Announcing an Inspiring YPC Storytelling Event: Stories of Young Professionals
We are excited to invite you to a new Young Professionals Connection (YPC) event in collaboration with CultureALL that promises to be both inspiring and transformative. Join us as three remarkable young professionals share the personal journeys that have shaped who they are today. These stories will take you on a journey through the challenges they've faced, the cultures that have influenced them, and the passions that drive them forward.
In collaboration with CultureALL, this event is more than just storytelling — it's a radical act of listening with love and respect. Through these shared experiences, we'll create a space to appreciate the unique perspectives within our community and recognize that, despite our differences, we all share common ground. As emerging leaders, knowing and sharing our stories is essential to building communities of inclusion and belonging.
Featured Stories
The three stories featured are listed below. You can find information on other Iowans who have shared their stories here.
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"I Want to Wear a Black Suit and Long Brown Coat" – Lilian Okech
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"The Giraffe Still Lives in the Basement" – Manar Yaseen
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"Stepping Off of the Scale" – Zach Mecham
These stories will spark deep reflection and foster meaningful connections, allowing us to celebrate the diversity within our community and ourselves, uniting us together through our shared humanity.
Event Details
Don’t miss out on this unique storytelling experience! Registration is limited to just 40 participants, so be sure to register early to secure your spot.
Check the YPC calendar for other inclusive events in the region, and make sure to attend YPC Signature Events like the YPC Gala, the Sips, Samples and Sights tour, the Public Service Symposium and the Kickoff Party at the first of the year.
Young Professionals Connection (YPC) aims to attract and retain young professionals in Greater Des Moines (DSM) by connecting emerging leaders to each other and to the community through social, civic, charitable and professional development endeavors. Learn how you can get involved.
There are so many fun events specific to Downtown DSM. Attend annual events like the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market, World Food & Music Festival and Holiday Promenade or find live music happening each week through the "Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.
Alexis Hernandez
Alexis Hernandez is the HR Manager at Hope Ministries, serving those experiencing homelessness in Des Moines and, as entrepreneur, she owns and operates DNA Illustrated Photography, a local business that explores the structure of life through the lens of photography. Alexis also serves on the YPC Board as the Diversity and Culture Chair, with efforts focused on creating spaces of belonging, connecting young professionals to each other and to the community through a variety of experiences, such as the upcoming Stories of Young Professionals event.