Event celebrated women leaders advancing safety across industries
HIAWATHA, Iowa (Oct. 17, 2025)–Kirkwood Community College honored outstanding safety professionals at the 2025 Midwest Women in Safety Conference, held today at the Kirkwood Linn County Regional Center in Hiawatha. The annual event has brought together professionals from across the region to recognize women making significant impacts in workplace safety and health.
The conference concluded with the presentation of the Safety Woman of the Year Award and the Lifetime of Safety Achievement Award, highlighting exceptional contributions to safety leadership and advocacy.
This year’s Safety Woman of the Year was awarded to Chase Emanuel, safety coordinator for Price Electric. Emanuel oversees safety operations for complex industrial and wastewater projects, often requiring detailed coordination among contractors and trades. She also manages traveling workforce projects for Price Electric’s Fort Myers, Florida branch. Emanuel has earned a reputation as an excellent employee advocate and a trusted resource that Price Electric employees know they can rely on for advice, training, and equipment needs.
The Lifetime of Safety Achievement Award was presented to two recipients this year:
- Schneider Electric Safety, Health and Environmental Manager Denise Tucker
- Iowa OSHA Division Consultation and Education Bureau Chief Peggy Peterson
Tucker oversees environment, health, and safety (EHS) management at Schneider Electric’s Cedar Rapids facility, including production, engineering, and office environments. She has been praised as a subject matter expert who provides technical guidance on all aspects of EHS and has consistently demonstrated professional excellence in a male-dominated field, paving the way for other women in safety.
Peterson was recognized for her decades of service in multiple Iowa OSHA roles, including enforcement officer, consultation and education bureau chief, and as an influential safety educator. She has overseen more than 300 site visits annually, impacting more than 22,000 employees, and has been recognized for her contributions to the Voluntary Protection Program and the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
“The stories shared at this year’s conference–and especially the achievements of Chase, Denise, and Peggy–represent the best of what the safety profession stands for,” said Kirkwood Director of Corporate Training Services Quinn Pettifer. “Their leadership and dedication have improved countless workplaces and continue to inspire the next generation of safety professionals.”
The Midwest Women in Safety Conference, organized by Kirkwood, has become a signature event for regional safety professionals, offering an annual opportunity to share expertise, celebrate accomplishments, and recognize the critical role women play in advancing safety in the workforce.
To learn more about the conference, visit www.kirkwood.edu/womeninsafety.