Erin Moran

Senior director of communications,
Young Women's Resource Center

Age: 39

Education: Wartburg College, Bachelor of Arts in communication studies with a minor in women's studies; Des Moines Area Community College, Mobile Marketing Certification

Husband: Andy Birmingham

Children: Maeve

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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

I have spent 16 years dedicated to addressing the needs of our community through work with human service, arts and culture, health care and youth organizations. 

I’ve helped raise more than $1.5 million for the Young Women’s Resource Center through campaigns, events and donor relations.

I served on the After School Arts Program (ASAP) board of directors for seven years during an exciting time of organizational growth. 

I have led effective branding and strategic planning workshops for nonprofit, small business and government teams throughout our community.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

From being a camp counselor to volunteering with After School Arts Program to working alongside YWRC participants, one of my biggest passions has been, and continues to be, the empowerment of youths to practice critical thinking skills, know their self-worth and create a life of which they can be proud.

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

I know I’ve been professionally successful when I’m doing work that matters to me, makes a positive impact and fosters continued growth. Personal success to me is being surrounded by kind, interesting and inspiring people, and the ability to invest my time in something larger than myself.

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

Studies show that girls have a 50% decline in self-esteem after entering middle school. This negatively affects their ability to identify and achieve goals, maintain healthy relationships and engage in positive decision-making. Counteracting this decline and building confidence is key for their social, emotional, mental and physical well-being.

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

I come from a family of helpers. I have countless examples from my parents of what it means to be an active part of your community. They’ve instilled in me what it means to treat others with dignity and respect. This laid a solid foundation for me to pursue work in the nonprofit sector.

What are your aspirations for the future?

In the future I would like to continue developing my leadership skills, learn more about the operations side of nonprofits and gain insight into the functions and processes of the for-profit sector. I also aspire to expand my communications and strategic planning consulting services.

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

My advice for a young person is to move intentionally, but not rigidly. Determining where you would like your career to go and setting specific goals is important, but it’s also imperative to leave room for unexpected opportunities and allow yourself to change your path.

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

One regular habit that has helped me be successful is keeping a daily work log. Physically typing out what I’ve accomplished each day helps me process progress, determine capacity, map the interconnectedness of various projects, understand time requirements and plan strategically.

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

I would like to see Central Iowa leaders focused on increasing access to comprehensive mental and physical health care for all members of our community. Health challenges often affect many aspects of a person’s life and can lead to a ripple effect of subsequent hardships. If all Central Iowans could access the care they need, when they need it, it would benefit the entire community.

What's one fun fact about you?

I made a joke about a two-for-one sale when picking up our (one) basset hound puppy. We came home with two. Gomer and Frank are now 10 years old.

Hobbies:

In my free time I like to walk around Saylorville, Jester Park and Cottonwood, attend outdoor concerts and participate in art classes.

What is one word that best describes you?

Collaborative.

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

Snookie's Twist Crunch Cone.

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

Something that recently surprised me is just how strong the adhesive is on the large googly eyes I put on my home windows this Halloween. It makes me laugh at least once a week to pull up to a house that still has googly eyes.

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

My husband and I have been attending the Beaverdale Fall Festival and parade for more than 10 years. We love being able to walk to both occasions and celebrate our neighborhood in this way. It’s been especially fun to share this experience with our daughter.