Ashley Mataloni

Assistant vice president and shareholder, Innovative Captive Strategies

Age: 32

Education: B.S. marketing and management from Iowa State University

Husband: David Mataloni 

Children: Luca (2), Henry (4 months)

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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

I was a founding member of United Way’s LINC (Lead Impact Network Change) program nearly 10 years ago and currently sit as engagement co-chair for Women United.

I am a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute's Community Leadership Program (now known as Lead DSM).

I have received various promotions moving me from intern to AVP, shareholder and team lead in just 10 years with ICS/Holmes Murphy and have hit a number of sales milestones within that time. 

I have served as a member of SIIA’s Future Leader Committee, helping to bring our Waukee-based company national exposure in the health insurance space.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

My biggest passion is my family. They are at the center of everything I do and my “why.” I have a passion to raise my children in a faithful home where they know lots of love and can have experiences that shape them into good humans.

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

I define professional success as being looked up to in the workplace. Whether that be for specific work accomplishments or as a leader in general, it’s encouraging to know that you are an example to others to help them reach their potential. And being recognized by Business Record as a Forty Under 40!

I define personal success as recognizing and appreciating every little moment in my life every day — counting my blessings. Checking a baby monitor with two healthy, sleeping boys in their warm beds on a cold February night, with full bellies and two parents who love them is success to me.

Tell us about an issue you think more people should know about.

I think more people should be aware of the continued child care issue in our state. Iowa is a leader in both parents working outside of the home, meaning we have the greatest need for child care. Accessible, affordable and quality child care ensures the success of both working parents and for the children, who are our future! It takes attention from more than just the parents in the trenches for this to improve.

What's an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?

Growing up in a small town with a teacher-mom and a farmer-dad, instilled a great work ethic in me. Watching them work hard, make sacrifices for our family to have a wonderful childhood and be incredibly involved in the community is something I’ll always be thankful for. Once I joined the professional workforce and had mentors I looked up to, my upbringing supported a work ethic, which helps me to continue to strive for success like my mentors have achieved.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I want to continue to grow in my role as a professional and as a mother, in a way that allows me to give back and help develop the next generation of the workforce, while being the best mother and wife I can be.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?

Start donating your time or money to causes you care about now. Your interest and investment in them will only grow with you!

What's one regular habit that's made you successful?

Early on in my career, it was being a “yes” person — helping anyone in any way I could. This allowed me to learn and grow and opened a lot of doors for me.

What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?

I mentioned this earlier, but the child care issue in our state is one that deserves the attention from leaders.

What's one fun fact about you?

I used to sell decorated sugar cookies, made with love from my townhome kitchen.

Hobbies:

Traveling to new places, cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones and spending time with my family.

What is one word that best describes you?

Passionate.

What’s one food (meal, snack, dessert, whatever!) you think people must try in the Des Moines area?

Ziti Cucina from Cosi Cucina.

What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?

I have a toddler and a baby — every day is funny and surprising!

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

It's hard to beat the Iowa State Fair!