The Technology Association of Iowa recently launched Catalysts, a digital interview series that spotlights 10 women working in tech across a variety of industries. Through the interview series, TAI hopes to not only celebrate women in tech but also to inspire more people to consider careers in tech.

“With the Catalysts series, we’re excited to profile amazing women tech leaders from across the state who offer diverse perspectives and are guiding meaningful change within Iowa’s tech landscape,” said TAI President Brian Waller in a press release.

Although TAI is still collecting recommendations for women to feature in the series, it chose some of the first few standout women upon recommendations from board members. After collecting those recommendations, a small group of stakeholders, who are committed to diversity and inclusion, made the final decision.

TAI’s first Catalyst is Erin Rollenhagen, founder and CEO of Entrepreneurial Technologies. The Q&A interview is accompanied by several images.

“We’re featuring beautiful photography of the women in their environments to get a picture of their story and their contributions to the industry,” said Mandy McWherter, communications director at TAI.

Published both online and in print, the Catalysts series will be spotlighted through a social media push with the #CatalystsIowa hashtag.

DuPont Pioneer is sponsoring the series, and according to McWherther, the company has “a similar goal of demonstrating that there are great careers in technology, and specifically in agriculture, and they want to celebrate Iowa women technologists.”

The interview series will culminate on December 4 at the Tea Room in Des Moines, where TAI will host an event that will feature conversations with all of the Catalysts.

“The goal is to really demonstrate that there are great careers for women in technology in Iowa to show young girls that there are women in these roles, and hopefully they can then see themselves in these types of roles,” McWherter said.

Entrepreneurial Technologies founder and CEO Erin Rollenhagen. (Handout photo)