Her Story
About Abigail
Abigail serves as the Assistant Director of the University of Northern Iowa Center for Urban Education. In this role, she oversees building management, staff day-to-day needs, and develops programming such as the free four-week 5th Grade Leadership Academy focused on math, reading, writing, and STEM to support the transition from elementary to middle school. With over eight years in education, Abigail previously worked as an academic advisor on the main campus of the University of Northern Iowa, supporting approximately 200 students in education and healthcare pathways. Before that, she was a transition specialist at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, assisting first-generation English language learners and adult learners in overcoming educational barriers. Abigail earned her bachelor's degree in elementary and middle-level education with endorsements in math and science from the University of Northern Iowa, where she also taught in K-12 settings for several years. She later completed a master's degree in STEM Education and STEM Leadership from the American College of Education. She maintains a national STEM certificate and teaching license, along with certifications in QPR for mental health support, VIDS for violent incident defense strategies, first aid, and mental health training. She is currently pursuing an AI and Education certificate at the University of Northern Iowa. Outside her primary role, Abigail has contributed for three years to the Women Leadership and Empowerment Conference, leading the marketing team for the annual one-day event that draws around 200 women from across Iowa. She also serves on the scholarship committee for Waterloo Community Foundation. Abigail is also married to a supportive husband and a mom to two amazing children.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Abigail
01What do you attribute your success to?
My drive and passion for people. Having a supportive person at home definitely helps. There is no way I could do it all without my husband. I would pivot and figure things out, but I am way more successful with him having my back.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I listen to the podcast “We Can Do Hard Things” with Gellenon Doyle. They had Brené Brown as a guest; there are two quotes I think of often. “There is no innovation and creativity without failure. Period.” “If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.” I never want to be done learning. Brené's quotes are good reminders to surround myself with people whom I can learn from and be inspired by.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You don't have to have it all figured out when you start. I thought I was going to be a K-12 teacher, and now I'm enjoying higher education, which wasn't something I would have thought of growing up. You can try things, and if you don't like it, that's fine. You could do any job for 3 years, give it a good go, and pivot as you need; and if you decide "that's not for me", you can always change and do something different.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The pace of change has accelerated across the board. I think one of the biggest challenges is leading teams through constant change while maintaining engagement and morale. Strong communication and adaptability are more important than ever. There is an opportunity to be innovative and grow right now. Helping employees develop resilience and finding ways to stay focused on our mission. It keeps the work interesting and encourages continuous learning
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Communication and honesty. Life happens; plans and priorities change, but I feel the best way to navigate that is to communicate with the people around me. If the answer includes “maybe,” “we'll see,” or “I'm not sure,” that is okay; I would rather someone be honest with me about where they are at. That allows me to make alternative plans if necessary and ensure I can rely on that person to handle it, if they can’t, knowing they will speak up and come to me.
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