The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective Announces 2026 Program Details
Keynote speakers and inaugural Student Impact Ambassador cohort announced
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (April 16, 2026) – The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective announces its 2026 keynote speaker lineup and inaugural Student Impact Ambassador cohort, expanding opportunities for students to engage with employers, build skills and explore career pathways.
Now entering its third year, the Career Ready Collective connects high school students with real-world experiences, skill development and local employers, helping prepare the next generation of talent across Greater Des Moines.
“The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective is creating meaningful opportunities for students to explore career pathways and build connections that can shape their future,” said Jo Christine Miles, Principal Charity Classic Charitable Purpose Committee Chair and Director of Principal® Foundation and Community Relations at Principal® Financial Group. “We’re proud to support a program that brings together education, business and community partners to help strengthen the region’s talent pipeline.”
2026 Keynote Speakers
This year's keynote speakers include:
- June 18 | Kristin Economos Novotny, Owner and Founder of the Life Skills Launch — Prepare to Launch: Five Adulting Skills to Change Your Life
- June 26 | Miriam De Dios Woodward, President & CEO of De Dios Consulting — Designing Your Future: From Where You Are To Where You Want To Be
- July 10 | Julian D. Neely, Director of Advancement and Community Investment at the Polk County Housing Trust Fund — Dream It, Do It and Don't Burn Out (then Pivot if Necessary)
- July 17 | Dr. Dau Jok, Executive Director of Culture and Access for West Des Moines Community Schools — Finding Your Authenticity and Strengths
Introducing Student Impact Ambassadors
The 2026 program introduces the inaugural Student Impact Ambassador cohort, a new leadership opportunity for returning Career Ready Collective participants.
Student Impact Ambassadors serve as peer leaders, helping to recruit and welcome new participants, support program sessions and model strong engagement and professionalism. This role builds on students’ previous experience, providing opportunities to further develop leadership skills, connect with employers and expand their professional networks.
Selected through an application and interview process, ambassadors represent schools across the region, including Ankeny High School, Johnston High School, Roosevelt High School, Waukee High School and Waukee Northwest High School.
“Career Ready Collective continues to grow in ways that create meaningful, peer-driven experiences for students,” said Krista Van Hooser-Perin, Director of Workforce at The Partnership. “By learning from both employers and their peers, students are building communication, teamwork and professional skills that can help shape their future pathways.”
Program Support
The program is funded by the Principal Charity Classic’s Legacy Project, with support from Sammons Financial Group and additional sponsorship by The Mutual Group and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa. Curriculum and programming are developed by The Partnership with support from the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, reflecting a shared, cross-sector commitment to preparing youth for the future of work.
Registration closes May 31 or when capacity is reached.
For more information about the Career Ready Collective, visit DSMpartnership.com.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.
About Principal Charity Classic
Golf Charitable Foundation of Greater Des Moines, operating as Principal Charity Classic, is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) organization focused on providing philanthropic support to youth serving programs across the State of Iowa. While Principal Charity Classic receives funding from Principal Financial Group® and Principal® Foundation, Principal Charity Classic is a distinct, independent, charitable entity.
About Principal® Foundation
Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. (“Principal® Foundation”) is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing philanthropic support to programs that build financial security in the communities where Principal Financial Group, Inc. (“Principal”) operates. While Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a distinct, independent, charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not practice any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so.