By Christina Fernandez-Morrow, Hola Iowa
Miriam De Dios Woodward will be the keynote speaker for the Inaugural Latina Business Excellence Summit on Thursday, May 9th at the River Center in Des Moines. This celebratory event highlights the achievements and successes of Iowa Latina entrepreneurs.
De Dios Woodward launched De Dios Consulting earlier this year to focus her experience and background on her passion for helping businesses grow through accessing the Latino market. Her impressive background includes being a 40 Under 40 honoree, Harvard Business School’s Executive Education graduate, and the first Latina to serve as a corporate board director of Homesteaders Life Company and the first Latina Global CEO of ViClarity, an international risk management and compliance technology and services firm De Dios Woodward led for 6 years. Named a Woman to Watch by Credit Union Times and Latino Businessperson of the Year by LULAC of Iowa, De Dios Woodward is a recognized thought-leader in business technology, marketing, and financial inclusion.
“We’re thrilled to have Miriam De Dios Woodward as our keynote speaker for the first-ever Latina Excellence Business Summit. Miriam embodies the perfect blend of wisdom and vision to inspire Latina businesswomen on their journey to prosperity,” said Erika Macias, publisher of JEFAS Latinas in Business Magazine, and Hola America News. “Her story is sure to empower and guide attendees as they strive for success in their ventures.”
Photo by Wezz De La Rosa / Hola Iowa
A long-time volunteer with the Food Bank of Iowa, Grand View University’s board of trustees, and Iowa State University’s Women in Business Advisory Board, De Dios Woodward was born in Jalisco, Mexico and grew up in Fairfield, CA and Perry, Iowa. She earned her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Iowa. She lives in West
Des Moines with her daughters Evelyn age 2, Abigail age 4, and her husband Nick who is a project manager and trained carpenter.
The Latina Business Excellence Summit is a unique opportunity to network, learn, and be inspired by leading Latina business professionals. The event includes an expo of Latina-owned businesses, an expert panel discussion, networking reception, and the unveiling of JEFAS Latinas in Business Magazine’s inaugural Iowa edition showcasing the state’s Latina entrepreneurs.
“As a 20-year business professional having recently started my own business, I’ve entered a stage of excitement, opportunity, learning and vulnerability.” De Dios Woodward said. “I cannot wait to share my story, to connect with and continue to empower the fastest-growing segment of U.S. entrepreneurs – Latinas, who are such a vital part of Iowa’s economic success.”
The Inaugural Latina Business Excellence Summit is Thursday, May 9 · 3 – 7pm CDT at the River Center, 340 Southwest 3rd Street Des Moines, IA 50309. Tickets are sold out but look out for the 2025 Summit!
Follow JEFAS Latinas in Business Magazine on Instagram and TikTok for updates and events.
Follow Miriam De Dios Woodward on LinkedIn @miriamdedios and X (formerly Twitter) @BusinessMiriam.
Facebook Comments
