People who use time wisely spend it on activities that advance their overall purpose in life. -John C. Maxwell
Greater Des Moines thrives when purpose meets service. Community Connect inspires and teaches participants that leveraging their purpose improves their lives and our community. The program has two key objectives:
- To provide a curriculum that helps participants uncover and leverage their personal values and purpose, leading to goal setting for intentional engagement in the community.
- To connect participants with experienced community leaders, so they may learn and benefit from the mentors' wisdom and networks.
Application, Timeline, and Cost
- Class of 2025 applications are now closed.
- View the recording of the Virtual Info Session on November 12, 2024.
- Tuition is $600. Partial and full scholarships are available. Requests may be made upon acceptance into the program.
- Recommend Someone for the Program
Participant Expectations
- Attendance at all sessions is required for graduation of the program. Up to one absence will be allowed if an appeal is approved by the program leaders.
- Active participation is expected in each session. This may include coming prepared to discuss short assignments or sharing personal experiences.
- Creating and expecting a foundation of trust, which includes confidentiality of conversations and information that is shared.
Community Connect 2025 Session Dates
- January 21, 2025, Kick-off, Session 1, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- January 28, 2025, Mentor Mixer, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- February 4, 2025, Session 2, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- February 18, 2025, Session 3, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- March 4, 2025, Session 4, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- March 25, 2025, Session 5, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- September 23, 2025, 6-Month Reconnection, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Small Group Meeting Dates
- February 11, 2025, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- February 25, 2025, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- March 11, 2025, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
2025 Mentors
- Anne Bacon, IMPACT Community Action Partnership
- Blake Campbell, Best Buddies International
- Todd Dorr, Semi-retired
- Brianne Fitzgerald, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
- Tim Hickman, *Mentor Advisor, Substance Architecture
- Dr. Nalo Johnson, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation
- Sid Juwarker, Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Nader Nasseh, Freelance IT Leader
- Emily Osweiler, Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing
- Emily Toribio, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
- Matt Unger, DMARC
- Deidre Williams, Williams & Associates
- Dr. Daniel Zinnel, Proteus
Community Connect Class of 2025
- Paige Anson, ISG
- Patricia Barbee, Bridging At Risk Youth Programs
- Lily Bassett, Liz Lidgett Gallery & Design
- Samantha Claypool, The Weitz Company
- Calli Crew, Actively job seeking
- Kelly Current, Blank Park Zoo
- Angela De La Riva, Iowa Jobs for America's Graduates
- Zach Detterman, INVISION Architecture
- Katelyn Gonzalez, Is Our Problem; Compassion & Choices
- Monica Goodlett, Black Iowa Outdoors
- Rachel Guessford, Holmes Murphy
- Peyton Haas, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
- Skyla Harger, ChildServe
- Shamekia Harston, Youthful Generations
- Siri Hippler, Des Moines University
- Alyssa Johnson, Hubbell Realty Company
- Kenzie Johnson, ISG
- Sara Kent-Schneider, Liz Lidgett Gallery & Design
- Ruaa Khaleefa, Lutheran Services in Iowa
- Shawne Kingsbury, Community Choice Credit Union
- Brian Lane, INVISION Architecture
- Anna McDonald, ICON Water Trails
- Kenzie Miller, Animal Rescue League of Iowa
- Angeline Neo, World Food Prize
- Haley Peeler, Grand View University
- Austin Ratcliff, Indigo Living
- Dallis Roberts, Broadlawns Medical Center
- Maddie Rocha Smith, One Iowa
- Rogelio Rodriguez, Lutheran Services in Iowa
- Nick Ross, The Weitz Company
- Katerina Shinbori, Big Grove Brewery
- John West
- Jessie Zaruba, EMC Insurance
Thank you to our generous sponsors of the 2025 Community Connect Program:
Presenting Sponsor
About Dr. Christi Hegstad
Program Facilitator
The Community Connect Program is facilitated by Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC. Christi coaches achievers to reach Bold Goals, make a positive difference, and lead a life of meaning and purpose! Since 2003 Christi's firm, MAP Professional Development Inc., has coached leaders across the globe to achieve extraordinary success while focusing on their values, contribution, and positive, purposeful impact. Christi is a Forbes Coaches Council member, NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year winner, Forty Under 40 recipient, and past president of the International Coach Federation - Iowa Chapter. In addition, her work has been published in a variety of books and resources including Forbes, Huffington Post, and Handbook of Improving Performance in the Workplace (Pfeiffer). Christi is also a book addict, literacy advocate, and mom to three amazing children.