International Women's Day

Erica Axiotis
President, Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Foundation

Erica Axiotis has served as President of the UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Foundation since January 2024. In her role, Erica leads fundraising efforts that support Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Methodist West Hospital, Blank Children’s Hospital, Stoddard Cancer Center, UnityPoint at Home and Hospice, and Eyerly Ball.

Prior to joining Unity Point Health, Erica held roles at Mary Greeley Medical Center, MercyOne, and ChildServe. She was named one of Des Moines Business Record's Forty Under 40 in 2013.

Axiotis is a native of Mason City, Iowa. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Simpson College and a master’s in public administation from Drake University. She and her husband, Christopher, live in Des Moines and have two children, Mary and Nicholas.

Rocio Hermosilla '13
Co-founder & CEO, Team ELLLA

Co-founder of Team ELLLA, Iowa's first Latina-led real estate team, Rocio Hermosillo is a leader in expanding real estate opportunities for traditionally underserved communities. She has been recognized as one of NAHREP's Top 100 Latino-Led Teams in 2023. Rocio was also named to the prestigious Des Moines Business Record 40 Under 40 list in 2025.

Rocio has also contributed to the Des Moines Metro Credit Union and the Latina Leadership Initiative, focusing on financial empowerment and leadership. She also played an instrumental role in affordable housing development, including the Townhall Apartments and Community Food Market, which won the Iowa Finance Authority Housing Innovation Award.

Rocio earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Finance from Grand View University. She is the proud mother of Jayden.

Erin Kiernan

Erin Kiernan is a well known figure in Central Iowa, having been a reporter and anchor at local television stations for nearly thirty years.

Kiernan dedicated her journalism career to holding people in power accountable, shining a light on injustice, and giving a voice to the voiceless. Her reporting has won countless local and regional Edward R. Murrow and Emmy awards, in addition to a National Edward R. Murrow Award. She continues to advocate for causes close to heart; including autism, infertility, adoption, fitness and mental health. Kiernan and her husband Michael own Kiernan Development & Construction, but consider their two children their most important jobs.

Claudia Schabel
President & CEO of Schabel Solutions

Claudia Schabel is the Interim President and CEO of the Iowa Women’s Foundation and founder of Schabel Solutions, helping organizations across the U.S. normalize inclusive behaviors, operationalize equity, and build the skills, confidence, and plans needed to achieve and sustain successful workforce, workplace, and community outcomes. She also serves on the Grand View University Board of Trustees.

Born and raised in Brazil, Claudia lived and worked in Japan for five years before moving to Iowa in 1999, bringing a global perspective to her work in leadership, culture, and community impact.

Sponsored by:

Moderator:
Kendall Dillon
VP of Marketing & Communications, Grand View University