Real Talk

Athena Gilbraith- a mom, wife, lover of small dogs and a fan of big goals and big wins. Biggest goal is to officially achieve equality for women and other marginalized groups in Iowa and the rest of the United States. It is her personal pursuit and something she sees as her responsibility as a citizen.…

Tia Pearl is a 30 year old Professional Women’s WCMX  (wheelchair motorcross) athlete who is preparing to also compete in Adaptive Skateboarding. She has been an entrepreneur for 25 years with strong beliefs in the pursuit of happiness through work.   In 2019 she announced the start of her farm of the future, “Golden Prairie…

Happy 2020!  How do you feel?  Any different?  Have you been killing it with your goals?  Are you still on that emotional high of changes that you are promising yourself? Here’s the thing, I want you to succeed!  I TRULY do.  So let me ask you, what is different about you today?  What are the…

Caitlin Russell is the Senior Vice President at Russell Construction.  She joined the Russell team in 2009 as a Project Engineer and became a Project Manager shortly after.  In the last few years, she has transitioned from construction operations to real estate development leadership, and Vice President of the company.   Caitlin graduated from Arizona State…

As an aspiring dancer, Nurjahan Boulden was shot with an assault rifle in a random attack when she was 21 years old. She struggled with the physical and emotional impact of the shooting for years, believing that her dreams had been destroyed. She didn’t realize that the one night she thought had ruined her future…

Brandon Carleton is the author of the book titled, “Meaningful Again:  How One Pastor Questioned Everything & Found Comfort in Uncertainty.” He is a community organizer from Rock Island, IL, where he lives with his wife and son. He leads Connection Quad Cities, is the co-host the Ode to the Underdog podcast, and helps people…

Andrea Ranae is a coach, facilitator and a writer.   She is deeply committed to supporting others in making a unique impact in one’s life + the communities you call home. Much of Andrea’s life has been about two questions: “Why is the world the way it is?” “How can I grow/heal?” In her pursuit to…

Rachelle Karstens serves as the President at Briar Cliff University.  A compassionate and proven leader with a background in higher education, law and fundraising.  An Iowa native and one of nine children, Rachelle graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, Iowa, where she was involved in vocal music, band and mock trial. She then went…

In January 2019, THE Market was founded where Katie is bringing Market vendors, makers and curators into one common location for a year round marketplace focused on strengthening local small businesses. Ms. Thompson believes in the strength of community and THE Market defines this strength; businesses supporting each other to elevate each other’s potential.  A…