Kaity Patchett

Executive director, Capital Crossroads

Age: 36

Education: B.A. liberal arts and sciences, majored in political science, University of Iowa

Fiancé: Chris Hall

__________________________

Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

Working alongside community, nonprofit and business leaders, I’m guiding the implementation of Central Iowa’s vision plan — the Capital Crossroads Roadmap to Opportunity and Prosperity for All. 

I led the district operation and constituent services for an Iowa congressional office that earned national recognition for accessibility, accountability, transparency and bipartisanship.

I serve on the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s DSM Workforce Collaborative. 

I volunteered as a Summer Book Buddy at Conmigo Early Education Center.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

I am driven by service to others and believe former Sen. Paul Wellstone’s sentiment, “We all do better when we all do better.” Service creates meaningful connections, fosters personal growth, contributes to positive change and builds community. I find purpose in contributing to a greater good and supporting those around me.

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

Success stems from a commitment to continuous learning, improvement and openness to diverse perspectives. It involves practicing empathy and humility, assuming positive intent and considering impact. I have found personal and professional growth by choosing to embrace challenges, and believe success is most meaningful when it's shared.

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

Skills-based hiring: screening applicants for competencies and knowledge rather than degree qualifications. Degree requirements exclude many qualified candidates from better-paying jobs. Skills-based hiring provides workers greater upward economic mobility, opportunity for fulfillment and offers employers a larger pool of skilled, diverse talent to fill positions.

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

Working in a congressional office deepened my understanding of shared values, not division. Meeting with Iowans from all walks of life revealed common aspirations: supporting their families and creating opportunities for their children. It reinforced that we can have differing perspectives and still have more in common than we think.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I want to see more young women in leadership roles, both professional and elected. Mentoring and receiving mentorship from other women is uniquely powerful and rewarding, and I'm eager to support progress in building the bench.

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

You can hold yourself to a standard of excellence and strive to meet that each day. But you're human and going to make mistakes. Use those moments to learn, improve and move forward. Perfection is unrealistic. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back from taking risks or thinking big.

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

Maximize existing routines: Follow lots of local organizations and news sites to stay informed while scrolling social media; call a loved one while getting exercise; listen to an audiobook while doing housework. We all have limited time and energy, but small adjustments can boost productivity and fulfillment.

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

Central Iowa faces a shortage of workforce housing; this gap especially affects income-limited households. Building an adequate regional supply of quality workforce housing will benefit economic development, public health, educational outcomes and more. Leaders must take a collaborative approach to ensure housing is equitably distributed, meets demand, aligns with job needs and is located near jobs in safe, connected neighborhoods.

What's one fun fact about you?

I love planning vacations around national parks — they’re amazing! I’ve visited 15 so far and have plenty more on my list.

Hobbies:

Reading lots of fiction, hiking, hand embroidery projects.

What is one word that best describes you?

Empathetic.

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

Anything from Aposto or Dumpling House DSM.

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

My fiancé recently surprised me with tickets to the home opener for the Indiana Fever!

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

I love visiting the Arie Den Boer Arboretum in Water Works Park every spring to see the crabapple blossoms.