A- A+

YPC 2016 Student Coordinator

Young Professionals Connection 2016 Student Relations C

Jessie Cruise

Young Professionals Connection (YPC) Board Position: Student Relations Coordinator

Hometown: Bentonville, Arkansas

Alma Mater: University of Northern Iowa (Go Panthers!)

What do you do? I am an Account Manager for Storey Kenworthy

Q&A

What’s a day in your job like? I work directly with customers to help them build their ideal environments. I typically work with offices and our corporate customers but I span across lots of vertical markets. I also have a passion for our corporate culture so I have many internal meetings where I help plan our company wide events and community engagement events.

What are your passions outside of work? When you’re not at work, what will we find you doing? I am a huge fan of finding new series to watch on Netflix and HBO. I also am an assistant coach for a local swim team and I really enjoy that. Wedding planning has also become a fun hobby of mine, as I am getting married next September!

Where’s your favorite place to eat in Des Moines? LOVE Exile Brewery in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Always good food and it has my absolute favorite atmosphere. If you are an appetizer person try the fried pickles.

What role has mentorship played in your career? I remember before I left for college, one of the pieces of advice that my dad gave me was to find mentors in every step of my college career. Someone who could mentor me academically, socially, professionally, etc. This is something I have taken to heart and have always had a mentor in each one of the important aspects of my life. Having great mentors is the reason I am where I am today.

What are your words to live by? I really have two. For a long time it was just “I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.” This is motivational for me to just go after each day and remember all the positives that have occurred. But then — I attended the YPC Gala and learned a new quote from our keynote speaker that I have really taken to heart to always be giving back no matter what the situation in life is. “Do what you can, with what you have, and where you are.” — Teddy Roosevelt.

Young Professionals Connection (YPC)

The Young Professionals Connection (YPC) promotes an environment that attracts and retains young professionals in Greater Des Moines (DSM). YPC connects young professionals to each other and to the community through social, civic, charitable and professional development endeavors. YPC members have unique opportunities to grow personally and professionally and forge lasting relationships. They engage, connect and form a foundation for their future in DSM. YPC is an initiative of the Greater Des Moines Partnership.