Greater Des Moines Partnership and Grinnell College to Host Community Building Roundtable
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 8, 2025) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership, in collaboration with Grinnell College, will host a Community Building Roundtable on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Weingart Civic Innovation Pavilion in Grinnell.
The roundtable will explore how Grinnell College engages students and the community to foster a shared sense of purpose and build meaningful interactions. Attendees will walk away with actionable ideas to help build stronger, more connected communities.
“Events like this reflect how we can come together as one region to share ideas, foster belonging and spark new approaches to connection,” said Stacey Robles, Inclusive Talent Program Manager at The Partnership. “We’re proud to join forces with Grinnell College to shine a light on the impactful work strengthening our communities.”
The roundtable will include a Community Building Panel, featuring Russ Behrens, City Manager, City of Grinnell; Monica Chavez-Silva, Vice President of Community Engagement and Strategic Planning at Grinnell College; Rachael Kinnick, President and CEO of the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce; and Mark Peltz, Dean of Careers, Life and Services at Grinnell College. The event will conclude with a tour of the Weingart Civic Innovation Pavilion.
“Community building starts with connections between people,” said Chavez-Silva. “At Grinnell College, we believe that when students, educators, businesses and community members come together with purpose, we all benefit. This roundtable is a chance to share what we’ve learned and to learn from others who are strengthening communities across Greater Des Moines.”
This event is part of The Partnership’s ongoing Multicultural Reception and Roundtable Series, which brings together individuals across industries, generations and backgrounds to foster meaningful connections and strengthen the region’s talent ecosystem.
Learn more and register for this free event here or contact Stacey Robles, Inclusive Talent Program Manager at The Partnership.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves 12 counties in Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa: Adair, Clarke, Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek and Warren. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Business Members, The Partnership drives economic growth and talent development to advance quality of life in DSM with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.