Since starting with the Business Record in 2019, I’ve had the pleasure of editing our features on each of our Forty Under 40 honorees. It’s always fascinating to see the similar and unique qualities of each of the leaders. 

While they all have been successful professionally and in the community, their paths have looked different. Some have ascended to leadership through multiple promotions within one organization. Others have been recruited to their organizations because of their talent and impact in another workplace. Others are leaders through their entrepreneurial ventures. 

Two members of this year’s Forty Under 40 class oversee leadership development organizations. We asked them about trends they’re seeing. 

Also, read on to see the future aspirations of each member of this year’s Forty Under 40 class. We’re including their answers here to show the varying ways this year’s class members plan to continue developing as leaders. 

Q&A with Jessi McQuerrey, who oversees Leadership Iowa as director of programs at the Iowa Association of Business and Industry Foundation 

Responses have been edited and condensed for clarity. 

What is the goal of Leadership Iowa? 

Our official Leadership Iowa mission statement is to educate, inspire and grow a network of informed leaders and to encourage their ongoing local and statewide engagement to create a better future for Iowans. (Phew!) Leadership Iowa exists to do a lot of things, and I think everyone comes into it with a different outcome in mind. 

The program allows our participants to be tourists in their own state. We hope to build a renewed sense of pride in the place we call home and allow the group to explore communities they wouldn’t have a reason to visit otherwise.

Since its inception, Leadership Iowa has been designed as an issues-awareness program, which holds true today. We provide the group with firsthand insight into what’s happening in our state — dispelling false narratives or assumptions and replacing those with education and opportunity. We want to provide our participants with information and resources that motivate them to use their leadership to bring about positive change on a community and statewide level. 

At possibly its most basic, but also most profound level, Leadership Iowa is an annual case study on the value of diverse human capital. The “magic” of Leadership Iowa is created because we’re bringing enthusiastic leaders together, many who would have never crossed paths otherwise, and providing a space for them to engage in meaningful dialogue and come together as a cohort built on support, respect and authenticity.

What kinds of leadership activities or roles are Leadership Iowa participants generally involved in before participating in the program? 

Because Leadership Iowa is less focused on traditional leadership development, it’s common that our participants will have taken part in some leadership training. This might include various assessments to better get to know themselves and their behavior or communication styles, internal or organizational leadership development offered by their company or a community-based leadership program. There are tremendous community leadership programs across our state, and they’re a great segue to Leadership Iowa, or vice versa. We absolutely recommend participating in a community program before or after Leadership Iowa.  

Additionally, Leadership Iowa participants have been identified as leaders in their workplace or community, so it’s likely that they’ve not only excelled in some way professionally, but they are actively engaged with causes and/or organizations they care about outside of work. Our goal is to create a class of 40 individuals each year out of many exceptional candidates who have expressed a clear desire and potential to lead. We look at candidates’ unique experiences, talents and contributions while keeping diversity top of mind – a group representing a variety of communities, industries, professions, backgrounds, etc., is essential to the success of the program.

What leadership development trends are you currently seeing with your work? 

Fortunately for us, Iowa as a state has put an emphasis on developing quality leaders in our communities. While many have been engaged in leadership work for years, the Empower Rural Iowa initiative helped to elevate this conversation a few years ago, and it’s continued to grow from there, resulting in new or revamped community leadership programs. We’re seeing positive change come from small groups of citizens in our communities that are stepping up and taking charge of the future of their community in big ways. We’re continuing to explore, however, how to engage everyone in these conversations, and how to best empower the next generation of leaders to be involved. 

Some of the other trends that aren’t necessarily new, but maybe brought more to the forefront, are opportunities like professional coaching, especially as we look to take better care of our mental health and realize that life and work aren’t mutually exclusive.
This also allows for more conversations and training opportunities revolving around attributes and key concepts of holistic leadership like well-being, vulnerability, resiliency, emotional intelligence, belonging, ingenuity and versatility. 

Leadership Iowa participants come from all over the state and from varying industries – what are some of the similarities you see in the goals and challenges of these leaders across the board? 

Regardless of community or industry, the vast majority of us want the same thing: a great quality of life for all Iowans. Of course, this encompasses numerous aspects like education, housing, safety, quality jobs, productive legislation, healthy food and water, entertainment, a strong economy, the list goes on. Our visions of success may not actually be all that different, but we tend to draw different roadmaps on how to get there, then ultimately don’t move forward. Additionally, all of these aspects are interconnected and dependent on one another, which is a conversation we have often during Leadership Iowa.

