Education: Bachelor’s in business management and international business from Iowa State University

Hometown: Des Moines

Family: Husband Adam, daughters Chloe, Teagan and Rylie, son Emmett

Hobbies: Reading, walking/hiking, travel, crossword/word games

Three notable accomplishments: 

• I was elected the first female mayor of Waukee.
• I was promoted to the management committee of my previous firm at age 29, serving as the director for marketing, sales and client relationship development. 
• I have been selected to serve on the executive committees for the Iowa Mayors Association, Iowa League of Cities, Des Moines Metropolitan Planning Organization, Central Iowa Water Works, Metropolitan Advisory Committee and Capital Crossroads.

How have you helped improve organizations you’ve been a part of?

I make sure to either be heard on topics that are critical or to amplify voices that have critical input. It is not enough just to attend meetings, one must be part of the solutions. As a few examples: 1) I have driven legislative conversations at the Iowa League of Cities to start a Legislative Champions program that engages smaller communities throughout Iowa to ensure they are heard in lobbying efforts. 2) In both Waukee and Capital Crossroads, I’ve advocated for affordable housing initiatives and priorities. 3) For the Metro Advisory Committee, I’ve led them to establish a metro-wide plan for resident engagement and education.

What motivates you?

Being a role model to my children as a positive force for change.

Is there a memory or experience from your formative years that continues to influence your approach to life?

My mother was a single mom who worked long hours. She often got home too late to cook. In middle school, my sister and I decided to take dinner preparation off her plate. We bought cookbooks from a garage sale, learned how to plan meals, made the grocery list and taught ourselves recipes. When possible, we would bike to the store to purchase groceries ourselves. Our mother was relieved to have us fed and dinner ready. While that taught me an appreciation for planning (and cooking), the most important thing it taught me was to step up when someone is struggling.

What piece of advice would you give to others who hope to make a difference in their communities?

Don’t attach to things that you don’t have an interest in just because they are likely to be noticed or impactful. Instead, find something that you are passionate about and get engaged. It is much easier to stay involved and be committed to issues or groups that mean something to you.

What’s a current goal or accomplishment you’d like to achieve?

I am working to expand my relationships with regional and statewide partners to continue to advocate for my residents and city’s needs.

What is a favorite book, show, movie, podcast, etc., that you’d encourage others to consume?

“Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!”

How do you try to find balance and joy in the many activities you take part in?

I believe the idea of balance is a myth. Certain roles take priority on any given day, whether that is my family, my full-time job, my city responsibilities, another volunteer organization. Balance comes from recognizing and accepting that not everything can take your full attention or be accomplished every single day. 

Joy is separate. I find incredible joy in both spending time with my family and accomplishing things, from making an impact on the strategic priorities of the city to helping a client achieve their goals. My great days are when I get to do both.

What is one of your guilty pleasures?

Oreos.

What’s something many people don’t know about you?

I lived and worked in London when I was 22.

Anything else you want to add about yourself?

My family is the most important thing to me. Everything I do, I do because I want them to live in a better world.

Read about all of the 2025 Women of Influence honorees