On April 21 and 22nd, seven Prairie High School students attended the Cedar Rapids Women Lead Change Conference, an inspiring event designed to empower and equip the next generation of female leaders. Held at the Double Tree Hotel and Alliant Energy PowerHouse, 1,600+ attendees focused on tactical leadership development and peer-to-peer networking. Featuring a diverse array of speakers who shared insights, personal journeys, and practical advice on various aspects of leadership and professional development, students had the opportunity to hear from a range of influential women, each bringing a unique perspective to the concept of leadership. Key themes across the presentations included resilience, authenticity, and the power of mentorship.

Prairie High School connections were in full swing starting with Class of 2012 Graduate and former Business Professionals of America (BPA) standout Morgan (Walsh) Schmall. As Director of Operations for Cedar Rapids WLC, Schmall sponsored Prairie’s registration and participation fees. Currently her work focuses on operational efficiency, strategic planning, and team development, while ensuring WLC’s programs and events run seamlessly.

Class of 2016 Graduate and former BPA competitor Hanna Manson spoke at a breakout session; “The LinkedIn Effect.” Manson described the intersection between “organic employee voices” on LinkedIn and Paid Media performance. She explored how paid ads drive reach while authentic employee insights build trust and credibility.

Class of 2007 Graduate and current Nashville country sensation, Hailey Whitters provided an intimate concert singing her chart-busting “Everything She Ain’t.” Whitters recalled memories and positive experiences she had growing up in Shueyville and attending Prairie Schools.

The 2-day speaker lineup included:

• Joanna Gaines: Co-founder of Magnolia and best-selling author who shared insights on leadership and entrepreneurship.
• Shawn Johnson East, former Des Moines resident and 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist spoke on navigating high-pressure environments and her work as an entrepreneur.
• Kelly Earnhardt Miller provided an inside look at what it was like growing up as the daughter of racing legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. and sister to Dale Earnhardt Jr.
• Mary and Kirk Ferentz focused on the “bigger picture,” specifically regarding leadership, building a legacy, and using a personal platform to drive positive community change. As part of the “Dynamic Duos” lineup, they shared insights into their long-term partnership and how they balance high-pressure professional roles with family and philanthropic commitments.

Throughout two days, students continually heard the messages of focusing on the importance of leading with authenticity. Speakers emphasized that true leadership begins with self-awareness and being comfortable with one’s unique strengths and vulnerabilities. Girls were encouraged to reject the pressure to conform and instead embrace their individuality as a source of power. Female executives discussed the critical role of mentorship and networking in career advancement. Panelists shared their own experiences, highlighting how relationships—both formal and informal—have shaped their professional paths. The girls were provided with practical steps on how to approach potential mentors and maintain professional connections.

Feedback from the high school participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed that the conference shifted their perception of leadership, moving it from an abstract concept to an achievable goal. Attendees included Olivia Bland, Ariana McCormick Cook, Lily Farrar, Mary Gudenkauf, Emeri Hill, Kim Hynek, Paisley Joens, Brecken Lechtenberg, Jaelyn Sickels, Amanda Zenisek.

What are students attendees shared about this experience: 

Brecken Lechtenberg, Current Junior – Class of 2027
“What a great and inspirational opportunity to get to attend the Women’s Lead Change Event! Some takeaways that I had from this experience was taking action in what you believe in. Many speakers talked about their experiences of going through hardship. They then explained some coping methods and how they overcame it. It was amazing to hear their ways of coping and how I can use those same skills to get through hardship or struggles in my life. To add on, many speakers talked about not having it all figured out, but still kept pushing for their goals. They had failure, shame and embarrassment but kept going. It was assuring to hear that no one is perfect, even very successful people have their moments of uncertainty. It showed me that growing is more important than being perfect! To conclude this event taught me that being a leader isn’t about being the loudest voice in a room or bossing people around. It is about how you treat people, how you overcome adversity, and being the best version of yourself.”

Paisley Joens, Current Sophomore, Class of 2028
“I learned that leadership is not about following another leader, or being exactly like them. It is leading, but just apart from others. The creators of Carmom saw a problem and made a unique solution, and that is how they succeeded. By addressing their problem and stepping in with their creative solution, they were able to lead like no one else had before, and that’s how they filled in their gap. You must make your own path in order to truly lead, that’s what makes a good leader.”

Ariana McCormick Cook, Class of 2028
“This week I learned a lot about how success and happiness go hand in hand. Most people tend to think “If I am successful then I will be happy” but this thinking isn’t beneficial, when you think about success most people don’t define it well, this leads to not even knowing when they are successful. On top of that the goal post for success shifts, when they reach their goal there’s always more after. Instead, successful leaders think “If I am happy then I will be successful.” Happiness is the key to success.”