6TH ANNUAL WOMEN FIGHTING HUNGER

Thursday March 26, 2026 | Rhythm City Casino | Davenport, IA

The annual fundraising dinner, Women Fighting Hunger, brings passionate women together who share River Bend Food Bank’s mission to build hunger-free communities. Women (and men) from all across our region enjoy the opportunity to network, share a meal, and hear from female leaders about actionable ways to get involved in fighting hunger.

The event will include:

• Gift basket raffles
• Networking with community leaders
• Learning about advocating, volunteering and donating for a hunger-free community

4:30PM Doors Open/Cocktail Hour
6:15PM Welcome, Dinner, Program to Follow

OUR 2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKER: LISA BLUDER

Lisa Bluder is a visionary leader, championship-caliber coach, and strategic thinker with a proven ability to build high-performing teams, drive sustained success, and cultivate a culture of excellence. As the all-time leader in coaching wins in Big Ten history, she spent 24 seasons as the head coach of the University of Iowa women’s basketball program, leading the Hawkeyes to unprecedented heights, including back-to-back National Championship appearances.

With over 40 years of experience in coaching and leadership, Bluder has developed and mentored elite talent at the highest levels, including WNBA star Caitlin Clark, while demonstrating an unparalleled ability to inspire, motivate, and unify individuals toward a common goal. Under her leadership, Iowa became a perennial powerhouse, known for its disciplined play, dynamic offense, and unwavering commitment to teamwork and player development.

Beyond her success on the court, Bluder is widely recognized as a trailblazer in sports leadership and talent development. She possesses deep expertise in organizational strategy, brand building, and media engagement, consistently elevating the visibility and impact of women’s basketball through her leadership and advocacy. Her ability to navigate high-pressure environments, adapt to evolving challenges, and foster a performance-driven culture has made her one of the most respected figures in college athletics.

A gifted communicator and sought-after public speaker, Bluder has established herself as a thought leader in leadership development, team dynamics, and the intersection of sports and business. Her ability to translate lessons from the court into actionable insights for corporate teams, executives, and boardrooms makes her a valuable asset to organizations seeking to enhance strategic vision, operational excellence, and team synergy.

Throughout her career, Bluder has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the game and her impact on the lives of student-athletes. Her legacy extends far beyond wins and championships—she has shaped generations of leaders, instilled a winning mindset in countless individuals, and paved the way for the continued growth of women’s sports.

Now, as she transitions from coaching into broader leadership and advisory roles, Bluder continues to leverage her experience in building successful programs, developing talent, and leading organizations through transformative growth. Whether in the sports world or corporate sector, her leadership philosophy—rooted in discipline, innovation, and empowerment—remains a blueprint for sustained success.