Candice Revita-Ramirez
Assistant director of events, Des Moines University
Age: 31
Husband: Adrian Ramirez Jr.
Reasons she is a Forty: She is the vice chair of the Young Nonprofit Professional Network. She was recently appointed to the Home Inc. board of directors. She was voted as one of Des Moines University’s staff organization co-chairs and serves on the faculty and staff diversity council. In May, she will graduate from the University of Northern Iowa with a master’s degree in philanthropy and nonprofit development and will be the first in her family to obtain this level of education.
What are your goals in your role at your company? I’ve been a part of DMU’s development and alumni relations team for four years, and over that time I have focused on supporting Purple and Proud – the campaign for Des Moines University. I’ve witnessed the power of philanthropy and I’m moved by the support the campaign has received thus far. The campaign’s priorities include supporting students, investing in faculty, and building a new medicine and health sciences institution. DMU is training highly competent and compassionate health professionals.
What are your goals for your community involvement? I’ve spent the past 18 months pursuing a master’s degree through UNI. My research is about white saviorism within the nonprofit sector, focusing on inequitable funding requirements, the power imbalance created by donor-centered fundraising models, and the lack of diverse voices and experiences within senior leadership. Through this research I hope to shed light on how “traditional practices” can actually perpetuate the inequities nonprofits wish to combat, ultimately hurting the communities they’re charged with supporting.
What's your biggest passion, and why? What fills my cup is making others feel heard. Holding space for one another as we experience the ups and downs of life is the definition of community. Whether personal or professional, we want to be heard and understood, but not all are granted the opportunity to fully express themselves. I’ll always commit to fostering an environment safe for vulnerable connection and active listening.
What is it that drives you? I draw strength from family members who came before me. When I’m experiencing hopelessness, disappointment or am overwhelmed, I try to channel their collective wisdom and resiliency. They laid the groundwork for where I’m at today, and that serves as motivation to push farther and do better. Through my actions I hope to make them proud.
What are your future aspirations? I’ve deeply appreciated my volunteer experience with Dorothy’s House, a safe place for those whose lives have been interrupted by human trafficking and exploitation. Iowa is a major hub for human trafficking because of our location and large rural areas. I’d like to spend more time advocating for organizations like Dorothy’s House that are combating the issue of human trafficking while providing holistic care to those who need it most.
Three hobbies: Thrifting for items to both resell and donate to local causes/initiatives; walking local Des Moines parks; and finding and sharing the best Latino food in Greater Des Moines.
Fun fact: She owns a vintage resale business called Revi Co. Vintage and has a booth (No. 445) at the Picker Knows. Her interest in thrifting began as a child spending time at local shops with her grandmother.
One word to describe you: Thoughtful.
What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? I want the Central Iowa business community to go beyond hollow DEI statements and empty promises to do better. Actions will always speak louder than words. Local businesses need to do a true audit of their internal culture and values to understand the changes necessary to actually enact/support/foster diversity, equity and inclusion.
What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Your lived experiences hold great value and should be seen as a superpower. With this superpower you can uplift and inspire others, you can enact long-lasting change. I’ve learned over time that the opportunities I’m searching for may not always come with an invitation – the confidence I need to make a seat at the table lies within the understanding of my innate value. No one can take that away
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? Central Iowa leaders need to dedicate more resources to organizations, like Home Inc., who are addressing the affordable housing crisis. To do so calls for leaders to recognize intersectionality of the affordable housing crisis, the effects of redlining, and inequitable lending options. There are intelligent, passionate, hardworking individuals who want to plant roots in Iowa but are forced out because they don’t have access to safe and stable housing. There is more work to be done in this area and Central Iowa leaders have the power to enact substantive change.
Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? I thoroughly enjoy watching anime.