Lead DSM’s Community Connect
Daniel Zinnel (left) chats with fellow mentor Tony Kioko at a Community Connect session in early 2022.
There are infinite opportunities to make a difference in Greater Des Moines, but it’s sometimes hard to figure out where to start. That’s where Community Connect comes in.
Under the umbrella of Lead DSM, in addition to the Community Leadership Program and Youth Leadership Initiative, the Community Connect program “inspires and teaches participants that leveraging their purpose and passions improves their lives and their community.” The program offers a dynamic learning environment and facilitates relationship-building with experienced community leaders, who serve as program mentors.
Community Connect leads participants through an in-person, five-session curriculum of self-discovery, while mentors provide guidance and connections that encourage community engagement. Past mentors include: Blake Campbell, Best Buddies; Elizabeth Presutti, DART; and Joe Gonzalez, Latino Resources and Latino Heritage Festival, among others.
NCMIC’s own Traci Galligan has been a Community Connect mentor for three years and will be mentoring the next class of Community Connect participants. She says the program offers big benefits for those looking for ways to make an impact here at home.
“It’s about making connections, learning from others, helping find and align your purpose, understanding community needs and accessing the resources and opportunities that will help you on your journey,” she said.
Jody Gifford is a 2022 graduate of Community Connect. She said the program helped her uncover her purpose and make real, practical goals around it.
“I went into it thinking it would just be an opportunity for me to network with people and organizations in Des Moines, but it was far more than that,” she said. “Not only did I discover my purpose, but I was able to craft a goal around it that was achievable and made a huge difference in the community. I also made a lot of new friends who I know will be a part of my own ‘community’ for years to come.”
NCMIC is once again sponsoring Community Connect, a decision Galligan said aligns with the company’s “commitment to investing in our community and our community talent.” Applications for the 2023 class are being accepted now through Nov. 7. The next session will begin in January.
Interested individuals are invited to learn more about the Community Connect program at a virtual informational session on Tuesday, Oct.18, starting at 6 p.m. Register here for this free event.
We Want to Hear From You!
Do you have a mentor who made a difference in your life? Are you interested in mentoring or job shadowing at NCMIC? Message Jody Gifford with your mentor story and you could be featured in a future INsider article.