Michelle AbouAssaly Named 2026 Woman of Distinction
Michelle AbouAssaly, from Burlington, Iowa, has been named the 2026 Woman of Distinction by Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Annually, a woman from the community is selected for her dedication to making the world a better place. On Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Catfish Bend Event Center, AbouAssaly will be recognized for her award at a community celebration.
AbouAssaly’s lifelong commitment to service, community, and global perspective began when she graduated from the University of Iowa College of Business with a degree in Human Resources and an International Business Certificate. To increase her worldview, she also studied abroad at the University of Seville, Spain for a semester. AbouAssaly’s early professional experiences included working at the Chicago Board of Trade as well as other jobs in the commodity industry.
Shortly after marrying her husband, Michael, AbouAssaly accepted an offer from Goldman Sachs to implement new online trading technology. This new role fulfilled her childhood dream of working in a tall building in downtown Chicago. When the time came to start a family, AbouAssaly moved to Burlington and began her remote work adventure with Goldman Sachs. She later added companies based in Boston and Washington, D.C. to her impressive work history.
Prior to welcoming her children, Elena and Alex, into the world, AbouAssaly worked for West Burlington Bank. Her next milestone in life was to retire early, become a full-time mother, and volunteer in the Burlington community.
Over the years, AbouAssaly has become a cornerstone of local volunteerism, contributing her time and leadership to many non-profits: Board of Directors of the YWCA, Hetta Gilbert, Burlington Fine Arts League, Southeast Iowa Medical Center Auxiliary Board (formerly Friends of Great River), Burlington Bullsharks Swim Club, SESA Soccer, and numerous local project committees.
In 2022, AbouAssaly stepped into her current role as Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Des Moines County and has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to award funding to countless non-profit organizations over the last four years.
Beyond her professional and volunteer commitments, AbouAssaly is known for her warmth, curiosity, and adventurous spirit. She loves traveling the world, playing pickleball, and nurturing connections with her family and friends.
“Michelle AbouAssaly exemplifies what it means to lead with impact,” says Regional Director, Amber Rickeberg. “Her dedication to supporting and uplifting local organizations strengthens our community and sets a powerful example for the next generation of leaders.”
Previous women honored as the Woman of Distinction includes the late Jill Blackwood, the late Ruth C. Stein, Jane Adams, Janet McCannon, Dr. Frances Jackson, Karen Hassel, Donna Logan, the late Betty Thye, Dr. Beverly Simone, Terri Dowell, Teresa Colgan, Dr. JoEllen Hoth, Ann Menke, Martha Wolf, Amy O’Brien, Becky Rump, Kay Sackville, Tammy McCoy, Beth Fleming, Joyce Vance, Julie Anderson, Amy Burkhart, and Becky Anderson.
All community members are invited to Woman of Distinction on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Catfish Bend Event Center. If you would like more information about the award and event, please get in touch with Amber Rickeberg at Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, by calling 309-752-3639. You can also text WOD26 to 234-324-3332 to receive a registration link.
