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.
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.
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.