We see leaders in all of our communities who have found success in their professional roles and are wondering “what’s next” or how they can leverage this into being a part of one of those quality-of-life solutions. There’s a thirst for firsthand education and a drive to be innovative. At the same time, I think we’re all experiencing a bit of collective burnout, so doing these things alone is out of the question. There are Iowans across our state who are making a difference or want to make an impact. These people just need to find each other, often outside of their own circle, because there’s a simultaneous need for belonging and being part of a team.

Programs like Leadership Iowa foster the idea that if we can get beyond competition, and the need to be the first or right or new, and look to collaborate, learn from those who don’t necessarily share our vision and swap ideas across regions and industries, we’d see some big things happening for our state.

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Q&A with Jerrica Marshall, who oversees the African American Leadership Academy as executive director of the Directors Council

Responses have been edited and condensed for clarity. 

What is the goal of the African American Leadership Academy? 

The African American Leadership Academy is designed to develop the next generation of leaders for our community and beyond. Designed to be more than a collection of in-service programming, the Leadership Academy takes the unique perspective of the Black community (from the African diaspora) and addresses leadership from a variety of perspectives, including politics, education, the media, criminal justice and the law, and both nonprofit and for-profit business.

This training will help support community transformation in Greater Des Moines through mentoring and active community-building while developing and encouraging emerging Black leaders in their commitment to improving the community.

What leadership development trends are you currently seeing with your work? 

We are noticing an increased emphasis on mentorship programs that connect employees with experienced professionals for guidance and support. Additionally, as corporations evolve their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, there is a growing need for employees to find community connectedness outside of traditional workplace structures — followed closely by the need for our new leaders to be engaged with their communities and focus on social impact, fostering a sense of responsibility and giving back.

Why do you feel culturally specific leadership development is helpful? 

Culturally specific leadership development is necessary as it provides a support system to our workforce talent. The academy allows African American leaders to navigate and lead diverse environments effectively. We are observing a growing trend among corporations to expand their workforce by acquiring out-of-town talent. We are excited to see these employers connecting their new hires with our programming to enhance their skills, build a sense of community connectedness and a social network. It can become an important underlying element to talent retention.

While program participants come from a variety of backgrounds, are there common skills and opportunities they seem to care most about?  

Yes, there are common themes that resonate with our program participants despite their diverse backgrounds. The cohorts are consistently excited to learn more about their community — its history, its ebbs and flows and its needs — so they can ultimately make a positive impact. We support this enthusiasm by providing a framework that includes personal branding, communication and other essential leadership skills.

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We asked this year’s Forty Under 40 class about their future aspirations. Here’s what they told us. See their full profiles at businessrecord40.com. 

Cole Amstutz, vice president of commercial business development, ServiceMaster by Rice
My aspirations revolve around continual self-improvement, seeking growth in various aspects of my life. I am committed to honing my skills, expanding my knowledge and cultivating a mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities. With a steadfast focus on constant progress, I look forward to evolving into an even better version of myself in the future, so I can continue to serve my company, clients, colleagues, friends, family and community.

Jaime Blue, owner/managing broker, JLN Realty Co.
As a wife and mother, my greatest aspiration is to make my family proud. My faith drives me in how I continue to grow my business, give back to the community and spread awareness of how others can get involved and give back as well.

Nick Blyth, senior vice president, Holmes Murphy/Innovative Captive Strategies
I have been fortunate to have several mentors in my career at Holmes Murphy/ICS. When I’m at the end of my career, I hope to have made an impact on the career success of others in the same way my mentors have for me.

Maria Brownell, attorney/shareholder, Ahlers & Cooney PC
Expanding access to justice, from encouraging young people to learn and flourish for many years through the mock trial program, to working with the courts and other stakeholders on community-based programs that facilitate greater access to legal resources for underserved clients.

Nick Callison, vice president of development, Forvis
My future aspirations include sustaining Forvis’ impactful work and solidifying our role as a community pillar. I’m dedicated to ensuring our continued positive influence and lasting contributions to the community. And if I play my cards right, Sages Over 70.

Nana Coleman, chief product officer, RainyDayPal
1. Launch Version 0 of RainyDayPal. We’re looking for employers that believe strongly in finding as many ways as possible to support their employees’ financial wellness. 2. Expand college credit programming at Pi515 through new partnerships with businesses and organizations in the community.

Liz Cooney, manager of inclusion, F&G
I envision a statewide initiative for LGBTQ+ youth music and art. I personally benefited from being involved and finding community in the arts. Imagine a place for youths to come together with hope for their own future, while simultaneously educating those who don’t understand LGBTQ+ issues and perpetuate fear or violence. 

