Monica Chavez-Silva Honored as 2024 Woman of Influence by Des Moines Business Record
Grinnell College is proud to share the news that Monica Chavez-Silva, vice president of community engagement and strategic planning in the Office of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research, has been named a 2024 Woman of Influence by the Des Moines Business Record.
In her role, Chavez-Silva leads the strategic and operational activities of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research. Her responsibilities include assessing campus and community needs, collaborating with college and community leadership, overseeing local grant-making activities, stewarding outreach programming, and driving collective impact initiatives to enhance the social and economic vitality in Grinnell. Additionally, Chavez-Silva serves on several boards and councils, including the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation, the Advisory Council for the Anchor Institution Taskforce, the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, and HUD’s Higher-Ed Engagement Think Tank.
The brainchild of Connie Wimer, owner and Chairman of Business Publications Corporation and Grinnell College Trustee, the Women of Influence recognition originated to recognize the role of women. For over 25 years, the Business Record has recognized women who have made outstanding contributions to the community in various areas through the Women of Influence awards. These awards celebrate women who have dedicated their lives to making a difference, serving as role models with impeccable ethics, and blazing a trail for other women to follow. The awards honor women based on the impact they have made in their chosen field or through their contributions to civic and philanthropic organizations.
The 2024 Women of Influence awards will be presented at a reception on Thursday, August 1. This event will also recognize the Woman Business Owner of the Year and the Emerging Woman of Influence, celebrating the achievements and contributions of Central Iowa women in both the public and private sectors.