Wednesday, April 12
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Iowa Memorial Union, Room 348 - Big Ten Theater

Register Here

Join us for an exciting event moderated by Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague, where you'll hear from Angie Jordan and Tasha Lard, both inspiring women of color, who have achieved great success by turning their dreams into reality and are now on a mission to inspire others to do the same. They'll share their personal stories of discovery, the obstacles they faced, and how they overcame them to achieve their goals. This enlightening and thought-provoking event promises to equip you with the tools and inspiration to pursue your passions and achieve your dreams.

This event is hosted by the Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy Certificate.

Angie Jordan was born in Iowa City but spent her formative years in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. She eventually moved to Massachusetts for college before returning to her hometown in 2008. As the inaugural Executive Director of the South of 6 Iowa City Business District (So.6), Angie played a crucial role in establishing it as a vehicle for economic development. She co-created and now manages the South District Diversity Market, while also serving as a tri-chair for the Better Together 2030 steering committee.

Angie is also the co-founder and President of the South District Neighborhood Association, which has built traditions that bring people together. She is a skilled team-builder and community organizer, believing in the power of connection and the importance of allowing everyone to dream big and help create a shared future. In addition to her work in economic development, Angie is a Strategic Doing Practitioner, a former Adjunct Leadership Instructor at the University of Iowa, and runs her own small business called The Banjo Knits Project.

Angie graduated from Williams College with double majors in Cultural Anthropology and Cognitive Psychology and is currently working towards a master's degree in Community Development from Iowa State University.

Tasha Lard was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and obtained an associate degree in human services with a focus on Correctional Counseling. Later, she pursued a bachelor's degree in human services at Upper Iowa University. Although her background was in human services, Tasha decided to pursue an entrepreneurial career and opened JD Beauty Supply in Pepperwood Plaza, located in the South of 6 Iowa City Business District (So.6). The decision was motivated by her own experience, seeing a demand for a beauty supply.

The passing of two of Tasha's uncles in the year she opened her store encouraged her to follow her dreams. She named her business "JD's Beauty Supply" after them, and the store has become a way for Tasha to support and connect with the community. Tasha mixed her passion for helping others with her entrepreneurial skills and began organizing events, including a party celebrating the first African American woman elected as Vice President of the United States.

Tasha also learned about the South of 6 Iowa City Business District (So.6) and used her knowledge to help the community flourish and grow. She provided a safe space for business owners in the community corner of her store and organized several informational sessions for business owners, property owners, and a team of two women of color to create South District Diversity Market. Tasha's commitment to the community extends beyond her store and into her role as a Transit supervisor for the City of Iowa City. Tasha believes that "Operating in Love is the best way to be," and she demonstrates this through her work in the community. 

Mayor Bruce Teague is an esteemed member of the Iowa City community, having resided in the city for the past 28 years. As a young adult, Teague relocated from Chicago to Iowa City, where he completed his education at Iowa City West High School and the University of Iowa, majoring in psychology and nursing. Throughout his career, Teague has held a variety of positions in the community, including sacking groceries at Hy-Vee and assisting terminally ill patients at Iowa City Hospice.

For the past 17 years, Teague has been the owner of Caring Hands & More and CHARM Homes, which specialize in providing essential services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. He has remained actively involved in the community by volunteering his time and resources to non-profit organizations that focus on aging and disability services, LGBTQ+ issues, and small business support.

Mayor Teague's dedication to serving his fellow community members led to his election as an Iowa City City Council member in October 2018, and later his appointment as mayor of Iowa City in January 2020. He was re-appointed to the mayoral seat in January 2022, demonstrating the trust and confidence the community has in his leadership abilities. Mayor Teague remains committed to serving humankind and improving the lives of those around him through his continued involvement in community initiatives and public service.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Jenifer Vick in advance at 319-241-4747 or jenifer-vick@uiowa.edu