Did you plan to stay in Des Moines?

You know, when I was in college, I really wanted to get out of Des Moines. I felt like I wanted to get to a bigger city and try something new. … But my family is from here and they’re all around this area, so it was hard to want to leave Des Moines because of that. In the last five years, I think Des Moines has really grown and has a lot to offer young professionals, even more so than when I was in college. So it’s a lot more appealing to stay.

Was this position a big shift for you, after JDRF?

The great thing about nonprofits is that there are passionate people in any organization. That has been fun, to see a new passion in people, going from diabetes to heart disease. It’s a shift, yet still it’s working with fun volunteers and great relationships with the community. So that hasn’t been hard.

What do you enjoy the most about working for nonprofits?

I love the relationships side; I love having the opportunity to speak to business leaders and CEOs in Des Moines and building relationships with them. Also, building relationships with volunteers, board members and staff.

How will your M.B.A. help you in your new role?

The M.B.A. was really great to go through to learn different perspectives from business and industry, but also personally to find what your strengths are and what you can do with that for your organization.

What’s your biggest strength?

I took a class with Mary Stier, (former publisher of The Register), a women in leadership class. We used the book called “StrengthsFinder 2.0,” and I learned that one of my biggest strengths was (being a) visionary. So through that program, I realized that this role is definitely more suited for me because I love to see the big picture.

What is the American Heart Association’s primary vision going forward?

Right now there’s a big movement in healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. So American Heart is really focusing on that as a whole. But then also, the business leaders in Des Moines are focusing on this, too. So I think the next step for us is to definitely bring more awareness to the community about what American Heart can offer, and that heart disease can be prevented through healthy living and eating.

Tell us about the upcoming Go Red for Women luncheon.

That’s Sept. 24 at the Hy-Vee Conference Center. It’s geared towards women, because heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, even more than cancer. A lot of women don’t realize that. So the event is to, one, teach them awareness; two, to help them make decisions to live healthier. And it’s a fund-raiser for research and education. The great thing about this event is we have the challenge part of it. Twelve women spend 10 weeks working with a dietitian, get their levels checked, exercise. It’s basically a “Biggest Loser” for Des Moines. We’ll announce the winner at the luncheon that day. It’s a great way for them to speak out personally about what they’ve been doing and how it’s made a difference in their lives.

Are you involved with other organizations as a volunteer?

I volunteered for Meals from the Heartland this weekend. It was very eye-opening; it was a really neat experience. I also volunteer for my church, Valley Evangelical Free Church. But now that school is over, I’m remembering what it’s like to have free time. For the last two years, it’s been a little insane. I’m looking at getting involved in some leadership possibilities.

What sports or hobbies do you enjoy?

I love running; that’s my sport right now. I like to run four to five miles a day. I’ve run the Dam to Dam. I hope to run a marathon when I turn 30.