Save The Date: Keynote Lineup Set For 2025 Inclusion Summit
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Aug. 27, 2025) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership announces the 13th annual Inclusion Summit: Advancing Workforce and Workplaces will take place Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown. This day-long summit will bring together regional leaders to explore strategies, tools and resources that support inclusive economic growth, bolster talent pipelines and strengthen workplaces across the region.
This year’s keynote speakers include:
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Dr. Ian A. Roberts, Superintendent of the Des Moines Public Schools: With extensive experience leading diverse school districts across the country, Dr. Roberts is a nationally recognized voice in culturally responsive leadership. He has held senior leadership roles across the nation centering on shared accountability, empathy and compassion. In addition to this educational leadership, Dr. Roberts is also a former Olympic track and field athlete, having competed at the 2000 Sydney Summer Games.
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Papia Debroy, Chief Impact Officer at Opportunity@Work: Debroy leads national efforts to expand opportunities for the 70+ million U.S. workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) rather than bachelor's degrees. A nationally recognized expert on skills and the labor market, her research and insights have been featured in The New York Times, NPR’s “Marketplace” and Congressional testimony, helping to shape the transition toward a more inclusive, skills-based economy.
“This Summit is more than a one-day event, it’s a catalyst for progress,” said Stacey Robles, Inclusive Talent Program Manager at The Partnership. “Our goal is to help business leaders align talent strategies with business outcomes and to create workplace cultures where everyone can thrive.”
The annual event is designed for employers who are Investors, Affiliates or Members of The Partnership and are committed to advancing economic growth in the workplace and community. Attendees will hear from expert panels, gain actionable insights and connect with leaders who are working to build innovative and inclusive organizations.
Additional programming and speakers for this year’s Inclusion Summit will be announced soon so please save the date.
To register for advanced pricing and learn more about the event, visit The Partnership website. Sponsorship opportunities are still available by contacting Kathryn Smith, Director of Community Engagement 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.