For the past 20 years, the Business Record has celebrated Forty Under 40. The honor has long recognized up-and-coming business leaders and the powerful impact young professionals make in Greater Des Moines.

Deidre Dejear, Class of 2018
Owner, Caleo Enterprises

What advice would you give to young people who want to make an impact?

Don’t feel pressured to be what others say you should be. Don’t feel pressured to NOT be what others say you should NOT be. Simply be yourself, whoever that may be, and follow your heart’s desires – wherever it may lead you, to the best of your ability, so long as you respect others in the process.

What’s one issue you’re very passionate about?

I believe that our democracy depends on the voice of the people who live in it. Nearly half of our voting population does not participate in the elections process. It is a perennial generational battle to increase these numbers. I am passionate about carrying this torch to ensure that voting is accessible, inviting and encouraged for all eligible voters.

How do you handle setbacks?

Setbacks are inevitable. Some are easier than others to overcome. Nevertheless, we are all equipped to handle these setbacks when we remember our WHY. The reason we set forth on any path is our fuel to address any challenges along the way.

Class of 2018

• Ashley Aust
• Rob Barron
• Christopher Axiotis
• Leslie Behaunek
• Bobbi Bentz
• Charlie Bottenberg
• Krystle Campa
• Alison Cate
• Mathew Coen
• Maggie Crabb
• Libby Crimmings
• Deidre DeJear
• Dan Drendel
• Katie Fencl
• Rudy Fors
• Katie Gieszler
• Mollie Giller
• Sara Hopkins
• Kristin Hurd
• Amy Johnson
• Sid Juwarker
• Kris Kunze
• Maren Lenhart
• Chris LoRang
• Stephani Manning
• Kevin Griffin-McCarthy
• Shayla McCormally
• Keshia Meissner
• Brooke Mickelson
• Corey Morrison
• Gabriel Olson
• Justin Platts
• Cassie Sampson
• Natasha Sayles
• Will Signs
• Joseph Sorenson
• Antoinette Stevens
• Joey Taylor-Moon
• JR Textor
• Amanda Young