Business : Kirkwood to Host Midwest Women in Safety Conference Oct. 16

Kirkwood to Host Midwest Women in Safety Conference Oct. 16

Event to highlight female leadership in workforce safety

HIAWATHA, Iowa (Oct. 7, 2025)–Kirkwood Community College will host the 2025 Midwest Women in Safety Conference on Thursday, Oct. 16, at Kirkwood's Linn County Regional Center in Hiawatha. The annual event is dedicated to advancing professional development in safety for women, with an emphasis on their experiences and leadership across various industries.

Originally started to provide a platform for safety professionals to connect and share best practices, the conference has become a unique space where women leaders in safety can exchange ideas, inspire colleagues, and highlight the important role they play in protecting workplaces and communities.

“The Women in Safety Conference is about sharing stories of leadership, innovation and resilience,” said Kirkwood Director of Corporate Training Services Quinn Pettifer. “Women in safety roles bring vital perspectives and expertise that strengthen every workplace, and this conference celebrates that impact.”

The day will feature keynote presentations, breakout discussions and panels that explore both the technical aspects of safety and the professional experiences of women in the field. Sessions will focus on navigating challenges in industries where women have historically been underrepresented, while also showcasing success stories and lessons learned.

The conference will conclude with an awards ceremony honoring outstanding contributions to the field. The recipients of the 2025 Safety Woman of the Year and 2025 Lifetime Achievement awards will be announced at the event.

The Midwest Women in Safety Conference reflects Kirkwood’s commitment to supporting professional excellence, while recognizing the diverse group of voices helping to shape safer workplaces. By creating a forum that combines technical expertise with personal experience, the conference continues to grow as a valuable resource for the region’s safety professionals.

To find out more, go to www.kirkwood.edu/womeninsafety.

*****EVENT*****

What: 2025 Midwest Women in Safety Conference

When: Thursday, Oct. 16

Where: Kirkwood's Linn County Regional Center, 1770 Boyson Road, Hiawatha

Time: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.(Registration/Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m.)

Kirkwood Continuing Education notes nearly 30,000 annual enrollments in classes ranging from industry certification to career development to personal enrichment. Over the last 20 years, the number of new jobs created through Kirkwood’s Continuing Education & Training Services has exceeded 14,000.