Nominations for the 2026 event are now closed. Finalists will be announced in February!

The 2026 Inspiring Women of Iowa Event is presented by:

Inspiring Women of Iowa is an annual event that honors 16 finalists and celebrate the Courage, Confidence, and Character Award recipients as well as individuals of any gender who make up the community of support around them - Inspiring Advocates for Women.

All proceeds from this fundraising event benefit Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, and their mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Meet our 2026 Event Co-Chairs:
Derek & Jill trobaugh!

Derek Trobaugh is an Engagement Leader with Thrivent. In this role, he supports the central and western Iowa market as a community connector, collaborator, and relationship builder in partnership with Thrivent Financial Advisors and market leadership. He assists in business development efforts for the market.
Derek serves on multiple nonprofit boards, including Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, Easterseals Iowa Foundation, and Iowa Fraternal Alliance. He believes that everyone has something to give and enjoys doing what he can to positively impact society. Derek is a graduate of Johnston High School, University of Northern Iowa, and the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute class of 2019. 

Jill Trobaugh is a Vice President, Community Relations Manager (CRM) with Bank of America. As a CRM, she supports five markets in Iowa, Louisiana, Georgia and North Carolina. In her role, she supports the philanthropic work supporting community partners, working closely with the Market Executives and Market Presidents. She is also heavily involved in organizing and delivering volunteer events as well as financial literacy sessions within the community as well. Jill’s success in relationship building beyond her line of business and with each of her markets served has allowed her to collaborate and network in order to help achieve market goals.
Jill serves on the Easterseals Iowa Board as well as the Johnston Community School Foundation Board. She’s a volunteer and supporter of Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, Girls Scouts of Greater Iowa, local food pantries and various other nonprofit organizations as her time allows. She is also a recipient of the Volunteer Excellence Award with Girl Scouts.

Derek & Jill reside in Johnston with their children, Mara and Grant, and their two dogs, Oscar and Penny.

Questions about the event? Drop us a note and we’ll get back to you!