Get to know YPC Gala Keynote Speaker: Joseph Jones
YPC’s annual gala is two weeks away and we can’t wait to share this special evening with all our members! The Gala is the perfect opportunity to join together to reflect, connect and further engage with the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community.
This year, we’re honored to have Joseph Jones, executive director for the Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement, as our keynote speaker.
About Joseph Jones
Q: What do you do as the Executive Director for the Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement?
A: Since starting at the Harkin Institute on August 1, I have been working to build on the strong foundation that my predecessor built. I am leading a team of four full-time staff and 12 Drake students to make the Harkin Institute a nationally-recognized voice on the issues Senator Harkin cared most about: people with disabilities, retirement security, wellness and nutrition and labor and employment.
Q: What is your favorite thing about DSM?
A: My favorite thing about DSM is all of the opportunities to get involved, great activities and events, and good people.
Q: Why do you think it's important to engage and retain young professionals in DSM?
A: We are in DSM at a very special time in its history. Decades ago, Downtown Des Moines (DSM) was bleak, but with investment and vision we have built a thriving environment with economic and social benefit. Building on this, we hear a lot talk about the kind of city we want to be, but we can only achieve that vision if the next generation of leaders takes up the community's challenges. We need the best and brightest to engage in the community and help build the future we want for our city.
Q: What advice do you have for young professionals?
A: Don’t let personal achievement and financial success be your only ambitions. The happiest people I have met are ones who dedicate themselves to something bigger than themselves.
Q: What words do you live by?
A: “Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
There is still time to register for the YPC Annual Gala, but space is filling up quickly! Click here to be a part of this special evening!
Young Professionals Connection (YPC)
The Young Professionals Connection (YPC) promotes an environment that attracts and retains young professionals in Greater Des Moines (DSM). YPC connects young professionals to each other and to the community through social, civic, charitable and professional development endeavors. YPC members have unique opportunities to grow personally and professionally and forge lasting relationships. They engage, connect and form a foundation for their future in DSM. YPC is an initiative of the Greater Des Moines Partnership.