Kacey Davis, director of employee health and wellness, Dotdash Meredith Corp.
I want to see holes plugged in health care access – and that means all aspects of care and in any way access can be denied, including transportation, affordability, lack of available health care workers. At the same time, I aspire to advance work on behalf of environmental justice, focusing on inequities that surface as our climate changes. Everyone has the right to be healthy. At work, I aspire to enrich the pathways available to all workers to achieve healthy outcomes for themselves and their families. As above, I’m thinking of all aspects of health – physical, emotional, financial and more.

Shannon Draayer, director of health and well-being, WesleyLife
My aspirations for the future include becoming a better advocate for all who call Central Iowa home. Through my career and personal passions, I want to continue to be a part of new, impactful projects that improve quality of life and well-being for all. 

Wesley Franklin, community impact director, American Heart Association
I would like to grow within my role as a community impact director and oversee operations within health strategies. 

Siriaco Garcia, artist (Siricasso)
I want to continue to create, inspire other artists and give back as much as I can to my community. It’s also important to me that I continue to provide and be there for my family, to be the best husband and dad I can be. 

Olesya Holker, co-founder, executive director, HHD Production LLC
Last year, I took a six-month sabbatical from my corporate career and started to write a book about how to find your purpose and live up to your highest potential. This project keeps evolving; I’m currently interviewing some amazing professionals. Stay tuned, it is going to be an amazing read!

Jon Hummel, vice president, commercial banking, West Bank
After starting my career as a teller while I was finishing my accounting degree at the University of Northern Iowa, I decided I wanted to learn the banking industry from the ground up. My journey has led me to continue to grow and learn, and I ultimately want to be in executive management of banking.

Kourtney Kirkpatrick, director of advancement, Anawim Housing
My aspirations are deeply rooted in the belief that collective action and collaboration can drive profound and lasting change. I envision fostering a strong network of collaboration among local nonprofits to enhance our stewardship of community resources and maximize our impact. By sharing insights and pooling our resources, I believe we can address the challenges our communities face more effectively and sustainably.

Erin Knupp, director of business development, Beal Derkenne Construction
Editor’s note: We are including an excerpt from a different question in Knupp’s Q&A because she’s transitioned jobs since the Forty Under 40 honor in March.
Trying to balance being a wife, mom of two littles and a business woman is always a lifelong goal. Every week my goals shift a little depending on what aspect of my life needs the most attention at that time.

Lauren Kollauf, executive director, Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand
If you would have asked me this question a decade ago, I would have never imagined the work I am doing now! I hope in another decade, I’ll be able to surprise myself again in some way. 

Kiersten Maertens, managing director, account strategy, Flynn Wright
I’d like to create a space for Christian women business leaders to build community and support, inspire each other, and find opportunities to become positive forces for change in our homes, workplaces and the community at large.

Vanessa Carolina Marcano-Kelly, owner and lead linguist, Caracas Language Solutions LLC | strategist, content, Principal Financial Group
I think Iowa needs a language access strategy, starting with a statewide language census that helps identify the needs and the prioritization of multilingual spaces. I’d like for the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice to grow and increasingly become a space to gain a sense of community and belonging.

Jerrica Marshall, executive director, Directors Council
I aim to contribute to building a stronger community for Black Polk County residents, ultimately enhancing the economic impact for all of Des Moines. I aspire to play a pivotal role in translating the vision for Des Moines into a reality that benefits every resident.

Kristina Marshall, regional vice president, BH Management
My aspiration for the future is to continue to learn and grow in both my professional and personal life. I strive to utilize the gifts I’ve been blessed with to serve others.

Jessi McQuerrey, director of programs, Iowa Association of Business and Industry Foundation
My goal is to continue learning from and surrounding myself with people I admire, and doing all that I can to impact the lives of others in a positive way. I have a variety of causes I’m passionate about, from empowering women and girls to heart and brain/mental health to pet adoption. I tell students to “try to be the reason why someone enjoys their job today.” So that’s my plan for tomorrow. 

Emily Mendez, director of development, Proteus
My biggest aspiration right now is to be the best parent and spouse I can be. I want to continue to seek peace within myself, to quiet my doubts and to practice more self-love. I want to learn from as many people as I can, to partner with passionate people and to raise a whole lot of money for farmworkers.

Andrew Mertens, executive director, Iowa Association for Justice
More than anything, I want my kids to grow up to be happy, independent adults, whatever that looks like for them.

