This project was a big undertaking. I feel I only scratched the surface of the important work these women are making in their industries.
I would first like to thank my devoted committee chair, mentor and cheerleader, Judy Polumbaum, for taking me under her wing and helping me move forward, day by day and week by week to finish this project and instilling confidence in my abilities. My committee members Don McLeese and Gigi Durham are also responsible for teaching me the skills to be a good journalist and a perpetually passionate writer.
The project itself would not be possible without the women who graciously donated their time and energy to interviews and research with me. Whether it was getting dressed and on a fire truck for a call, or sitting in the classroom taking notes, even nipping at their heels up and down the stairs of a three-story house in Morse, Iowa, the women within these pages were the sole reason this project even came together.
The dedication these women have for their work – despite the ratio gaps, doubts and studies – is truly inspiring. I hope my project was able to capture just a hint of their passion.
I would also like to thank my editors at the Quad-City Times for their constant education outside of the classroom – even if only through e-mail. Gayle Roberts started as a simple business beat story assignment and turned into a large portion of this project. My editors’ flexibility, patience and guidance has helped me grow not only as a student but as a dedicated writer.
Lastly, I would like to thank my parents, family and friends. Their love and support, optimism and realism helps me keep reaching for my goals every day. They all have a great sense of humor, and I thank them for that, because it helps make the writer’s block and road blocks a little easier to bear.
In light of this project, I’ve come to realize my educational foundation is not necessarily the words I write or the degrees on my walls, but the people who helped make it possible.
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Interview Contacts
Ann Bartles
Plumber, BeaDay Plumbing
Ken Brown
Lieutenant and Battalion Chief, Iowa City Fire Department
Andrea French
Plumber, BeaDay Plumbing
Naomi Gallmeyer
Plumber, BeaDay Plumbing
Heather Grout
Apprentice, BeaDay Plumbing
Jane Hagedorn
CEO, BeaDay Plumbing
Mary Hall Reno
Professor, University of Iowa
Department of Physics
Lynette Marshall
President, The Unvieristy of Iowa Foundation
Tina McDermott
Lieutenant and Firefighter, Iowa City Fire Department
Gayle Roberts
President, Stanley Consultants
Gregs Thomopulos
CEO, Stanley Consultants
Janet Vest
Firefighter, Iowa City Fire Department
