Leadership Iowa: Creating a Shared Vision for the Future of Our State

February 12, 2021 | Employers innovate to tackle Iowa's child care challenges McKenzie Kielman, Marketing & Engagement Coordinator, ABI Foundation, mkielman@iowaabi.org

For 40 leaders from across the state, this month marks the halfway point through our state’s premier issues awareness program. The current class has experienced more world events than any other since the program began in 1982.

While Leadership Iowa promotes non-partisan, comprehensive curriculum, it would not be possible to have a proper examination of our state’s assets and needs without consideration to policy and politics. We believe each and every participant’s experiences enrich our exchanges, and we encourage sharing distinct points of view. Class members act with civility that allow all to feel welcome to engage.

This is how we create a shared vision for the future of our state.

Since October’s opening session, our leaders have taken part in monthly two-day sessions, diving into challenges and opportunities facing Iowa while gaining relevant perspectives, connecting with a variety of leaders, and leveraging one another’s expertise.

The integrated series allow our professionals to receive firsthand information on important issues. So far, the class has explored the topics of agriculture and renewable resources, economic development and workforce, and government. Yet ahead are sessions on advanced manufacturing and transportation, education, and community preparedness and response/public safety and security.

The program concludes in June at ABI’s Taking Care of Business Conference, where the class of 2020-21 will graduate and join a network of over 1,200 alumni.

Leadership Iowa is accepting nominations for participants and host communities. Would you or someone you know benefit from this unique experience? Do you know an Iowa community that should host a Leadership Iowa session? To learn more and nominate yourself or others, as well as a host community, visit www.LeadershipIowa.com.

Leadership Iowa is one of three programs of the ABI Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to informing and inspiring Iowa leaders to strengthen our state’s companies and communities. For more information about how to get involved with the foundation, contact info@leadershipiowa.com.