Dorothy's House Founder Kellie Markey to Speak at Square One DSM Startup Stories
DES MOINES, IA – Kellie Markey, Founder and Executive Director of Dorothy’s House, will be the guest speaker at the March Square One DSM Startup Stories event. Startup Stories is a monthly networking event geared toward entrepreneurs, investors and those interested in entrepreneurship that features an interview-style presentation with Square One DSM Executive Director Mike Colwell. The March event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 15 at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, 700 Locust St.
Dorothy’s House, which Markey founded in 2014, provides a safe place for the practice of life for teen and youth girls whose lives have been interrupted by sex trafficking and related exploitation. Markey, a Central College graduate, worked in the marketing field for 20 years, including at eBay, before moving back to Des Moines in 2011. When Markey moved to Des Moines, she found opportunities in investing in distressed real estate to give it new life. She also took opportunities to volunteer with teen girls in the community and ultimately became a foster parent, which led her to establish Dorothy’s House.
Markey will talk about her journey of community involvement and using her skills as a marketer and entrepreneur to make a positive impact on the community she calls home. She will also offer her advice for other entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. Colwell will begin the presentation by interviewing Markey and will then open up questions from the audience.
The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration includes a $15 admission fee for lunch; the event is free for attendees who choose not to sign up for a lunch. To register, go to DSMpartnership.com/events. Members of the media who wish to attend should contact Sophia S. Ahmad at sahmad@DSMpartnership.com.
About Square One DSM
Square One DSM’s mission is to connect entrepreneurial needs with qualified community and state resources and to provide guided professional and business direction. Square One DSM helps entrepreneurs maximize their successes by helping them navigate resources, strengthen knowledge, improve skills, form strategic alliances and secure proper capitalization. Learn more at SquareOneDSM.com.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 320 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth 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.