Clinton, IA – March 4, 2026 – YWCA Clinton has announced the 2026 honorees for the 53rd Annual YWCA Woman of Achievement Awards. The organization invites you to celebrate these women for their proud accomplishments. Nominations are voted on by the Board of Directors and previous Woman of Achievement Honorees. “It is a profound honor to recognize the impact these extraordinary women and men who have transformed the lives of those around them,” shares YWCA Marketing Coordinator Jen Bruce.
YWCA Clinton is excited to announce these outstanding women, one man, and one area business for their impact in each area:
Brooklyn Thomes – Young Woman of Achievement
Selfless, Entrepreneurial, Focused
Brooklyn Thomes is a selfless, focused student at Fulton High School who bounds unafraid towards new, meaningful challenges. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA while managing a very busy schedule. Brooklyn is an avid volunteer, donating twenty-five hours per year in grades nine through twelve, as a Sauk Impact Student while mentoring other students in high school with the BLIND (Building Lasting Impressions that Never Die) program. Her work with the BLIND program extends beyond mentoring, but into representation of Fulton High School. Always humble, Brooklyn continues to serve her in a way that shows a maturity and leadership presence far beyond her years.
Despite the busy schedule, Brooklyn keeps a full-time Sauk Valley Community College schedule and attends classes in Dixon and competed in and won the Miss Iroquois’ Teen portion of the Miss America Platform. She sees her roles as a varsity wrestler and state-qualifying track athlete as an important part of her application to be an Air Force Academy Cadet where she will no doubt be the type of leader the Air Force Academy is seeking. Her achievements in academics and athletics are matched only by her dedication to service. Brooklyn’s future is strong, and she’s ready to take charge of it
Barbara Rhoades – Religious Woman of Achievement
Intentional, Genuine, Forthright
Barb Rhoades has spent a lifetime channeling her faith into excellence. Raised on a family farm, she carries the values of hard work and integrity into every endeavor. She’s earned a Master’s degree and began a career of many years educating youth and shaping future generations. Later she earned the honor of the Gold Key Award for excellence in education. As the founder and first director of Zion Childcare Preschool, Barb pioneered a nurturing environment for local children. She successfully blended her academic expertise with her spiritual convictions.
Barb is always willing to help, often behind the scenes, and she consistently steps in wherever she is needed, demonstrating a servant’s heart. As a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, Barb supports homebound members through visits and communion. She gives wholeheartedly and inspires trust and accountability in every interaction. She treats every individual, regardless of age, with profound respect. A mentor to fellow educators and a loyal friend to many, Barb’s faith is lived through action. Her work creates a ripple effect of compassion. She remains a role model whose influence is measured by the countless lives she has touched.
Tiffany Harris – Professional Woman of Achievement
Insightful, Impactful, Vibrant
Tiffany Harris graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in sociology from Mount St. Clare College. Never one to shy away from trainings, workshops, and conferences that fuel her fierce dedication to student success, she is honored for her vibrant energy, leadership, and community engagement. She continues to earn state and national recognition for her exceptional impact by creating positive outcomes for students. She fosters an environment where every student, regardless of background, can find a path to purpose. She has a fierce dedication to student success, though her dedication goes far beyond her formal duties.
Without judgement Tiffany spends time mentoring youth to prevent substance abuse, troubleshooting complex issues and overcoming barriers. She consistently demonstrates a commitment to ending racism through innovative programs that give girls opportunities to succeed.
A previous recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace and Justice Award, The Clinton Community School District Gold Key Award, the Clinton Smiles Award, and the Human Rights Distinguished Citizen Award, Tiffany enthusiastically leads and encourages through community service projects, serving on boards, participating in community events and giving unselfishly from her heart, every day, to improve the lives of girls and women in Clinton.
Regan Michaelsen – County Woman of Achievement
Compassionate, Visionary, Resilient
Regan Michaelsen’s impact goes far beyond a job title – what started as volunteer work soon became a passion that shaped her life’s work. She has spent two decades working towards an executive leadership role that connects thousands of residents with essential resources without judgement. Though her role at Information Referral and Assistance services guides her, she is naturally strategic and deeply compassionate, with an extraordinary ability to anticipate future trials and opportunities. Day or night, Regan steps up to ensure that urgent needs are met and basic human rights are accessible to all.
Regan bridges gaps in service, unites agencies to expand reach, and launches innovative programs like mobile food pantries and disaster recovery initiatives. She is the epitome of resilience, vision, and heart. Regan specializes in building the partnerships necessary to solve complex local challenges. Her work unites faith-based groups, civic organizations, and government agencies into a unified front against critical challenges. Leading with a humility that seeks results rather than recognition, Regan turns compassion into decisive action and makes a profound difference in the county she calls home.
