I've Found Unlimited Opportunities in DSM USA
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I think what makes Greater Des Moines (DSM) special is that there is a belief that we can come together to make life better. DSM makes you feel like you can be a part of something greater than yourself. It’s an environment where you can dream of something and make it happen. In my case, that was starting a women’s roller derby flat track league.
Building a life in DSM
The daughter of Laotian immigrants, I originally came to DSM to attend Drake University. It hasn’t been difficult to find reasons to stay here. I’ve been a part of different IT user-groups, I’ve built my own roller derby league, I’ve built my family here and now I’ve started grad school and started my own business as a life and leadership coach.
DSM has made possible what I’ve done by not creating limitations. We only see limitations because either we think, or someone tells us, there are. No one tells you that in DSM. DSM creates this idea that anything is possible so if you believe it is, you’re going to be able to do it.
My idea took off in DSM
When I started roller derby, nobody knew what it was, but it took off because of our passion behind it. If you want to make it happen, DSM allows you to do it. We marketed, recruited and got sponsors for Des Moines Derby Dames. We made it a nonprofit team giving 10 percent of our proceeds from every bout to charity.
DSM offers the opportunity to bring your ideas just like any other big city except it’s easier to realize them here. I've now started my life and leadership coaching business, Full Pursuit Life Coaching, which lets me give back to the community that has done so much for me already. It’s more affordable to live in DSM and do the things that you want to do like travel, go back to school or start a business.
DSM is unique
The thing that makes DSM unique is its people. DSM is all about acceptance. Whether that’s cultural diversity, acceptance of new ideas, innovations, creations or ways to do things better. The people that live or relocate here are the people who want and make better for their lives. If everybody could experience what it’s like to live and be neighbors with the incredible people in this region, they would never want to leave.
DSM is one of a kind.
Are you interested in moving to Greater Des Moines (DSM)? Relocation Packets offer information on everything from neighborhoods to shopping, parks and local attractions. Or, kick-start your career by checking out the DSM USA Career Center. It has over 10,000 jobs listed!
Malay Bouaphakeo
A graduate of Drake University, I spent 11 years as a business recruiter in Greater Des Moines (DSM) before starting my business, Full Pursuit Life Coaching. As an iPEC Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and Energy Leadership IndexT Master Practitioner (ELI-MP), I am trained to help people achieve their goals and dreams. In 2009, I founded the Des Moines Derby Dames, the city's premier women's roller derby league (now a part of Team United). But above all, I built my family in DSM.