Mary Kay Heard: ‘We have some catching up to do’

About this episode

Mary Kay Heard discusses her experiences and the progress of women in leadership roles.

Today is International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women around the world. In this week’s episode of “Registered,” we speak with one of Iola’s most esteemed women leaders, Mary Kay Heard. Heard has served Iola in a variety of roles. A former business owner, she currently is chairwoman of Iola Industries and on the hospital’s community board. In the past, she has also served on Allen Community College’s board of trustees, the Iola Public Library board, and was a key member of the fundraising group for Allen County Regional Hospital. In a wide-ranking conversation, Tim Stauffer talks with Heard about her own experiences, the progress women have made and what work remains to be done, and how we all benefit from a variety of voices at the table. Here’s our conversation.

People in this episode

Guest: Mary Kay Heard

Topics covered

• International Women’s Day
• women's leadership
• community service
• progress of women

Keywords

• Iola
• women leaders
• community involvement
• diversity of voices

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Registered

More episodes of Registered

• SAFE BASE director Angela Henry loves expanding students’ comfort zones · June 2, 2026 · 37 min
• Mark Peters is worried about Iola’s numbers · May 26, 2026 · 44 min
• Taelyn Mathews and her passion for meeting kids where they are · May 11, 2026 · 32 min
• As tornado season arrives, Jason Trego has some advice · May 6, 2026 · 33 min
• Doug Kerr wants to see more collaboration in Iola and Allen County · April 30, 2026 · 49 min
• Jeremiah Ivy plans to make the most of his time on Iola City Council · April 22, 2026 · 34 min