Marie Barclay, the newly appointed president of the Community Involvement Task Force (CITF), is a testament to the power of perseverance and progress for women in leadership. A longtime advocate for equality in the workplace, Barclay’s journey includes decades of business experience, personal growth, and a deep connection to her community.
Barclay, who grew up in Iola and now works as the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce’s Communications Coordinator, has witnessed firsthand the challenges women faced in the workplace over the years. Reflecting on her early career in the 1980s and 1990s, she recalls a time when women were often relegated to superficial roles in the office. “We were considered more like ornaments around the office,” she said. “There was a lot of inequality — not just in pay, but we had to wear panty hose and corsets, while men didn’t. We could be part of the business transaction, until it was time to wine and dine.”
Despite these challenges, Barclay fought tirelessly to be seen for her intellect, merit, and talents. “Women weren’t even encouraged to go to college unless we were going to be a teacher or a nurse,” she explained. “The perspective of a woman in leadership is so different from that of a man. It brings balance. We need both perspectives.”
GROWING UP in Iola in the early 1970s, Barclay drew inspiration from her mother, who was a strong business woman in her own right. “My parents owned a business here, and my dad always treated my mom as an equal in business,” she said. It was from this example that Barclay first gained the confidence to pursue her own professional ambitions.
After graduating high school in 1989, Barclay embarked on a diverse career path that would see her gaining valuable experience in sales, customer service, not-for-profits, and retail management, among other fields. Her roles at companies like Sprint, Pier One, and even a call center during the internet boom helped her hone a wide range of skills — what she refers to as being a “Jack of many trades.”
However, it was her passion for philanthropy and community involvement that eventually brought her back to Iola. After marrying her husband Neal and moving back to town in 2014, Barclay initially struggled to adjust to life in a smaller, rural community. But working in the restaurant industry helped her reconnect with familiar faces, making her feel more at home. This renewed connection to the community eventually led to her current role with the Chamber of Commerce, where she has been for nearly four years.
BARCLAY’S dedication to local improvement didn’t stop there. Through her work at the Chamber, she became involved with the CITF, where she eventually took on the role of president. Under her leadership, the organization is focused on bringing meaningful, community-driven projects to Iola. One of the major initiatives on Barclay’s radar is the highly anticipated splash park project, which aims to enhance local tourism and provide a safe, family-friendly space for residents and visitors alike.
With over 15 members, including city staff and local leaders, CITF is united in its mission to assess community needs and encourage cooperation among residents from all walks of life. As president, Barclay is spearheading efforts to raise the $70,000 to $100,000 needed to make the splash park a reality, with support from local businesses and grant applications. “We’re about halfway there,” she said.
“We really want to bring as much pride to our community as we can,” she says, referring to ongoing beautification efforts, such as flower pots on the corners of the square. “We want to make this town a welcoming place for everyone.”
In her short time as president, Barclay’s leadership has already begun to shape the direction of CITF. With the upcoming addition of the state park and the potential for increased tourism, she is excited about the future of Iola and the opportunity to continue driving positive change.
As a proud “boomerang” who returned to her hometown, Barclay has proven that leadership is not defined by gender or location, but by the willingness to face challenges head-on. Her story is an inspiring reminder of how far women have come in the business world and the importance of women’s voices in shaping the future.
