The Partnership Celebrates 2025 Scale DSM Graduates
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Dec. 9, 2025) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership announced the graduation of the fourth cohort of the Scale DSM Business Accelerator program powered by Interise and supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation. This group of entrepreneurs has completed the six-month program, gaining advanced business education, hands-on tools for strategic growth and valuable peer-to-peer learning.
Graduates from the 2025 cohort include:
- Magdalena Aravena Gutierrez, Studio Siembra
- Kyle Doyle, Iowa Distilling Company
- Lori Gelhaar, Leverage4
- Justin Gora, Gora's Gym
- Andrew Johnson, 21st Century Trading Company LLC
- Riana LeJeune, Repinned Luxury Upholstery Workroom
- Ana Maceda, Crown Cleaning
- Shayla McCormally, McCormally & Cosgrove, PLLC
- Tim Morris, Maple Creek Construction, Inc
- Jennifer Oredson, Dinner Dispatch
- Matthew Palan, Creative Concepts
- Marilyn Perez Garcia, Modas Marilyn
- Thla Sui, Thla Sui Agency
- LeAnn Thongvanh, Dinner Dispatch
- Brandy Werner, Werner's Elite Auto
- Aniekanabasi White, Sensiil Studios
- RaeLynn Whitfield, Whitfield's Lawn and Garden Specialist, LLC
- Ventica Woods, Mama Africa LLC
“These entrepreneurs are building the future of our region’s economy,” said Jenae Sikkink, Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies at The Partnership. “This cohort has demonstrated exceptional drive and commitment, and we are proud to support their journeys and look forward to the continued economic impact they will have across Greater Des Moines.”
Over the past three years, 38 other businesses have graduated from the Scale DSM program, all of which have reported profitability. Many alumni have expanded operations, hired new employees and increased their positive impact within the community. This year’s 18 graduates will continue that tradition of resilience, ambition and economic contribution to Greater Des Moines.
Scale DSM participants take part in Interise’s StreetWise MBA™ curriculum which emphasizes practical, case-based learning and collaborative problem-solving. Supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation, the program equips business owners with strategies to scale sustainably, strengthen financial management and position their companies for long-term success.
The Partnership congratulates this year’s graduates and looks forward to supporting the next cohort as they embark on their growth journey. Learn more about the Scale DSM Business Accelerator here.
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 12 counties in Greater Des Moines: 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 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.