Zachary Rus

Engagement director, Ellipsis

Age: 39

Education: Simpson College, B.A., corporate communication

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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

I co-created a space for queer teens to connect with other teens who have similar or the same lived experience at the Teen Zone, a part of Capital City Pride's Pride Fest. 

I recruited donors to cover the cost of their holiday wish lists, ensuring that over 150 children and families had a sense of normalcy around the holidays. 

I developed, designed, produced and provided over 2,000 pause bracelets (a reminder to pause for your mental health) to Greater Des Moines community members. 

After taking the lead on TEEllipsis: The Ellipsis Eighteen, revenue increased by 152% ($46,000 in 2021, $153,000 in 2024), and the cost-to-raise-a-dollar beat the national average by 20%.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

Creating a community where all humans have access to the care and support they need regardless of where they come from. The care and support all humans deserve — a community where success isn’t defined by salary and title but by compassion and empathy.

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

Success in life and work looks the same to me. As long as I continue to learn, grow and break down systems that marginalize fellow humans, leaving the world a better place, I’ll feel successful.

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

Kids and families need help. If we genuinely want to be "Iowa nice," how can we tell people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps when many don’t even have boots? Our community is more homogenous than most cities, yet our experiences are vast and varied. I envision a community where we stop labeling individuals as bad kids or adults and instead offer support to one another.

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

At 19, I came out to my younger sister, Hannah, who immediately responded with love and acceptance. A few weeks later, my mom called about a weekend retreat my aunt was sponsoring. I hoped to meet other LGBTQ+ people and connect with my family. However, Hannah later revealed a troubling detail: She found a letter for the retreat with the headline, “Don’t let your son or daughter go down the path of destruction.” It hit me hard; being gay isn’t a choice. My therapist had it right — two truths can coexist. My family loves me but struggles with acceptance. This moment ignited my desire to support marginalized individuals.

What are your aspirations for the future?

Help create a world where people are accepted for who they are without having to fit into a box society has put them in. A “boxless” future without the need for labels, where individuals are recognized for all that they contribute to the world.

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

Three seconds of courage can make a lifetime of difference. Introduce yourself, get comfortable hearing no and focus on the virtues that drive you to live your best life, not the life you think others will be impressed by.

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

Gratitude. Too often, we look outward to define success by what we have. Big houses, salaries, titles and social media followings all seem like the definition of success. I take a moment to look around instead. Seeing the challenges and struggles of everyday people in our community helps me realize that my wealth lies in relationships and that I have a lot to give. I am grateful for the things I have, and they drive me to do more for others.

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

Adopting an intersectional approach to diversity, equity and inclusion could systematically break down barriers to success for all community members. It’s time we recognize overlapping obstacles based on race, gender, sexuality, ability and socio-economic status. Such actions can help dismantle archaic systems and create equitable opportunities for all community members, ensuring inclusive and accessible initiatives and policies.

What's one fun fact about you?

I have 15 nieces and nephews and one great-niece.

Hobbies:

Dog lover, pickleball fanatic, uncle of the year.

What is one word that best describes you?

Arete.

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

People have to go to Walnut to try the Royal Bird. Order off the VIP menu and get it on a pita.

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

Getting invited on a last-minute trip to Mexico with my chosen family.

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

Capital City Pride Fest. Seeing so many people living their most authentic lives is soul-filling. Helping create a space for teens to connect with other queer teens, free of judgment and persecution, at Pride Fest brings me back every year.