Jami Yoder

Business development associate, Sammons Financial Group

Age: 35

Education: Iowa State University - B.A., child adult and family services

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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

I am the president of the board of directors for Willkie House Inc.

Since 2019, I have been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, participating in the Adopt-a-Family program and serving as both a workplace and community-based mentor.

As a member of Willkie House Inc.'s Capital Campaign Committee, I helped facilitate a full gym renovation completed in 2024.

I serve on the inaugural diversity and inclusion advisory council at Sammons Financial Group.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

My biggest passion is advocating for the children within our community, as they are the future. I strive to provide mentorship, resources and advocacy to ensure they have a chance to succeed — empowering them to shape a more inclusive, equitable and thriving future society for us all.

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

I define success as making a lasting, positive impact — personally, by fostering meaningful relationships, and professionally, by creating opportunities for others to grow. It’s not just about achieving goals, but about lifting those around you in the process, ensuring that everyone has the support and resources to reach their goals.

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

Many minority communities lack access to proper insurance and retirement resources, which limits long-term financial security. Educating and providing tailored resources for these groups is crucial to closing the wealth gap and ensuring everyone has a chance to plan for their future, regardless of their background.

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

Becoming an aunt at 4 years old profoundly shaped my passion for supporting children. From early on, I was tasked with the responsibility of being a role model. Watching my nieces and nephews grow, I witnessed firsthand how essential it is to provide children with the resources, mentorship and opportunities they need to thrive.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I aspire to use my platform in financial services to create pathways for individuals from diverse backgrounds, like myself. By breaking down barriers and amplifying underrepresented voices, I aim to foster a more inclusive industry that reflects varied perspectives and drives meaningful evolution.

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

Growth isn’t always upward. Lateral development can be just as valuable, offering new skills, perspectives and opportunities to learn. Embrace every experience as a chance to develop, and remember that growth often comes from exploring different paths along the way.

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

One habit that has made me successful is sharing my goals with close friends and family. By being open about my aspirations, I create a support system that holds me accountable, keeps me motivated and helps me stay focused on my path, even as challenges arise.

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

I would like to see Central Iowa leaders create more spaces and opportunities for young adults to connect outside of the bar scene. Fostering more adult-only environments for networking, creativity and personal development would provide healthier and safer alternatives for socializing, helping build a stronger, more engaged community for the next generation.

What's one fun fact about you?

My friends will tell you I’m an old lady trapped in a young adult body. I’m part of a book club, love gardening, enjoy taking naps and strive to be in bed by 9 p.m. If you have suggestions of where I can play bingo, send them my way!

Hobbies:

Traveling — I’ll go anywhere once; reading a mystery or thriller; or catching a Pilates class.

What is one word that best describes you?

Authentic.

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

A vampire taco at La Baja Cocina Mexicana.

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

I recently rode across the Orlando airport with my sweater sleeve stuck in the door of the tram. If you think it’s hard to stay standing on those things, try doing it while you can hardly move close enough to reach one of the handrails. Two people cheered when we got to the next terminal because I managed not to fall. I was embarrassed, but I think they were impressed.

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

Capital City Pride PrideFest — the amount of love and inclusion witnessed at PrideFest is something that should be experienced by everyone at least once.