The importance of volunteering and giving back to her community was instilled in Jenna Ekstrom at a young age. Looking back, she credits her father and grandfather for making it a priority in her life.

“My grandpa was a coach, and he helped with the Kiwanis and Lions Club,” Ekstrom said. “My dad donated his time to Iowa Legal Aid. They showed me it was a priority — that it wasn’t a luxury to volunteer.”

And Ekstrom still makes it a priority. She volunteers today with organizations including the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, Junior League of Des Moines and Housing Tomorrow. 

Ekstrom, originally from Moline, Ill., attended the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Following in her father’s footsteps, she started as a pre-law major, but her path changed when she decided to follow her interest in art and art history.

“This terrified my parents,” she said. “They’ve always supported my passions, though. No matter what my career was, I wanted to stay engaged with my volunteerism. It’s such a huge part of my life, and I truly feel I wouldn’t be where I am without it.”

Ekstrom moved to Iowa nine years ago. Before starting her career at the Des Moines Art Center in 2013, where she has moved up the ranks to her current position, she spent seven years working for Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. 

It was a job she received after working as a Habitat VISTA volunteer in 2006.

She also is a member of Lead Like a Lady, a local networking group that aims to connect aspiring female leaders. 

Ekstrom loves to travel, and she’s learned through her experiences that she’s not afraid to take risks. Deciding to call Des Moines home was her biggest one ­– and it’s paid off.

“I realized I’m stronger than I thought and can tackle anything with such great people in my life to support me,” she said. “I’m not afraid of anything anymore.”

Reasons she’s a forty:

• She volunteers with the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, Housing Tomorrow, Community Youth Concepts, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, Lead Like a Lady, The Tomorrow Plan and The Principal Charity Classic.
• She played an integral role in the 2014 Art Center Fashion Week, as well as the launch of Salon 4700, a new group of potential patrons and leaders at the Art Center.
• She received the Governor’s Volunteer Award (2007)
• She was a member of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute class of 2011.