How did you decide on Des Moines?

We visited in May and just fell in love with the city. It feels like a small town, but has all the amenities in terms of restaurants and arts and outdoor activities. We really liked the sculpture park and the trails that run throughout the whole city. And the schools, we’ve always heard and read great things about the Iowa schools. This year, with my daughter starting kindergarten, it sort of hit us that if we are going to make a move, we should probably be thinking about making that move now. We wanted to move to the Midwest. We didn’t want to live in a huge city again.

What attracted you to your current employer?

I wanted to stay with a nonprofit that was a national organization, that was reputable and where I could use my experience. I was really drawn to it because there are a lot of women in leadership in this organization that do a great job. And that was definitely appealing to me. Also, United Way in Central Iowa is very well respected. I felt really good about joining a team like that. At the end of the day, I want to feel good about what I do and be proud to tell my family that I’m making a difference in the lives of others.

What is your role there?

I lead a team that basically is charged with building and maintaining relationships with companies in Central Iowa to strengthen the United Way partnership. We have the pillars of give, volunteer and advocate. So we empower companies to work with us in any way that they choose.

How’s the campaign going?

The Des Moines community is so generous. I understood that is fairly notorious for this community. So our fund-raising effort is going well this year. It is too soon to call the campaign. There have been some changes with big employers in the city. So we put into action some “close the gap” strategies to try to find where we could make up for some lost revenues. All of our volunteers and staff have been working diligently. So we’re cautiously optimistic. We have very hefty goals for 2020, in education, income and health. So we are working very hard to achieve those.

What were you doing before?

I was the development director for the American Cancer Society. I started out doing general fund-raising and different program work. The last four years, I was the development director for a region in south Texas.

What nonprofits have you supported personally?

I support, specifically, the Susan G. Komen (Breast Cancer) Foundation. I’ve always participated in the Race for the Cure. I also support NPR and enjoy that. And, because of my past work, I was very integrated into Relay for Life, because that is an American Cancer Society event. I always had a team with all my family members.

How do you unwind?

We like to travel, especially road trips and getting outdoors. I like to play golf. But since I have a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old, that happens rarely.

Are you ready for your first Iowa winter?

No. I have been very lucky that we moved here in late September and through Thanksgiving have had no snow. But my family is very ready. My children and my husband are every morning waking up hoping that there is snow. I’m OK with waiting.

Is there anything you miss about Texas?

We definitely miss the Mexican food. Plus, my parents still live in San Antonio. They are going to be retiring in this area; they have a home north of here. They’ll be making a move here within the next year. But right now, that’s been tough.

If your friends or family asked why you moved here, what would you say?

I would tell them it is a hidden gem. And actually this did come up, because my in-laws from Denver were here over Thanksgiving. It is a very progressive city that has a lot to offer in the way of arts and a green movement. To me, it seems much more forward-thinking, and that really appealed to us.