Board of Directors
The YPC Board is made up of 19 board members that are elected annually. To contact any member of our board, click the link below.
President - Cecily Robinson
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Cecily Robinson
She/Her
President
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Hometown:
Marion, IA
Alma Mater:
University of Iowa
Employer:
Easterseals, IA
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
My favorite activity is trying new restaurants and food. I also love attending events around the metro area, starting (and something finishing) craft projects, going on walks around the trail system, and continuing to learn new things.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
The ability to make an impact in my community
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Having mentors has given me the opportunity to advance my career and build a great network
What are your words to live by?
"There's got to be a voice deep within you that is untouched by definitions. And it is there that you become divinely who you are." - Viola Davis
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President-Elect - Lily Allen-Dueñas
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Lily Allen-Dueñas
She/Her
President-Elect
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Hometown:
Santa Rosa, CA
Alma Mater:
The University of Iowa
Employer:
Des Moines University
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
You can find me on my yoga mat, hiking in nature, cozied up with a good book, whipping up international plant-based dishes, catching a plane to a new place, or soaking up the sunshine with friends.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
There are so many things to love about Des Moines! My husband and I aren't Iowa natives and we very intentionally chose to move to Des Moines. The low cost of living paired with the high quality of life is unparalleled. The amount of events is staggering. Just look at any community calendar and you'll see what I mean! My friends back in California are seriously confused at how many events I'm always attending - whether it's comedy nights, yoga at the park, magazine unveilings, music festivals and pop up shows, or other festivals - there's ALWAYS something to do. I also love that DSM is a city of "yes!" If I have an idea, like teaching yoga with Special Olympics, when I bring up this idea, it's responded to with an excited— "YES!" and then we make it happen. That is something truly special about the people and energy of Des Moines.
What role has mentorship played in your career?
I have been fortunate to have been mentored by truly phenomenal people. Whether someone has taken me under their wing for a long-coffee chat to share their pearls of wisdom for an hour, or whether we've been able to continue a mentor-mentee relationship for years, I've been grateful for all the people who took time to share their experience and expertise with me in any capacity.
What would you change about DSM?
While Des Moines is a welcoming and vibrant city, one aspect I’d love to enhance is the support for our international residents. My partner, who is not from the USA, and I have often thought how wonderful it would be to have a more established expat community. A dedicated gathering or group for expats would be wonderful!
What app or technology do you rely on every day?
I live by my online calendar! I also am a big Instagram user for finding recipe inspiration, cute cat videos, and different places to add to my travel wish-list!
What are words you live by?
Seek first to understand.
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Past President - Dannie Patrick
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Dannie Patrick
She/Her
Past President
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Hometown:
Kansas City, MO
Alma Mater:
Missouri State University
Employer:
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
I enjoy connecting to people and LOVE trying new foods as well as places to grab a beverage with friends!
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
I love how open people are to collaboration in Des Moines. There is recognition that we are better together than a part and it is truly magical to see the impact we have on our community when we work as a united effort to help each other!
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Mentorship has played a huge role in my career. I attribute some of my success to great mentors. My mentors helped me to uncover what my passion was, guide me, and encourage me.
What is something you would like to see changed in Des Moines?
I would like to see equity be a part of how change is implemented more broadly in our community.
What app or technology do you rely on every day?
I rely on my Outlook calendar. If I don't have it on my calendar it likely will not get done!
What are your words to live by?
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
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Secretary and Treasurer - Reilly Smidt
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Reilly Smidt
He/Him
Secretary and Treasurer
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Hometown:
West Des Moines, IA
Alma Mater:
Iowa State University
Employer:
Ernst & Young
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
Outside of work I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and playing golf.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
My favorite things about Des Moines is the people. Each day I am inspired by the friendly and talented people I meet.
What projects have you been involved with in YPC?
YPC Gala, YPC Kick-Off Party, joint events with other YP groups, and numerous professional development and social events.
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Mentorship has played an instrumental role in my career. There are a number of local business leaders who have been generous in sharing their time and expertise.
What are your words to live by?
