Karen Kubby
Age: 49. Social activist, national third-party political workshop speaker, served 11 years (1989-00) as Iowa City council member, and directed Emma Goldman Clinic (1999-08). Co-owner with her sister, Laurel, of Dawn’s Hide & Bead Away across from Englert Theatre, she teaches, creates, and sells pottery, craftwork and jewelry. She first lived in Iowa City during 1970-72 while her father taught ROTC. Since returning in 1978, her impact on local political life has mushroomed, especially “green” and “progressive” causes. After two unsuccessful candidacies, her election to city council brought ascendency of her voice for socialism and liberalism locally and beyond.