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Partnership To Host Multicultural Reception Jan. 16, 2023

December 15, 2022

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Dec. 15, 2022) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership will host a Multicultural Reception on Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex.   

The event is in partnership with the City of West Des Moines, the West Des Moines Human Rights Commission, West Des Moines Schools, West Des Moines Historical Society, Des Moines University, Polk County, Taste of the Junction, Meals from the Heartland and the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. The Multicultural Reception is one event in a daylong celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day for the City of West Des Moines.   

Multicultural Receptions provide opportunities for those in the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community to develop new relationships with others who are passionate about building an inclusive community for the region.

The theme for this Multicultural Reception is “The Time is Always Right to Do Right,” in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Many businesses and organizations offer MLK Day as a paid holiday, and to honor the contributions and legacy of Dr. King, The Partnership encourages citizens to use this time off to engage in community service.  

“We strongly encourage all members of the community to come to this free event,” said Dr. Marvin DeJear, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for The Partnership. “Multicultural Receptions are a great way to meet people from diverse backgrounds and to continue learning about people who are different than us and their experiences. Through this, we are able to build stronger cultural competency and allyship, which is a great way to honor Dr. King’s legacy.”  

The event will begin with a roundtable discussion from 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. where attendees will have the opportunity to discuss a variety of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)-related topics of importance to their organization and the community. A beverage and appetizer reception will begin at 4:15 p.m. with brief remarks around 4:30 p.m. and continue until 6 p.m.  

Confirmed speakers for the Multicultural Reception include:

  • Dr. Dau Jok, Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at West Des Moines Community Schools  
  • Mayor Russ Tremble, City of West Des Moines  
  • Councilwoman Renee Hardman, City of West Des Moines  
  • Audrey Kennis, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, City of West Des Moines  
  • Katherine Harrington, President & CEO, West Des Moines Chamber   
  • Jay Byers, President & CEO of The Partnership  
  • Dr. Marvin DeJear, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at The Partnership  

Additional speakers will be announced as they are confirmed.   

Registration for the event is now open on The Partnership’s website. 

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 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 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.