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln
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Community Engagement Director - Alex Gillach
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Alex Gillach
He/Him/His
Community Engagement Director
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Hometown:
Minneapolis, MN
Alma Mater:
Hamline University
Employer:
Target
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
I love to go biking, exploring Des Moines, going to yoga classes, reading, and traveling.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
There's something to do everyday
What's something you'd like to see changed in Des Moines?
Mentorship is really helpful I'm learning from someone else's experience and expertise.
What technology do you rely on everyday?
I use Alexa for everything- turning on the lights, my alarm when I wake up, opening the blinds, turning on the oven, creating shopping lists, turning on my dishwasher.
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Community Engagement Director - Amelia Arku
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Amelia Arku
She/Her
Community Engagement Director
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Hometown:
Moline, IL
Alma Mater:
Purdue University
Employer:
Bankers Trust
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
Y'll either be gardening, working out, cooking, traveling, or spending time with my significant other.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
Des Moines offers a unique small-town charm with a big-city feel. In addition to countless quality local restaurants and an easily accessible international airport, throughout the year there are always fun events and festivals for all ages to enjoy. With a lower cost of living compared to larger urban centers, the welcoming community fosters meaningful connections and collaborations for all.
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Mentorship has been pivotal in shaping my career journey, providing invaluable guidance and wisdom that accelerated my professional growth. Through mentorship, I've gained insights into myself and my industry, honed my leadership skills, and navigated critical career decisions with agility with the confidence imbued on me. I am forever grateful for the mentors who have invested in my personal and professional development, empowering me to achieve milestones and lead the life I've imagined.
What are your words to live by?
"Think of what you have rather than of what you lack. Of the things you have, select the best and then reflect how eagerly you would have sought them if you did not have them." - Marcus Aurelius
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Communications Director - Taylor Petersen
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Taylor Petersen
He/They
Communications Director
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Hometown:
Cedar Rapids,IA
Alma Mater:
University of Northern Iowa
Employer:
EMC Insurance
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
I am a huge lover of plants! I love collecting and caring for all types of tropical plants. When I'm not at work you'll most likely find me reading a book or finding a new place to eat with my partner!
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
I love all the great places there are to explore and the incredible talent we have in our community. The people are doing incredible things here helping to make DSM a great place to work and live for all people.
What role has mentorship played in your career?
To me, mentorship is the reason I have had some incredible opportunities to learn and grow. It may not always feel comfortable, but finding someone who can give you honest and thoughtful support is key. I have also found that growth also happens when you give back and mentor others when the opportunity arises.
What are your words to live by?
"Don't try to lessen yourself for the world; let the world catch up to you." - Beyonce
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Professional Development Chair - Amit Mahapatra
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Amit Mahapatra
He/Him
Professional Development Chair
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Hometown:
Delhi, India
Alma Mater:
Iowa State University
Employer:
Progressive Insurance
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
Cooking pizzas on my rooftop or kneading pasta doughs in the kitchen
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
My favorite thing about Des Moines is its small-town charm combined with big-city perks. The downtown area comes alive in the summer with great trails for biking, walking, and enjoying the outdoors, along with some local breweries and plenty of entertainment. There is always something happening from Downtown Farmers' Market to improv comedy at TeeHee's Comedy Club.
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Mentorship has played a significant role in my career and life since moving to the United States in 2017. My former roommate, who is also one of my really good friends, helped guide me through the initial cultural changes. They taught me how to network, meet people, apply for jobs, engage with the community, participate in extracurricular activities, and create a path for personal and professional growth. Without their guidance, it would have been very difficult to navigate the cultural shift during those initial years, and I am very grateful to have them as a close friend.
Now, I plan to pay it forward by helping young professionals wherever I meet them, sharing my experiences, and adding value to their professional or personal lives in any way I can.
What are your words to live by?
Clean environment, clear mind
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Volunteer Chair - Makala McGrean
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Makala McGrean
She/Her
Volunteer Chair
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Hometown:
West Des Moines, IA
Alma Mater:
Loyola University Chicago
Employer:
Easterseals Iowa
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
I am passionate about animals! You may find me attending an event with the ARL, pet-sitting for someone in the community, or cuddling with my own 6 pets at home.
