Gracie Brandsgard

Director of government affairs, PolicyWorks

Age: 30

Spouse: Tom Goetz

Mentor: Jaimie Miller-Ackley, vice president of the Iowa Credit Union League

Reasons she is a Forty: Gracie co-leads an afterschool program for sixth grade girls that empowers students to see themselves as leaders in and outside of their school by connecting them with community leaders and facilitating discussions on issues like mental health, gender inequity and privilege. Gracie leads the government affairs work for Iowa’s credit unions, where she has empowered advocates to send over 60,000 emails and 4,000 handwritten letters to elected officials, and developed advocacy trainings to break down the legislative process. She serves on the Iowa Affordable Homeownership Coalition and the Iowa Childcare Coalition, where she works with aligned organizations to advocate for changes in state policies to address the financial barriers of Iowans.

What are your goals in your role at your company? The legislative process can be confusing, even for those that have worked in this space. In my role, I use my knowledge and skills to break down barriers to advocacy. My goal is to empower Iowans to feel confident in their story and comfortable speaking with elected officials. 

What are your goals for your community involvement? I hope to continue using my time and skills to create opportunities for others to feel connected, supported and heard in our community.

What is it that drives you? My family, friends and neighbors. As I continue to learn and recognize the privileges I have, I feel called to use my voice and position to break down barriers for others. Success to me is knowing that I have made a real, positive impact for others at an individual and systems level. 

Three hobbies: Playing board games, gardening, visiting new coffee shops wherever I go.

Fun fact: Last year, she won a blue ribbon at the State Fair with her mom for an entry in floriculture.

One word to describe you: Empathetic.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? I would love to collaborate with Central Iowa leaders to address our affordable housing shortage. 

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Be a radical incrementalist. Dream big, but celebrate the small wins. Real change takes time.

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? Born and raised in West Des Moines, I care deeply about the Central Iowa community, but too many of our neighbors have been left out or left behind through harmful policies. Let's make a commitment to remove systemic barriers and create a more equitable place for all to live.