Guest column's stories

Outplacement Services: the beginning after the end

Job loss is one of life’s most disruptive events. According to the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, it ranks as the eighth most stressful experience a person can face. For many, it’s not just the loss of income—it’s the loss of…

Real connections, real change: Empowering Abilities in action

This summer marks 35 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law –…

Families gain long-term tax relief under One Big Beautiful Bill

Families have plenty to celebrate as the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) introduces several favorable…

Introducing financial literacy to your children

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, financial literacy is more important than ever. A recent…

Heidi Parkhurst Bank of America minimum wage

How to be interviewed with an AI chat bot

Artificial intelligence is changing how business is done, no more so than in the hiring…

From coffee chats to corner offices: Why sponsorship must replace mentorship 

For decades, mentorship has been the go-to strategy for advancing women in  leadership. It’s well-intentioned,…

QC nonprofits bracing for federal cuts

  On June 30, I had the honor of co-hosting a Nonprofit Legislative Roundtable with…

Harnessing employee feedback to drive engagement, organizational success

Employee feedback is no longer a “nice-to-have” – it’s a strategic necessity.  As organizations navigate…

Time to LIFT Iowa small businesses, strengthen communities

As a small business owner, I know what it feels like to face a project…

QCAIR: Empowering immigrants and refugees, enriching the Quad Cities

Founded in 2012, the Quad Cities Alliance for Immigrants & Refugees (QCAIR) is a 501(c)(3)…

Understanding sales tax exemptions for manufacturers

Sales tax exemptions are powerful tools that help manufacturers reduce costs, reinvest in operations, create…

Mental health awareness demands collective action

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to reflect, speak out, and come…

Unpredictable tariffs are threatening small business survival

The dream of expanding my ice cream business just got shelved – indefinitely. And I’m…

Stop rescuing — start investing

In times of crisis, our instincts often drive us to act quickly – to step…

As women increase their wealth use these tips to avoid pitfalls

Women are building their own financial legacies by earning more money than ever, as well…

Iowa’s role in restoring America’s maritime dominance

President Trump’s Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance Executive Order was issued on April 9, 2025. Iowa…