Greater Des Moines is seeing continued investment in civic leadership development with the announcement of participants and mentors for Lead DSM’s 2026 Community Connect program. The five-session initiative, which commenced on , aims to bridge personal purpose with active community engagement.
The program, as detailed by Lead DSM, focuses on equipping participants with the tools to identify and leverage their core values and passions, translating them into meaningful contributions to the region. This isn’t simply about volunteering; it’s about strategically aligning individual skills and interests with the needs of local organizations, often leading to opportunities for board service and involvement in key initiatives.
Lead DSM, a non-profit organization established in 1982, has a long track record of cultivating community leaders. The organization has graduated over 3,000 leaders through its various programs, with those alumni now holding leadership positions in more than 286 community organizations. This demonstrates a sustained commitment to building a robust network of civic stewards within Greater Des Moines.
The 2026 Community Connect cohort will benefit from the guidance of a diverse group of mentors, each bringing a wealth of experience from various sectors. Among those selected are Jackie Boeding-Tewes, Director of Engineering at Principal Financial Group; Blake Campbell, Senior Director of Leadership at Best Buddies International; and Mary Chapman, Vice President Emeritus at Des Moines Area Community College. Other mentors include Ryan Douglas of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Chris Murphy of Holmes Murphy, Nader Nasseh of Prairie Meadows, Vinh Nguyen of Lutheran Services in Iowa, Sarah Oltrogge of Central Iowa Power Cooperative, Zach Rus of Iowa Safe Schools, Matt Unger, former CEO of DMARC, and Daniel Zinnel, CEO of Proteus, Inc.
The selection of mentors reflects a deliberate effort to provide participants with access to leaders from a broad range of backgrounds and expertise. This cross-sectoral approach is designed to expose participants to different perspectives and potential avenues for civic involvement. The mentors aren’t simply offering advice; they are opening their networks and sharing their insights to help participants navigate the complexities of community leadership.
The program’s curriculum, facilitated by Dr. Christi Hegstad and program alumni, is structured to foster both individual reflection and collaborative learning. Participants will engage in a nine-week program that includes dynamic learning sessions and small group meetings designed to build relationships and maintain momentum toward achieving personal and community goals. This emphasis on peer support and ongoing engagement is a key component of the program’s success.
Testimonials from past participants highlight the transformative impact of Community Connect. Kaylie Hoyle, a 2018 participant, emphasized the program’s ability to facilitate self-discovery, stating, “The most meaningful part of this program was connecting with my purpose and values. It gave me time to sit down and evaluate who I am, where I spend my time and how these two areas of my life interconnect.” Haley Babcock, also a 2018 participant, described the program as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, noting that it “encouraged me to find my best self, connect me with so many new people I never would have met before, and inspired me to be more bold and courageous.”
The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, a key partner in the region’s philanthropic landscape, recently awarded $500,000 in grants to support initiatives focused on college and career readiness, as well as emergency housing assistance. . This investment underscores the importance of community development and the interconnectedness of various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in Greater Des Moines. The Community Connect program aligns with this broader vision by empowering individuals to become active agents of positive change.
Applications for the Class of 2026 were open through , and a virtual information session was held on . The program’s structure, combining individual exploration with mentorship and collaborative learning, suggests a deliberate approach to fostering sustainable community engagement. Lead DSM’s commitment to developing civic leaders is a vital component of the region’s ongoing efforts to attract and retain talent, promote economic growth, and enhance the overall quality of life for its residents.
The success of Lead DSM’s Community Connect program, and the organization’s broader impact on the Greater Des Moines area, demonstrates the value of investing in leadership development. By connecting individuals with their purpose and providing them with the resources and support they need to make a difference, Lead DSM is helping to build a stronger, more vibrant community for all.