Des Moines is the perfect size city - its large enough that there is always something happening and to do, yet small enough the community is tight-knit and supportive. It is easy to meet someone in Des Moines who has an unexpected mutual connection to you!
What is something you would like to see changed in Des Moines?
I would love to see increased transportation options for those who don't drive or don't own a car. A light rail system is my dream!
What app or technology do you rely on everyday?
My calendar app. If it's not on my calendar, I probably won't remember it, so I'm constantly updating it!
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Civic Chair - Jefferson Fink
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Jefferson Fink
He/Him
Civic Chair
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Hometown:
Carlisle, Iowa
Alma Mater:
Iowa State, (BS, MA)
Drake University Law School
Employer:
Law Office of Jefferson Fink
Capitol Group
Kitchen Collage
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
Cooking, working at my second fun job at Kitchen Collage, just enjoying the Greater Des Moines area with all the fun events
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
All the festivals and being able to get anywhere in about 20 min
What projects have you been involved with in YPC?
YPC Ambassadors, socials, networking, Sips Samples Sights,
What is something you would like to see changed in Des Moines?
Des Moines is at an inflection point where strategic changes and expansions can significantly enhance the quality of life for its residents and attract new businesses and talent. Things like in expanding and improving public transportation, ensuring that affordable housing remains available, investing in education at all levels, from early childhood to higher education, enhancing cultural and recreational opportunities, expanding parks and green spaces, supporting arts and cultural events, and developing new recreational facilities. Furthermore, implementing sustainability initiatives such as solar panels on the tops of buildings will increase renewable energy use, promote green building practices, and expand recycling and composting programs.
What are your words to live by?
We are what we repeatedly do, so make sure you have a sharp knife and an even sharper wit!
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Social Chair - Jonni Solum
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Jonni Solum
She/Her/Hers
Social Chair
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Hometown:
Ankeny, Iowa
Alma Mater:
Iowa State University
Employer:
Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
When i am not at work you will find me reading at home with my German Shepard Milo and my husband Tyler. I love to go to the Farmers Market during the summer, enjoying a cocktail bar no matter the weather and binge tv shows on any of the streaming services. I also love to be in the kitchen whipping up something delicious or at a cooking class learning a new meal.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
My favorite thing about Des Moines is all of it! There is something for everyone in Des Moines. I especially love the variety of food and restaurants Des Moines has along with all the events that get hosted in Des Moines.
What are your words to live by?
Don't change who you are so people will like you, be yourself!”
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Membership Chair - Chase Henry
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Chase Henry
He/Him
Membership Chair
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Hometown:
Ellston, IA
Alma Mater:
Simpson College
Employer:
Innovative Captive Strategies/Holmes Murphy
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
I love getting a workout in through different athletics such as volleyball, pickleball, basketball, tennis, biking, swimming, etc. Also, I am a huge fun of personal finance and professional development podcasts!
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
The endless activities and events to do! I enjoy walking and biking to the Farmer's market, concerts and festivals, or different bars and restaurants around Greater DSM.
What projects have you been involved with in YPC?
Improving our membership experience through surveys, unique events, and rebuilding the Ambassador Program & the DSM MVP Program
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Mentorship has played a huge part in my career and personal/professional development. Having someone with a relationship of mutual understanding and trust is important in my eyes and allows for open conversations, constant feedback and overall improvement. My mentors have allowed me to increase my knowledge in specific subjects and fields, but also increased my self awareness and different viewpoints about myself and life in general. I hope to give back to younger individuals soon and make even the smallest impact on their personal and professional journey as so many have done for me.
What app or technology do you rely on every day?
Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook
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Impact Downtown Chair - Alexandra Cruz Koenig
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Alexandra Cruz Koenig
She/Her
Impact Downtown Chair
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Hometown:
Des Moines, IA
Alma Mater:
University of Hawai'i at Hilo
Employer:
Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
Outside of work, you'll often find me juggling between sweating it out in a sculpt class at PowerLife Yoga Studios, gliding through tranquil waters while kayaking on Gray's Lake, savoring delectable bites at a new restaurant with my lively crew of friends and family, or cozied up on the couch with my feline friend King Louie, engrossed in a spine-tingling psych thriller!
