Goodman’s message reverberates with so many

     Last week I attended the annual women’s banquet in Dyersville, organized by the Dyersville Chamber.

     I have to say, my first draw to the event stems from the speaker: Amanda Goodman, co-anchor of the KWWL News, alongside Ron Steele.

     Goodman hasn’t been doing the news long, having come from Texas to Iowa. But, in her short time here, she’s made leaps and bounds.

     Goodman has spoken out and helped fight, with our state legislature, against bullying, a topic she knows all too well.

     While Goodman, as adult, has been bullied firsthand since coming into KWWL, she helps fight against childhood bullying.

     Goodman’s message that night in Dyersville was of equality for women, knowing that as sad it is, even in today’s society, women are not treated nor paid the same as men in their same field. She joked that Ron Steele could have his worst day on TV, but everyone will overlook that and point out Goodman’s flaws nonetheless. This bullying, namely done on social media, is the product of both men and women.

     Goodman has received messages calling out her hair color, hair extensions, choice of jewelry she chose to wear during an evening broadcast, and choice of blazer she wore to accept her outfit. It’s truly sad that instead of really watching and listening to the evening news, people have point out the anchor’s insecurities.

     Goodman, a soon-to-be mother of four, started blogging about her experiences at KWWL, bullying, and being a mom. Her blog has soured on social media. I personally follow Goodman on Facebook, and read her blog from time to time. She’s a great writer and truly knows how to express herself.

     A few weeks ago, Goodman announced that she was stepping down from KWWL. She said it’s been hard on her family of young children being away every evening. She referred to her marriage as a weekend marriage because she only sees her husband on Saturdays and Sundays.

     Goodman shared an inspiring and empowering message with a sold-out crowd of 450 women of all ages and backgrounds. She was funny and entertaining, which you would not know it by watching her every evening on the KWWL News. You could tell she loves her career, but feels she has no other option other than to step aside for the good of her family (and sanity no less).

     A few weeks before the women’s night event, I found out that my cousin, who was attending the event with me that night, was one of four women nominated as Woman of the Year in Dyersville. She was the youngest nominee. She’s done so much for the Dyersville community, where she lives with her husband and three kids.

     While my cousin didn’t win the coveted title, we had a blast there together. We heard from an amazing speaker, had a great meal and laughed all night.