About Us
Together We Inspire Growth
Our Story
The Women’s Initiative Group (TWIG) is more than just an organization—it’s a movement rooted in connection, empowerment, and legacy.
Founded on the belief that every woman has the potential to lead, TWIG brings together women from all walks of life to support one another through community, mentorship, and shared growth. We understand that leadership is not one-size-fits-all, and we celebrate the diverse paths that women take to become change makers in their homes, careers, and communities.
Our vision is clear: to empower women of all backgrounds to connect, grow, and inspire future generations of leaders.
Through impactful programming, intentional networking, and a culture of inclusivity, TWIG creates space for women to thrive—personally and professionally. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or are a seasoned leader looking to give back, TWIG is your community.
Connect. Grow. Inspire.
This is who we are. This is what we do. This is the future we’re building—together.
The Women behind TWIG
Bonnie Alley
Hype Woman for Ames | Pizza Enthusiast | Director of Business Development
I’m Bonnie, and I have the privilege of serving as Director of Business Development at Discover Ames, where I lead a talented team dedicated to attracting events, conferences, and meetings that showcase all the reason Ames is such incredible place to connect, collaborate, and celebrate. Together, we work to create meaningful experiences that not only highlight what makes Ames unique but also generate real economic impact for our region. Ames isn’t just where I work—it’s my home, and I’m passionate about helping others discover just how special it is.
With more than two decades of experience in hospitality, tourism, business ownership, and nonprofit leadership, I bring both entrepreneurial and community perspectives to my work. From co-owning Alley’s Pizza with my husband Bob to managing hotels and building partnerships across industries, I thrive on creating opportunities for connection and growth.
I am the founder of TWIG and proud to be among the women behind this initiative—a circle of women who show up for one another, lift each other up, and genuinely root for each other both personally and professionally.
Community involvement is core to who I am. I currently serve on the Steering Committee for The Ames Event Center at The Linc, as well as the Education Chair – Iowa Travel Industry Partners and as Member Services Vice Chair of Iowa Society of Association Executives SAE.
My volunteer leadership experience includes serving as Vice Chair of the Discover Ames Board of Directors, Ambassador Representative for the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, and Vice Chair of Membership & Retention for the MPI Heartland Chapter. I also held multiple leadership positions with Icing Smiles, a nonprofit for children facing critical illness, including Medical Eligibility Director, State of Iowa Representative, Midwest Representative, Regional Director, and Director of Operations. In these roles, I led teams of more than 75 administrative staff and supported a volunteer base of over 3,000 individuals nationwide. Each of these experiences reflects my passion for building relationships, creating meaningful experiences, and making a lasting impact.
At the end of the day, my work is about people—leading, connecting, and creating opportunities that leave a lasting impact on our community.
Mindy Bergstrom
Cooks’ Emporium, The Shops at Clark & Main, The Recipe
Professional plate-spinner of passions: retail curator, culinary organizer whisperer, and community cheerleader. Operator of spaces where spatulas sizzle, shelves sparkle of quality paper products, and sustainability actually looks chic. Believes in same-day delivery miracles, the power of a good olive oil, and planning at least 45 days ahead—unless you’re cooking by instinct.
Based in Ames, fueled by espresso and good intentions. Often found breaking down cardboard boxes, running down alleyways and never saying “no” to a volunteer position that crosses her plate.
Fun Fact:
I have been actively involved with Ames Main Street and Downtown Ames since 2018, serving in roles including secretary, promotions chair, executive committee member, event volunteer, organization chair, and committee member. I am excited to serve as Chair of Downtown Ames in 2026.
Additionally, I have served on the Discover Ames Board for the past six years. In 2025, I am honored to participate on the Task Force for the Downtown Ames Guiding Vision Plan and on the Steering Committee for The Ames Events Center at The Linc.
Gloria Betcher
ISU English Professor / Ames City Council Member
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Danielle Fuglsang
Discover Ames – Connector. Magic Maker. Sideline Hype Squad.
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Kim Grzywacz
CIT Transportation
Professional: Kim Grzywacz brings 12 years of experience in group transportation and currently serves as the Sales Director at their family company, CIT Signature Transportation. Her expertise in building national/state connections adds valuable insight to our advisory board.
