Krystal Mikkilineni

Shareholder, Dentons Davis Brown

Age: 37

Education: Drake University Law School, Juris Doctorate, with honors, Business Law Certificate; University of Northern Iowa, B.A., magna cum laude

Husband: Srikant Mikkilineni 

Children: Ahsha Mikkilineni, Alyla Mikkilineni

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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

I serve on the board of the Chrysalis Foundation. 

I served as chair of the International Women's Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation, Iowa Chapter. 

I was accepted into and completed the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute's Community Leadership Program. 

I was recognized and selected as an honoree in the American Bankruptcy Institute's (ABI) nationwide 40 Under 40 program.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

One of my greatest passions is encouraging and empowering women and young girls in achieving academic and career success, especially in male-dominated fields. I have two young daughters who I am raising to understand the challenges and disadvantages they may face by merely being female, and how to overcome those challenges and supersede expectations. The restructuring field is one of those male-dominated fields in which I am constantly striving to encourage more young female attorneys to enter. This passion is also shown in the organizations in which I volunteer. I serve on the board of the Chrysalis Foundation, where I further my passion for empowering young women.

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

Success to me includes building a life, both personally and professionally, in which I’m growing every day, building meaningful relationships and making a lasting impact. Success isn’t always about achievement; it’s about fulfillment, resilience and inspiration. Success also means building a life in which my children look up to me.

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

There are many people living with medical conditions that are considered invisible diseases — diseases that aren’t recognizable just by looking at someone. There needs to be more consideration for these types of diseases and increased understanding for those suffering from them. I served on the Lupus Foundation of America in which I raised funds and awareness of lupus, one of these invisible diseases.

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

The birth of my first daughter strengthened my passion for empowering young women and encouraging them to achieve anything they put their minds to. I have always had a passion for paving the way for young women, especially in male-dominated fields, but the birth of my first daughter fired that passion even further.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I aspire to continue growing my practice in restructuring, bankruptcy and insolvency work in Iowa and across the nation. My practice focuses on representing distressed and struggling businesses in finding paths forward through a restructuring or sale, either in court or out of court.

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

Pursue meaningful relationships and mentorships in your personal and professional life, and don’t forget to give back through mentorship later in your life.

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

As a busy mom, wife and professional, it can be hard to find time for myself, but I’ve realized having that me time is one of the most important keys to my success. My favorite and most impactful me time is completing a short workout followed by an outdoor walk while listening to music. This helps me reflect and de-stress.

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

There has been an ongoing day care crisis across the nation and in Iowa since the pandemic. This has led to financial issues, effects on child development, workforce struggles and strained economic growth. It has in particular affected mothers, who have had to leave their jobs or reduce hours due to lack of child care or the affordability of child care. Iowa leaders need to address this crisis by developing and implementing strategies to increase affordable child care options.

What's one fun fact about you?

I played soccer year-round between middle school and the end of high school, and broke a state record for most saves by a non-goalie in a high school career in girls soccer.

Hobbies:

Vegetable gardening, hand lettering, baking

What is one word that best describes you?

Tenacious.

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

Shakes at Drake Diner.

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

My husband surprised me with a wine and food tour in Barcelona for our 10-year anniversary.

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

Going to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch at Center Grove Orchard.