YPC 2016 Past President

Emilee Richardson

Young Professionals Connection (YPC) Board Position: 2016 Past President

Hometown: Clarinda, Iowa

Alma Mater: Drake University

What do you do? Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater

Q&A

What’s a day in your job like? Every day is an adventure when it’s your job to promote science! I manage a small team to coordinate the marketing, promotions and PR efforts for the Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater. It’s awesome, because I get to become a mini expert on whatever new exhibit or program we’re promoting, whether it’s dinosaurs or space or ancient Egypt!

What are your passions outside of work? When you’re not at work, what will we find you doing? Outside of work, I enjoy attending local events, checking out live music and exploring Greater Des Moines’ (DSM's) various craft breweries. My newest love is cycling, so you’ll often find me on the trails (which happen to also be between breweries!). I recently joined the Des Moines Bicycle Collective’s board of directors, and I’m excited to get more involved with an organization that is making a difference in the lives and legislation of our community.

Where’s your favorite (something) in Des Moines? My favorite park in Des Moines is Witmer Park, just north of Forest Avenue and east of Beaver. It’s hidden away and not well known, but it has everything you need in a great park: a pond, a walking trail, a forested area, a grassy area, baseball fields, tennis courts, playground, etc. Des Moines has great public parks, and I don’t think enough young people use them!

What is something you would like to see added or changed about Des Moines? We need more protected bike lanes and for motorists to understand that cyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the roadways as they do. We are building a great system of trails in Central Iowa, but to adequately promote biking as a mode of transportation, cyclists need to feel safe on the streets.  

What are your words to live by? “A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labor and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both.”

What projects have you been involved with in YPC? I’ve been on the YPC Board since 2011, when I served as social media coordinator. In 2013, I was elected president-elect, and I served as president in 2014 and 2015. My biggest project was a strategic planning effort in 2013/14 which led to a restructuring of the board and the creation of a new organizational vision: Why YPC? You will have unique opportunities to grow personally and professionally and forge lasting relationships. Engage, connect, and form a foundation for your future. I’ve seen YPC grow and change dramatically during that time, but my favorite thing has been working with incredible young professionals on the board and within the committees. It’s amazing what an impact a small group of thoughtful, committed young professionals can make on a community.