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 - Reilly Smidt
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Reilly Smidt
He/Him
President Elect
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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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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 - James Van Diest
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James Van Diest
He/Him
Secretary and Treasurer
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Hometown:
Webster City
Alma Mater:
Iowa State University
Employer:
Van Diest Capital
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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 staying active with things like golf, functional fitness, disc golf, basketball, kayaking, and Spikeball. Alongside staying active I enjoy traveling around the world, spending time with my wonderful family and friends and learning new things, generally finance or business related.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
Des Moines offers you both the atmosphere of a small town with long-standing friendships and genuine individuals and the atmosphere for an innovative, business savvy network of opportunity with a plethora of corporations. It's unique and hard to beat no matter where you are in the US.
What role has mentorship played in your career?
The ability to learn and compound skills only accelerates as both a mentee and mentor because you're taking the expertise, knowledge and mindset of another and merging those years or areas of wisdom with your own. It's helped me to find opportunity, advance my breadth of knowledge and avoid mistakes that others guided me away from. Mentorship is a valuable tool to use regardless of your area of interest.
What are your words to live by?
"The fish don't just jump in the boat, and life is short so go win each day you're blessed to receive."
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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?
I'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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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 is something to do everyday.
What is something you'd like to see changed in Des Moines?
I'm excited for the airport expansion and would love to see more direct flights to Des Moines.
What app or technology do you use 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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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 - Shiven Sinha
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Shiven Sinha
He/Him
Volunteer Chair
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Hometown:
Redmond, Washington
Alma Mater:
Emory University
Employer:
Principal Financial Group
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
Playing tennis and pickleball, jamming out on guitar, and watching movies!
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
How nice and welcoming everyone is, especially for someone new to the area!
What projects have you been involved with in YPC?
Getting started with Causes and Connections coming up in April
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Mentorship has played a significant role in my career. As a Leadership Development Program Associate at Principal, I constantly seek to gain value both from mentoring others and finding mentors for myself. I believe there is always something to be learned in mentor-mentee relationships. Having that connection with others, learning to take feedback and change for the better, and being able to listen to all types of people can only set you up for success and help you become a more open-minded person.
What app or technology do you rely on everyday?
Google maps. I really don't know how people survived before this was invented.
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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 - Liv Wendt
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Liv Wendt
She/Her
Social Chair
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Hometown:
Bondurant, IA
Alma Mater:
University of Northern Iowa
Employer:
Berky Home Builders
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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 doing something work related, you can find me cheering on the Green Bay Packers, getting coffee with friends, going to concerts, or catching up on sleep!
What would you like to see changed in Des Moines?
I would like to see more promotion of the benefits of living in the Midwest, particularly Des Moines. We have welcoming communities with so much to offer. "Iowa nice" is a real thing that more need to experience! .
What are your words to live by?
" Grateful for where I'm at. Excited for where I am going."
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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:
Principal Financial Group
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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 Wampler
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Sammie Wampler
She/Her
Athletics Coordinator
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Hometown:
Johnston, IA
Alma Mater:
Iowa State University (BA)
Minnesota State University, Mankato (Masters)
Employer:
Iowa State Athletics
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What are your passions outside of work? When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
My interests outside of work still involve sports and Iowa State. I enjoy supporting the student-athletes I work with, and I especially love watching football, men's and women's basketball, and softball. During the fall, I spend my Sundays watching the NFL and will not miss a Kansas City Chiefs game. I also coach softball every fall and spring in tournaments for Johnston High School players. I like to stay active by playing pickleball and golfing. To relax, I enjoy reading and painting.
What is your favorite thing about Des Moines?
My family and closest friends live in Des Moines.
What is something you would like to see changed in Des Moines?
I want better and more public transportation options.
What are your words to live by?
Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
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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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