Sammy Mila, owner, Crème
I want to connect with more Asian American and Pacific Islander kids and young adults and help them in their journey in cooking and/or business in relation to food. I’ve gained so much knowledge in the past two years – in addition to my 10-plus years as a culinary specialist/food stylist for Dotdash Meredith – and I want to use it to help others grow.

Morgan Miller, political director, Iowa State Education Association
Working with educators and public school staff, I see firsthand the immense needs of our public education system in Iowa. Iowa was once nationally recognized for our public schools. My hope for our future is that our state once again embraces our motto of a foundation in education.

Karoline Myers, director of education, Des Moines Performing Arts
Many of our education programs have grown beyond what our current facilities can support. I dream of adding a dedicated education center to our venues, as well as forging new avenues to take experiences out into the community and other regions of the state, increasing both reach and access.

Sharon Ndikurugamba, executive director, African Immigrants and Refugees Transition Services
My aspirations for the future are to write a book, speak at conferences and educate others about working with refugee communities. Additionally, there is a goal to open a shelter in Rwanda for women facing domestic and sexual violence.

Dannie Patrick, senior director of community impact, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
I would love to see more community spaces for creatives and artists, specifically musicians, actors and dancers, to collaborate, learn from one another and perform. When I first moved to the area, the Des Moines Social Club offered a variety of classes and opportunities for creatives to hone their craft in various ways. It would be great to see a space similar to that return to Des Moines.

Leann Pederson, senior partner, health care studio manager, registered interior designer, RDG Planning & Design
I want to be an advocate and educate the public about the profession of interior design. Commercial interior design is so much more than selecting pillows and paints. I absolutely love solving problems and ultimately improving processes in a collaborative team environment.

Nick Peterson, strategic partnerships manager, Alliant Energy
I will continue to lead innovation and drive transformational ideas that make Iowa a great place for all to live, work and thrive. I want to model the great leaders I have had the opportunity to work or volunteer with, like Mary Chapman, Teresa Kuehn Gould, May Farlinger and Dennis Jordan. All have shown the value of empowerment and servant leadership. In my work and actions, I want to empower others with opportunities to succeed.

Mollie Ross, vice president of operations, Technology Association of Iowa
I aspire to continue advancing TAI’s mission and help grow Iowa’s dynamic tech industry. As a mother, I am dedicated to raising my children with my husband to be kind, independent and confident individuals. Also, I’d like to learn French.

Jenae Sikkink, senior vice president of talent development and inclusive strategies, Greater Des Moines Partnership
We need to continue to deepen connections among rural, suburban and urban leaders across the Greater Des Moines region. We are stronger when we work together.

Zach Sims, client executive, Holmes Murphy
I want to continue to inspire people to get involved with nonprofits that make a direct impact in our community. It has never been more important to continue to raise awareness and dollars to help these organizations succeed.

Anna Stoermer, executive vice president, chief marketing officer, Hy-Vee Inc.
My goal for the future is to drive Hy-Vee forward in a positive direction and make an impact in the communities we serve. In my career, I want to be a force in developing leaders and teams that stay interested and curious. Outside of work in my personal life, I want to enjoy all of life’s moments and not let them pass me by, especially the ones with my family.

Jordan Stokes, self-perform work leader, Midwest region, Ryan Cos.
I am passionate about the work that I do with Ryan. I’ve had success in growing our self-perform work in Central Iowa and am driven to see this growth throughout the state of Iowa.

Ryan Tousley, senior business development manager, Weitz Co.
I want to continue to take a larger role in business development at Weitz, as well as a large role within our community, whether that be joining the board of nonprofits I am already involved with or getting involved with a new nonprofit altogether.  

Bridgette Uhlemann, senior vice president and general counsel, LCS
Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States. We need to provide better care, support and treatment options for patients, caregivers and families who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Rachel Wacker, executive director, Greater Dallas County Development Alliance
I would love to see a consortium of intergenerational thought leaders in diverse subject matters to encourage curiosity to avoid quick judgment when experiencing difficult conversations or situations.

Danielle West, regional vice president, LifeServe Blood Center
I aspire to be a key leader in the medical community, where I can advocate for the importance of supporting our local health care system. I believe that a strong and accessible health care system is vital for the well-being of our community, and I am passionate about spreading awareness of its significance.

Alec Wilcox, associate, Cushman & Wakefield Iowa Commercial Advisors
I am passionate about furthering professional development opportunities for youths and young professionals. There are organizations and opportunities in Central Iowa that lead this charge, and I would love to engage with those organizations.