Keynote Speakers and New Programming For The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (May 6, 2025) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced the keynote speakers, new partners and an expanded footprint for the second year of The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective. 

The Career Ready Collective is a community-driven, career development program to prepare youth for the future of work. The Career Ready Collective is funded by the Principal Charity Classic’s Legacy Project with support from Sammons Financial. The curriculum and program have been developed by The Partnership with support from The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University. 

Career Ready Collective's program will run for six weeks, meeting on Fridays between June – July. The 2025 keynote lineup is:  

• June 13 – Izaah Knox, Executive Director of Urban Dreams  
  Keynote Title: Creating a Legacy in Motion: The Network, the Grind, and the Power of Showing Up 

• June 20 – Lisa Even, Entrepreneur and Author 
  Speed Networking Event 

• June 27 – Erik Dominguez, Speaker, Trainer, Coach
  Keynote Title: Speak Easy: The Art and Science of Confident Communication 

• July 11 – Kristin Economos, Owner and Founder of Life Skills Launch 
  Keynote Title: Back to Basics: Mental & Emotional Wellness for Career Success 

• July 18 – Travis Shelton, Financial Coach, Speaker, Writer, Entrepreneur and Host of the “Meaning Over Money” Podcast 
  Keynote Title: Money Made Simple 

• July 25 – Celebration Luncheon featuring Ardis Kelley, CPA, Interim CEO of the Iowa Society of CPAs 
  Keynote Title: This Is Your Time 

New this year, The Mutual Group has signed on as the Student Well-Being sponsor and Wellmark has signed on as the Student Inspiration sponsor. The program will also expand to include two additional communities, Cedar Rapids and Pella, that will utilize the curriculum and livestream sessions. Other program enhancements include weekly free lunches, a college expo, a career fair, mock interviews and a behind-the-scenes tour at Principal ®. 

“We’re excited to introduce this year’s lineup of speakers, each bringing their own unique expertise and perspective to help inspire and guide students as they consider the wide range of career opportunities available right here in Greater Des Moines,” said Lexi Shafer, Director of Workforce at The Partnership. “We are also excited to welcome new sponsors and community partners, and expand the network of students we are able to serve through welcoming Council Bluffs and Pella to the Career Ready Collective’s footprint.” 

“This dynamic group of speakers reflects our commitment to connecting Iowa youth with voices that challenge, motivate and empower them,” said Jo Christine Miles, Director of Principal® Foundation and Principal Community Relations. “Through real world insights and powerful storytelling, students from central Iowa will gain tools to help them thrive both personally and professionally. We see great potential in this year’s program enhancements. The changes reflect the continued growth and momentum of the Career Ready Collective, and we’re proud to see the program evolve in year two as we expand its reach and deepen its impact.” 

“Students that participated in last year’s inaugural Career Ready Collective programming said that it was a life-changing experience,” said Naomi Myers, Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at The Mutual Group. “The Mutual Group is excited to support this program that will strengthen the region and state’s talent pipeline and prepare students for future careers at local employers.” 

To learn more about how you or your organization can support the Career Ready Collective, and how youth can get involved, please contact Lexi Shafer, Director of Workforce, The Partnership, at lshafer@DSMpartnership.com.