Lean In

Greater Ottumwa Partners In Progress (GOPIP) is excited to announce the 4th Annual Lean In Conference, a regional event coming to Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, IA on Thursday, March 5th, 2026.  Lean In is a diversity, equity, and inclusion event centered upon women, and passing the strength and wisdom of current women in leadership to those who will succeed them.  GOPIP chose this time of year for the conference for its significance as International Women’s Day.  This is a day of celebration, as women have fought to be treated equally at work, at home, and in their communities.  With this event, their voices will uplift, inspire, and engage the future generations.  In increasingly diverse communities, we welcome you and we see you; but importantly, we hear you.

“We have worked very diligently to ensure that we are bringing not only an impactful event to our region, but one with some of the most successful leaders in our state from which those in attendance can learn,” said Marc Roe, GOPIP Executive Director.  He continued, “I firmly believe that in order to grow our communities, we must ensure that every person not only has a seat at the table, but an equal voice.  It’s our goal with this conference for those up-and-comers in attendance and future generations alike to gain power and knowledge from this experience and forge a path to success in their own careers and communities.”

From Cyan Bossou, Investor & Events Coordinator for GOPIP, "Lean In is about creating space for women to grow—professionally, personally, and together. This conference is special because it allows women to grow in a familiar and supportive environment, hearing from others who have navigated similar paths. Those shared experiences help attendees feel seen, encouraged, and confident in taking their next steps, both in their careers and in their lives. It’s not just about gaining new skills, but about building confidence and community, learning locally, and creating connections that allow women to support one another and continue growing long after the conference concludes.”  

GOPIP wants Lean In to be all-inclusive and encourages men to come and support the women of our region.