Anna Nalean

Community impact coordinator, Delta Dental of Iowa 

Age: 35

Husband: Bobby Nalean 

Reasons she is a Forty: Anna has spent her career serving as a connector, collaborator and capacity builder within the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, most often behind the scenes bringing people, organizations and resources together around important community issues and projects. That included coordinating two free vision clinics at Oakridge Neighborhood serving over 800 individuals in total, and the development and implementation of COVID-19 pandemic response efforts of Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation in 2020 with over $1.36 million to support immediate relief needs of Iowans. Under Capital Crossroad Social Capital, Anna led a community committee in the successful implementation of a two-year pilot of the Community Connect program and oversaw the successful transition of the program to a permanent home with Lead DSM. Anna serves on the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants advisory board, Urbandale Economic Development advisory board, and is a former Des Moines Playhouse board member.

What are your goals in your role at your company? On behalf of the foundation, I support our overall health-related grant programs and community initiatives that enable Iowans to live healthy lives. I strive to implement trust-based philanthropic practices, support the foundation’s health equity efforts, build relationships, and collaborate with nonprofit organizations and other key stakeholders from across the state to provide connections, resources and funding. Currently convening vision stakeholders around public health vision care access in Iowa to better understand the landscape, challenges and opportunities.

What are your goals for your community involvement? I serve on the advisory board for the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants and am committed to raising awareness about the vital work they, and other refugee-serving organizations, do to resettle and support our newest neighbors. I’m also a big fan of our arts and culture scene in Des Moines and supporting their critical contributions to the vibrancy of our community.

What's your biggest passion, and why? I love learning and seek out opportunities to learn something new every day to better understand the world and the people I share it with. I am especially passionate about learning and connecting through shared stories and thoughtful travel, which has broadened my perspective and approach to challenges facing our country and communities.

What is it that drives you? Empathy. Navigating grief and numerous challenges after the sudden loss of my dad when I was 19 is a core part of my story and grounds my approach to life. There are systems that are broken and so many people that are hurting. I had people who advocated for and showed me compassion at a time when I needed it most. It is with this spirit of gratitude I do my best to serve others both in my career and in the community. 

What are your future aspirations? I am interested in issues surrounding death, dying and grief, which developed through my personal experiences with my dad’s death and more recently caring for and walking with my elderly neighbor through his end-of-life journey. I seek to engage more actively in this space to assist others as they navigate this chapter with as much dignity and compassion as possible as well as to normalize conversations around this important topic that is often viewed as taboo.

Three hobbies: Theater, both as an audience member and on very rare occasions performing onstage with the Des Moines Playhouse; exploring nature in Des Moines’ parks and trails with my three Boston terriers; travel, often solo and always packing light with just a carry-on-size backpack.

Fun fact: In 2019, Anna quit her job to embark on her “Get Busy Living Tour,” traveling the world solo for eight months, visiting 30 countries with just a carry-on-size backpack, while her husband held things down at home. 

One word to describe you: Adventurous and adaptable (whoops – that’s two, sorry!). 

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? I wish for our region and state to become the truly welcoming and inclusive place we want it to be, where all people feel valued and can bring their best and most authentic selves to our communities and places of work. This is a basic human issue first and foremost, but it has real economic implications for our communities and businesses as we address issues like brain drain, and work to attract/retain top talent. 

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? I’ve got a few. Choose courage over comfort and get comfortable being uncomfortable, as that’s where the growth happens. Know what your own personal and professional definition of success is and let that guide you. Each of us exerts influence in both big and small ways every day. How will/do you use yours? You don’t need a specific title or position to be a leader, but a willingness to serve others, so jump in. 

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? Keeping a focus on health equity issues and addressing systemic barriers that lead to health disparities for marginalized populations in our state. Narrowing one step further, access to affordable, quality mental health care for all is sorely needed. We were facing a mental health crisis prior to the pandemic and it has only been exacerbated. One in 5 people will be diagnosed with a mental illness during their lifetime. Navigating the mental health system in our state is a huge challenge and frustration for so many seeking help. There are many passionate entities and individuals working on this issue, but it will take everyone at the table advocating for and supporting solutions across the continuum of care. 

Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? I'm an old soul and an introvert who is often mistaken for an extrovert. I have far too many passions and interests. I’m a lifelong Iowan and forever a proud farm kid. My dogs, Buxton, Effie and Mavis, are my babies and beyond spoiled! I love DSM and am humbled every day to serve and learn alongside incredible organizations and people who are committed to making Greater DSM better for everyone who calls it home.