Main Calendar
2026 Leadership Workshop Series: Working with Difficult People with Vanessa McNeal
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Learn more about working with difficult people with keynote speaker Vanessa McNeal!
Youth Leadership Initiative - Building Your Network 2026
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
This is a cultivated evening designed to help students connect with our current participants from the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and Community Connect classes, as well as our sponsor partners.
Alumni Happy Hour with GDMLI Class of 2026
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Connect with Lead DSM alumni and meet the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Class of 2026 at this relaxed evening gathering.
Alumni Exclusive Book Talk: Born to Serve by Eric Idehen
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Lead DSM alumni are invited to a conversation with Eric Idehen (GDMLI ’09) on leadership, purpose, and service, inspired by his book Born to Serve.
Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Class of 2027 Program Info Session
4:00 PM - 5:15 PM
Are you interested in applying for the next cohort of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute? Join us to learn more about this signature community leadership program and how to apply. Hear from program graduates and learn what it takes to ...
2026 Leadership Workshop Series: Maximizing Leadership Capacity: Developing Transformational Skills for Both Emerging and Seasoned Leaders with Jon Sexton
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Leadership isn’t reserved for titles—this interactive session explores how self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and transformational leadership drive real impact.
Alumni Member Exclusive: Behind the Scenes "On With Life" Tour
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Join Lead DSM alumni for an immersive tour of On With Life, exploring innovative spaces and hearing firsthand how community-centered care supports recovery and connection.
2026 Leadership Workshop Series: Connect with Confidence: A Dale Carnegie Workshop on Essential Networking Tools with Carissa Rainey
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Join us for a hands-on workshop focused on better conversations, deeper listening, and building real connection across personalities.
Alumni Member Exclusive: Behind the Scenes "WesleyLife Meals on Wheels" Tour
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Join Lead DSM alumni for a behind-the-scenes tour of Meals on Wheels, exploring how nutrition, volunteers, and innovation come together to support older adults in our community.
2026 Leadership Workshop Series: Looking Inward: How Self-Awareness Shapes Decisions with Heather Jones-Brown and Jawanza Evans
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
A fast, interactive workshop that helps leaders slow down their thinking, spot hidden bias, and make better decisions in real time.
Alumni Member Exclusive: Behind the Scenes "Amazon" Tour
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Join Lead DSM alumni for a behind-the-scenes tour of Amazon, exploring leadership, logistics, and operations at scale.