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
My favorite part about Des Moines is the genuine opportunity it offers to make a tangible difference in the city and witness the impact firsthand. Being part of something greater in Greater Des Moines means contributing to its vibrant community fabric and seeing positive transformations unfold right before our eyes. It's where every effort, big or small, contributes to the collective growth and prosperity of this dynamic city.
What projects have you been involved with in YPC?
I'm involved with our signature event Sips, Samples, Sights and other various other events collaborating with Des Moines Businesses.
What is something you would like to see changed in Des Moines?
One aspect I am keen to see evolve in Des Moines is ensuring a safe environment where we can effectively amplify and celebrate our cultural diversity and differences. Creating opportunities that foster inclusivity and respect for diverse backgrounds enriches our community, promoting a more vibrant and cohesive Des Moines metro for all its residents..
What are your words to live by?
"You don't know, what you don't know"
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Athletics Coordinator - Sammie Hildreth
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Sammie Hildreth
She/Her
Athletics Coordinator
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Hometown:
Johnston, IA
Alma Mater:
Iowa State University (bachelor) & Minnesota State University, Mankato (masters)
Employer:
Iowa State Athletics
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Diversity and Culture Chair - Alexis Hernandez
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Alexis Hernandez
She/Her
Diversity and Culture Chair
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Hometown:
Norwalk, IA
Alma Mater:
Iowa State University
Employer:
COO of DNA Illustrated Photography
HR Manager, Department of One, at Hope Ministries
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
Outside of work, you'll find me running marathons, taking a yoga class, traveling, or sipping on a good cup of coffee or wine.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
I love that Des Moines is a big small town. If you're intentional, you can connect with just about anyone in the community and make a tremendous impact through relationship building.
What projects have you been involved with in YPC?
Last year I was the Social Media Coordinator and it was a joy capturing the essence of a wide variety of YPC events. This term, I am excited to bring a new perspective to the Diversity and Culture role, creating spaces for each person to be included and supported in their unique journey as a young professional.
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Mentorship has been invaluable throughout my personal and professional journey. It has exposed me to new perspectives, challenged me to grow, and provided guidance that I wouldn't have found on my own. Equally important is the role of being a mentor, as it allows me to give back, support others in their growth, and contribute to the development of future leaders.
What app or technology do you rely on every day?
Phone and computer, social media, and email
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Social Media Coordinator - Megan Hurd
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Megan Hurd
She/Her
Social Media Coordinator
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Hometown:
Garwin, IA
Alma Mater:
Marshalltown Community College
Employer:
PolicyWorks
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
When I'm not at work, you'll find me in the kitchen, indulging my love for cooking. I'm also passionate about interior design and hunting for unique home decor treasures. On top of that, I enjoy spending time with my mini Australian Shepherd, Koda, exploring fun activities together!
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
I love how much culture Des Moines has! You never realize how many great restaurants, festivals, and small shops there are until you dive in. I've also been enjoying downtown lately, with all it has to offer and the wonderful walking trails around here for the dog!
What is something you would like to see changed in Des Moines?
I would love to expand our horizon for events and activities to help promote small businesses outside of the downtown area. There's so much potential in various neighborhoods, and by creating more opportunities for these businesses to shine, we can foster a more inclusive and vibrant community throughout Des Moines.
What app or technology do you rely on every day?
If I had to choose, I'd admit I rely heavily on Facebook for staying updated on current events and Pinterest for sparking my creativity. They're my daily go-tos for staying informed and inspired!
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Digital Coordinator - Alex Bradfield
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Alex Bradfield
He/Him
Digital Coordinator
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Hometown:
Waterloo, IA
Alma Mater:
University of Iowa, Hawkeye Community College
Employer:
Pelds Design Services
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
Reading, Drawing, learning more about nature
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
I enjoy the culture, the city is large, but still feels small.
What is something you would like to see changed in Des Moines?
Improved public transportation, less emphasis on putting everything downtown,more Mediterranean restaurants.
What are your words to live by?
If at first you don't succeed, don't be an idiot, try something else.
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