Fun Fact: Alongside scrapbooking, Kim recently added embroidery and sourdough as creative outlets. Spending time on these gifts to her family and friends relaxes her and negates the time suck of binge watching tv. Ask her about it when you see her at the next TWIG event.
Amy Lang
Members 1st Community Choice
Amy began her career in the financial services industry in 1989, working in community banks where a strong foundation in banking operations was built from the ground up. Over the next decade, she held a variety of roles including Proof Operator, Drive-Up Teller, Note Teller, Administrative Assistant, and Credit Analyst, ultimately rising to the position of Vice President of Commercial Lending.
In 1998, Amy was selected to be part of the founding team of a de novo bank—a milestone that marked a significant evolution in an already impressive career. This experience further strengthened her commitment to community-focused banking and provided a platform to expand leadership in commercial lending.
Throughout the years, Amy has been deeply involved in community service, volunteering countless hours with various nonprofit and civic organizations. A strong believer in financial literacy, she has also taught financial education in elementary schools, empowering young students with essential life skills.
Amy currently serves as Vice President of Business Services at MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union, where she is passionate about helping small businesses secure the financing they need to grow and succeed. Recognized for her hands-on approach and genuine commitment to clients, she brings decades of experience and dedication to every relationship. Beyond her professional role, Amy contributes her leadership and financial expertise as Board President of Advanced Capital Access and as Incoming Treasurer of The Ames Foundation, supporting initiatives that drive economic growth and strengthen the Ames community.
Outside of work: In her spare time, Amy enjoys running, biking, shopping, and relaxing with her husband, daughter, and two beloved cats, Phoebe and Pepper.
Lindsay Long
Iowa State University Foundation
Professional: Lindsey Long serves as the Senior Director of Donor Relations and Events at the Iowa State University Foundation where she leads with a servant heart and a steadfast commitment to excellence. With close to two decades of experience in higher education, Lindsey has cultivated a career focused on building meaningful connections through donor stewardship, developmental programming, and impactful event experiences that engage diverse audiences.
A champion for women in business, Lindsey is passionate about creating spaces where women can lead, grow, and thrive. Her leadership style centers on collaboration, empathy, and elevating those around her. She brings this same intentionality to every project she leads, whether it’s stewarding donors, mentoring, or designing experiences that deepen institutional pride.
Outside of work, Lindsey and her husband find joy in supporting their two sons who are active in sports and music. She enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends
Jan Williams
Ames Regional Economic Alliance
Jan is a life-long Iowan! Born and raised in Mason City, her next adventure was Iowa State University.
With a passion for Psychology and Sociology, she worked on campus at the Campus Information
Center, was a facilitator for the Undergraduate Leadership Program, then after graduation,
embarked on a career in business relations. Experiences included Personnel Management for
Monfort Meat Packing, Client Relations for two temp-to-hire agencies, Hospitality Services at
Gateway Hotel, Volunteer and Member Relations at the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau, Alumni, Corporate & Donor Relations at ISU College of Engineering, Donor Relations, Event and Business Relations at Heartland Senior Services of Story County, Private Banking at First National Bank, and now Vice President at the Ames Chamber of Commerce! Jan has served on various Boards of Directors, notably ACPC, Gilbert Education Foundation, United Way of Story County, RSVP of Story County, Discover Ames, The Ames Foundation, Northcrest Retirement Community, and Special Olympics Iowa.
Living in Ames for three decades, this is a community full of opportunity, a tremendous quality of life and wonderful place to raise a family, and we are a smaller community that plays up big! We have plenty of culture, arts, biking trails, a vibrant downtown scene, local shops and more. I believe in building community and engaging for meaningful relations.
Jan’s most important role is being a Mom to Hannah and Mason, living in CO and MN respectively.
Married to husband Scott, they’ve called Ames home for 30 years, are Lifelong ISU Alumni
Association and National Cyclone Club Members, enjoy traveling, and the simple things like walking about Ada Hayden on a crisp Fall morning and grilling with friends and family on the comforts of a deck with 80s music or jazz playing in the background!
TWIG
The Women’s Initiative Group