joseph jones
Class of 2009
Executive director, The Harkin Institute
What advice would you give to young people who want to make an impact?
I would advise to think about the future, but live in the present. It is easy to be caught up in focusing where you want to go in life while neglecting living the moment that you are in and appreciating the experience you’re having. Everyone can make an impact at any level. Accepting those opportunities will lead to others. Find the issues that you are passionate about and do whatever you can to make a difference, no matter if you get recognition or not.
What’s one issue you’re very passionate about?
I am very concerned with the employment of people with disabilities. Although Iowa and many other states have low unemployment rates, the percentage of people with disabilities who are unemployed is over 60%. I would like employers to take stock of their recruiting and hiring practices to determine if they are inclusive.
What’s one of your everyday habits that helps you be successful?
Every day I take some time for myself to detach from work and other things to focus on self-care. That includes practicing transcendental meditation twice a day, frequent prayers and hanging out with my dog. Each of these activities keeps me grounded and makes me my best self for the more trying parts of my day.
Class of 2009
Chad Airhart
Chris Anderson
SaraBeth Anderson
Amanda Brink Hull
Ben Bruns
Kate Byus
Blake Campbell
Jeff Clayton
Deann Cook
Lisa Davis-Cook
Robin Epp
Jamie Fitzgerald
Stephanie Ganske
Lisa Gobber
Suzanne Heckenlaible
Larry James
Joseph Jones
Jon Kallen
Shawne Kleckner
Stacy Kluesner
Kara Kohler Hoogensen
Danielle Kuhn
Lance Lange
Matt Lundberg
Shellie Mackel
Tiffany Menke
Julie Moore
Joe Nolte
Sonia Parras Konrad
Bridget Penick
Casey Port
Suzanne Reynolds Arnold
Tyler Riley
Stuart Ruddy
Brad Schoenfelder
Jessica Thornton
Sadie Trytten
Gina Vitiritto-Robinson
Stacey Warren
Zhenhaun Yang