ICSW sits inside the Department of Human Rights at the Lucas State Office Building in Des Moines and advises the governor and legislature on pay equity, reproductive health access, and women's economic security. The commission publishes annual data briefs and runs the statewide Women of Achievement Awards. Reach staff at 515-281-4461.
515-281-4461 · Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319
The YWCA on Grand Avenue in Des Moines focuses its programming on racial justice and economic empowerment; flagship offerings include the Girls' Circle leadership program for teens and a women's leadership pipeline that pairs Black, Indigenous, and Latina professionals with senior mentors. Call 515-244-8961 for current cohort dates.
515-244-8961 · 717 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Iowa Women's Foundation at 505 5th Avenue in Des Moines makes grants targeting the six barriers it has identified as keeping Iowa women out of the workforce — childcare, housing, transportation, education, and two others — and convenes annual statewide listening posts. Contact 515-244-4901 to learn about open grant cycles.
515-244-4901 · 505 5th Ave Suite 729, Des Moines, IA 50309
Dress for Success Des Moines at 1215 Harding Road outfits women returning to work with a styled interview suit and a second professional outfit once she lands the job, plus career coaching through the Professional Women's Group. Referrals come from job training partners; clients can also self-refer through the website. Call 515-282-1860.
515-282-1860 · 1215 Harding Rd Suite 1, Des Moines, IA 50316
The Iowa WBC, housed within the Greater Des Moines Partnership, is the state's SBA-designated center providing free one-on-one counseling for women considering, starting, or scaling a business. Common engagements include market validation, lender prep for SBA microloans, and certification as a Women-Owned Small Business. Schedule via 515-244-7246.
515-244-7246 · Des Moines, IA
Women United is United Way of Central Iowa's giving circle of women donors who fund early literacy and women's economic mobility initiatives across the metro. Beyond giving, the group hosts policy roundtables and volunteer events; staff at 515-246-6500 can connect women interested in joining or partnering.
515-246-6500 · 1111 9th St Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50314
Monsoon serves Asian and Pacific Islander survivors of gender-based violence statewide, with culturally and linguistically specific advocacy in Mandarin, Hindi, Vietnamese, Bhutanese, and several other languages. The Des Moines office at 515-288-0881 also runs leadership cohorts for young AAPI women.
515-288-0881 · Des Moines, IA