MUSCATINE, Iowa–As the Community Foundation prepared for Jim Kim’s visit at their annual meeting, they also began learning about some of his colleagues, including his senior advisor at Global Infrastructure Partners, Shalimar Adorno. Community Foundation Director Charla Schafer shared, “while getting to know Shalimar as we were planning their visit for our annual meeting, she quickly became a friend and mentor.”
As Adorno’s friendship with local leaders grew, Schafer and others started forming ideas for how to share her experiences with a wider audience of women in the community: “It became apparent that Shalimar has a heart to help, and we wanted others to get the opportunity to learn from her experiences and lessons. We are grateful that she generously agreed to share her story with us!” said Schafer.
After reading Adorno’s chapter in Rene Carayol’s book “SPIKE” members of the Community Foundation, Align Impact Muscatine County, and Muscatine Community College started working together to have Adorno speak at a Women’s Empowerment Luncheon. At Muscatine Community College president Naomi De Winter’s suggestion, organizers invited middle school students from Louisa-Muscatine, Muscatine, West Liberty, and Wilton to attend the event as well.
Approximately 40 women leaders from across Muscatine County attended the event, including representatives from the City of Muscatine, HON, Kent Corporation, MidWestOne Bank, Muscatine Community College, Muscatine Power and Water, Musco, Riverview Hotel Development, the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, Stanley Consultants, and UnityPoint Trinity Muscatine Hospital. 60 students from the four middle schools, each selected by their counselors, attended as well.
At the luncheon, held at the Merrill Hotel Oct. 6, attendees had the opportunity to network with each other while enjoying a delectable meal. Adorno then read from her chapter of “SPIKE,” sharing key parts of her life’s story of growing up in the Bronx and then developing a successful business career, with everyone there. Thanks to a generous donation from Carayol, each guest at the Women’s Empowerment Luncheon received a copy of “Spike” for free.
A powerful and pleasant experience for all involved, Schafer felt good about how the event turned out. “We hope that attendees left feeling inspired to reach their dreams, support others on their journey, and have faith in opportunities,” stated Schafer.
She also believes the luncheon will spark many ongoing community conversations and possibly lead to the Women’s Empowerment Luncheon taking place annually. “Many of the community leaders in attendance stated they plan to continue the conversation and mentorship with the middle school students,” she reported. “We believe the connectivity created and motivated shared from Shalimar’s story, and conversationally among the professional women and middle school students, will ripple forward in impact and propel those in attendance to achieve their aspirational pursuits.”
