YPC Committee Member Spotlight

Young Professionals Connection (YPC) Ambassador Q+A

Check out the interview below and learn a little bit more about John Redlin, an ambassador for YPC!

John Redlin

Q: Where are you originally from? What made you seek out Greater Des Moines (DSM) as a place to live? 

A: I grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, but my family is originally from the Midwest, so after accepting a full time job offer as a Spanish interpreter with Unity Point Health hospitals, I knew DSM would be a good fit for me. I also had already known that DSM had a large, growing Latino population, but I was impressed that hospitals in the area valued equality in language access for limited English proficient patients and this particular organization had developed a specific department focused on translation and interpretation for the immigrant community.

Q: In your view, what makes DSM a great place to be a young professional?

A: DSM is a great place to be a young professional because there are so many opportunities to get involved in the community and connect with other young professionals who share similar passions and interests. This capital city also serves as an important cultural hub for the entire state providing the metro and surrounding areas with a much needed ethnic and racial diversity.

Q: What has surprised you most about DSM? 

A: Before moving to DSM, I was unaware of the city’s up-and-coming music scene and how it has significantly grown over the past ten years as this city continued to support its musicians. 

Q: How would you explain DSM to friends and family who haven’t visited yet? 

A: DSM is very different than other parts of Iowa, despite it being a midsize metro area and having a small town atmosphere. It has transformed into one of the most vibrant cities in the country due to its local arts scene along with many new entrepreneurial startups and thriving corporations present in the revitalized Downtown DSM.

Q: What advice can you give to young professionals who move to DSM, but don’t really know anyone? What’s the best way to meet people and get involved? 

A: I would suggest getting involved in a local community organization like YPC by attending their social/professional development events and also volunteering at the community outreach events. YPC is truly a great organization for building lasting relationships with other young professionals from across the state and country and has definitely helped me learn how to live, work and play in DSM to the fullest!