What are your goals in your role at your company?
We are always striving to expand our clients and services. We are looking forward to growing our staff and the ability to take on more work, helping our clients grow their businesses while at the same time securing a larger location for our office. 

What are your goals for community involvement?
I am excited about the 2018 elections and the opportunity to elect more women to office. I am working with Emerge Iowa to train women running for office as well as female friends running for office. Women bring a different perspective adding to solutions and create more compromise.

What’s your biggest passion, and why? 
I am passionate about opportunities in our community for women and families. We are a terrific state in which to work and raise a family. I want to ensure that women are represented at every level, in every sector, and we provide better support for working moms. 

What is it that drives you?
I grew up in Southern California, and I moved to Des Moines in 2002. I found Des Moines to be a fun community with a ton of opportunities, and I made great friends. I have watched the culture and activities grow each year and I have never wanted to leave. I want to push our community forward, support the organizations and be a part of the ongoing change.

What are your aspirations for the future?
I want to elect more women at all levels of government in order to better support working moms and families. I want make sure that the kids in our community have food, safety and good education. I want to share the support and community I have with those who need help. 

          
Reasons she’s a Forty:

1.) In her career, Shayla has tried dozens of cases and is well-respected by her peers for her candor and good judgment.
2.) She has been selected as a Rising Star attorney three years in a row.
3.) In the most tumultuous political climate in decades, she has agreed to lead Planned Parenthood’s Voters of Iowa board to advocate and defend womens’ health care services.
4.) She not only serves on boards and volunteers; she also sees the importance of mentoring and training the next group of leaders.

See all 2018 honorees