YPC 2016 At Large Chair

Alyssa Nicolai

Young Professionals Connection (YPC) Board Position: At Large Chair

Hometown: Des Moines

Alma Mater: The University of Iowa

What do you do? Local Sales Assistant

What’s a day in your job like? My morning starts with a variety of reports that I’m responsible for compiling and sending to our corporate offices. After that there isn’t a typical day at a television station. Some days I’ll be planning station events and others I will be managing a queue of projects. 

What are your passions outside of work? When you’re not at work, what will we find you doing? Outside of work you can find me roaming the aisles of the Central Library trying to find my next read. I’m an avid reader and enjoy wrapping up in the winter with a book or taking my book to a park on a nice spring day. Outside of the library I enjoy discovering new restaurants and visiting old favorites. Someone once said that the oldest form of theater is the dinner table. I love sharing a good meal with good friends.  My joy for dining out has yet to translate to cooking my own meals but I’m definitely working on it.  

Where’s your favorite (something) in Greater Des Moines (DSM)? As a native of Des Moines I can hardly pick just one favorite anything!  Movie Theater: The Varsity or Fleur Cinema both are locally owned and offer that special movie magic that a Cineplex can’t capture.  Diner: The Drake Diner (It’s a Des Moines staple. Wake up early on a Sunday for Pumpkin Pancakes). Quick Lunch Spot: Ted’s Coney Island (GYROS!!)    

What is something you would like to see added or changed about Des Moines? I would like to see Des Moines invest in K12 education.  A world class K12 education is an opportunity that each and every child deserves access to. I want to see the children in classrooms today become the Young Professionals of tomorrow.

What are your words to live by? “The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” – E.E. Cummings  

What projects have you been involved with in YPC? I began my YPC involvement with the Impact Downtown Committee during which I organized an YP night with local business, Cooking with Alessandra. During my time as Downtown Coordinator I was able to collaborate with the Diversity Chair to present the inaugural YPC Scavenger Hunt and my committee also brought great events like Sips, Samples, Sights, and Tacos & Tours to members.  As At Large Chair I’ve been involved with Next events and a variety of others.  I enjoy collaboration and creating unique opportunities for members to experience Des Moines.