of opportunities the hospitality industry holds for women,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “From entrepreneurs to restaurant owners, hoteliers to tourism professionals, and brewers to marketing specialists, these honorees are innovators, leaders, mentors, and trend setters in our industry. You can bet, our Association is staying tuned to see what each of these talented women does next in her business.”
About the Iowa Restaurant Association
The Iowa Restaurant Association provides advocacy, education, and promotional support to Iowa’s restaurant and tavern industry. www.restaurantiowa.com
