What Our CEO Is Doing About the Shockingly High Poverty Rate of Female-Headed Households in Iowa

When she founded Collabry in 2014, CEO Rachel Formaro knew that an important part of her company's mission would be to seize opportunities to give back. From day one, she has done this in many ways, from being a member of 1% for the Planet to matching team-member donations to nonprofits and more.

But Rachel believes serving the community means more than clicking the "donate now" button. It also means showing up. That's one of the many reasons why, when the Chrysalis Foundation asked her to be part of its Board of Directors last summer, she was honored—and eager.

Chrysalis is a Greater Des Moines-based nonprofit dedicated to increasing resources and opportunities for girls and women. With after-school programs, grants, and scholarships, and through partnerships with local agencies and services, Chrysalis empowers those they serve to be independent and contributing members of our community.

"Being female is a risk factor for higher rates of poverty," explains Rachel.

Indeed, according to the Chrysalis website, nearly 1,000 girls and women are homeless every day, one in ten girls drop out of high school, and 70% of Iowa's female-headed households live at or just above the poverty level."

"As a woman and a mother of a daughter, I wanted to be part of something that removes barriers for women and girls in our community."

Rachel also explains that while Chrysalis's immediate focus is on females, everyone benefits when girls and women succeed.

"When you support women and girls, you lift up a family. One investment can have multiple effects," she adds.

It has been inspiring for Rachel to see the results of Chrysalis' work. This past summer, the board met with Chrysalis-mentored girls who had just graduated from high school. "To know these girls were going to college – and to witness their confidence and enthusiasm for the future – it really showed me that this work makes a difference," says Rachel.

In addition to helping to steer and support the organization's staff, board members are expected to engage in fundraising efforts. For Rachel, this "ask" is easier to do when she can tell potential doners that 100% of all donations reach girls and women in the community. Co-founder Louise Noun set it up this way; through her endowment, she guaranteed that no contributed dollars would be needed to fund operations.

The local aspect of Chrysalis also appeals to Rachel. "At Collabry, we make donations that impact other communities and national organizations. But when it comes to donating my time, I wanted to interact face-to-face with people – to actively engage in my local community.

Find out more about Chrysalis on their website. If you live in Iowa and you'd like to be inspired by this vital organization, consider attending one of the "Coffee with Chrysalis" events in June, August, and October, or their Inspired luncheon in the fall, which presents "powerful women speaking on meaningful topics." Topics and speakers have not yet been formally announced – follow the Chrysalis Facebook page to stay tuned.