Age: 38

Title: Director of programming and education, Des Moines Performing Arts

Family:  Adam Yankowy

What are your goals in your role at your company?

I am working on programming initiatives for the Civic Center, Stoner Theater, Temple Theater and Cowles Commons – booking anything from “Baby Shark” to ballet. As a new education initiative, we are in the pilot of a Community Ticket program with social service organizations to provide complimentary tickets to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

What’s your biggest passion, and why?

From a young age the arts have been my passion – my interest in singing in elementary school evolved into a love of music, theater and dance. In ninth grade, as a rural farm kid, I attended the national tour of “Showboat” starring Cloris Leachman and was completely hooked.