Julie Raab – Community Woman of Achievement
Positive, Passionate, Selfless
Julie Raab is a positive, selfless member of the Clinton community whose lifelong commitment to service has left an indelible mark on the region. A proud graduate of Clinton High School and Mount St. Clare College, Julie devoted 20 years to teaching, supporting countless students and families and building strong, meaningful relationships in the community. She earned the affectionate title of “Book Fair Lady” due to her time when she organized book fairs at Horace Mann Elementary.
Julie is deeply involved in several local initiatives and works tirelessly for the betterment of the Clinton Community. Not only did she help with the start-up of the Zion Preschool Program, she serves as the Assistant Coordinator for Holiday Network and Scott for Tots and serves on the Senior vs. Crime Committee. She has a commitment to dignity which is reflected in her service to individuals and families facing food insecurity through mobile food pantries. She has worked to establish food pantries at Clinton middle and high school to ensure students have access to essential resources. Whether protecting seniors from fraud or advocating for student safety, Julie moves through the community as a motivator and protector every single day.
Whimsy’s Teapothecary – Business of Achievement
Empowering, Welcoming, Involved
Whimsy’s Teapothecary is a woman-owned business in downtown Clinton. For several years, owner McKena Casey has worked to make the business an integral part of the community that is downtown Clinton, Iowa. Never one to shy away from downtown events, McKena is quick to partner with downtown and other local entities to participate in meaningful initiatives. Whimsy is always one to support local creatives by providing spaces where they can display their works and feel empowered to invest in their own artistic journey.
The shop is truly a place where everyone can feel not only welcome, but at home. When you shop and become part of the Whimsy Family, you can be assured that the knowledgeable staff will always prioritize consumer confidence and well-being over simple transactions. Additionally, Whimsy’s Teapothecary uses its platform to host educational and social tea ceremonies where likeminded individuals can learn and grow. Whimsy’s Teapothecary is truly a place where you are encouraged to be the best you can be and help others do the same – a model of achievement that strengthens the community one visitor at a time.
Erin Matje – Unsung Hero
Passionate, Thoughtful, Consistent
Erin Matje is a dynamic pillar at YWCA Clinton. She ensures that everyone – staff, volunteers, and visitors alike, feels like an essential part of the YWCA family. Erin is an exceptional leader who teaches her staff the importance of integrity and compassion. She directly influences the success of the front desk and positively impacts the entire organization. She excels at the small, profound details. Erin is quick to make you smile, laugh, or just enjoy the moment and approaches every day with a smile on her face and humor in her heart.
Erin demonstrates a life built on honesty and the firm belief that everyone deserves the opportunity for success. She is a force for fairness and equality, quick to use every opportunity to give someone a chance. She empowers women and girls, including two of her own, by leading through example. She excels at identifying areas where language or presentation might feel exclusive and offering suggestions to make everyone feel welcome. Her daily commitment to kindness strengthens the very fabric of our community. By making meaningful connections, showing deep concern for the well-being of others and through her genuine spirit turns our facility into a home.
A. John Frey – Unsung Hero
Altruistic, Resolute, Visionary
John Frey maintains authenticity always – a reliable advocate and a constant resource for those in need. He has offered a steadfast presence of support in our community for decades. John is not one to seek out the spotlight, but certainly one who deserves to stand in it. When YWCA Clinton’s supportive housing project faced significant opposition, John’s persistent efforts were a vital part of moving forward. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in securing funding from the National Housing Trust Fund. Through tireless work, attending meetings, collaborating with stakeholders, and championing the cause, John transformed a vision into a soon-to-be reality that will serve as a safe haven for many.
Beyond his work with 399 housing, he spends time with family, mentors youth, assists nonprofit initiatives, and supports church and civic organizations impacting countless lives. John’s work professionally and personally ensures that women, men, and families in need can face life with dignity and security. He promotes peace through volunteerism and leadership and has an unshakable belief in the worth of each and every individual, regardless of background. John Frey’s legacy is one of service, strengthening our community with stability, dignity, and hope.
Those selected as this year’s honorees will be recognized at an awards dinner at The Tuscany Events Center at Rastrelli’s on March 26th at 5:00 pm; reservations can be made at YWCA Clinton or online. For more information, contact Jen Bruce at (563)242-2110 x103 or marketing@ywcaclinton.org. To view a list of past Woman of Achievement Honorees, please visit the YWCA website at ywcaclinton.org/woa.
YWCA Clinton would like to thank Citizens First Bank in Clinton for their generosity and support as our presenting sponsor for the Woman of Achievement Awards.
Jen Bruce
YWCA Clinton
(563)-242-2110, ext. 103
marketing@ywcaclinton.org
