nikki syverson
Class of 2013
Director, Capital Crossroads
What advice would you give to young people who want to make an impact?
My advice to young people is to jump in: Find an organization you’re passionate about, share your big idea and gain as much knowledge as possible from community leaders. We are so fortunate to live in a community that not only allows young people to get involved, we encourage it. The lessons I learned and the connections I made in my early nonprofit work – both as a staff member and volunteer – have been invaluable.
What’s one issue you’re very passionate about?
What gets me up in the morning is the prospect of making Des Moines a better place for the next generation. I’ve had the good fortune of working with many organizations that make a positive impact in our region. And it’s both rewarding and daunting to know that the decisions we make today will have an impact for generations to come. That’s why our work with the Central Iowa Water Trails, mental health, workforce housing and city planning are so critical. And that’s why I’m so energized about the prospect of working with even more nonprofits in my next chapter to help shape an even better Central Iowa.
Class of 2013
Desmund Adams
Lindsay Alderman
Erica Axiotis
Kate Banasiak
Erin Bemis
Jonathan Brendemuehl
Curtis Brown
Matt Connolly
Lawrence Cunningham
Angela Dethlefs-Trettin
Josh Fleming
Felix Gallagher
Lori Gelhaar
Tina Gray Carstensen
Shane Greenleaf
Danielle Haindfield
Emily Harris
Matthew Harris
Angela Hilbert
Joey Hinke
Hannah Inman
Keegan Kautzky
John Lozier
Dennis McDaniel
Rachel McLean
John Mickelson
Keith Olson
Matt Ostanik
Benjamin Page
Dustin Petersen
Nick Renkoski
Rachel Rowley
John Ruan IV
Jennifer Soma
Heather Starr
Aimee Staudt
Courtney Strutt Todd
Nikki Syverson
Howard Tempero
Tony Timm