Iowa Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon 2026

The Women of Achievement Award recognizes the contributions of historical (deceased) Iowa women who made outstanding and lasting contributions to the citizens of Iowa or have advanced the well-being of others throughout the world.

This award will be a visible reminder to all crossing the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge of their contributions to their work, communities, and the status of women.

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2026 Women of Achievement Honorees:

Lois Harper Eichacker (1932-2018)

Lois dedicated her career to improving the lives of less fortunate Iowans. She advocated for women, minorities, children in poverty, low-wage workers, and older adults, championing equal employment opportunity and universal healthcare. Her work shaping state and regional public policy continues to expand opportunities for those unable to fend for themselves. As Executive Director of the Southeast Iowa Community Action Organization until 1989, Lois led with vision and compassion. She also served as President or Chair of several organizations, including the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Iowa Commission of Community Action Agencies, and the African American Museum of Iowa. She was the first African American to serve as President of the University of Iowa Alumni Association’s Board of Directors.

Joan Kuyper Farver (1919–2017)

Joan Kuyper Farver helped lead the family business through a difficult season after the sudden deaths of her father and brother, Pete and Stu Kuyper. As Chair of the Board of Pella Corporation from 1981 to 1995, she guided the company through a period of unprecedented change and growth, known for her hands-on style of visiting team members at every site and remembering them personally. She invested deeply in ways that strengthened communities, expanded opportunity and enriched civic life. The Joan Kuyper Farver Spirit Award, established in 2018, continues her legacy of caring leadership at Pella Corporation today.

The 404TH Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp (WAAC)(WAC) Band (1942-1945)

The women of the 404th were the first (and only) all-female African American Band in the United States Army.

In 1942, Black women were denied acceptance into the white WAAC Band. A letter campaign to President and Eleanor Roosevelt, convinced the Army to establish the first Black band at Fort Des Moines. They were proud examples of women supporting their country, standing up for gender and racial equality.

After a successful parade in Chicago, the Army abruptly deactivated the Black band, saying it was no longer needed. A second letter campaign drew nationwide support, prompting the Army to reverse its decision and reactivate the band in July 1943 as the 404th WAC Band. Their patriotism and pride marching in Iowa and Chicago, boosting morale while significantly raising funds until the end of the war is historic.