Community Difference Makers

Peter Cownie, executive director of Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, joins us to talk about the foundation's mission to raise funds for fair improvements and make the Iowa State Fair the best it can be.

Kellie Markey, founder and executive director of Dorothy's House, joins us to talk about her mission to help people whose lives have been interrupted by human trafficking.

Easterseals Iowa President and CEO Sherri Nielsen joins us to talk about how the organization serves children and adults with disabilities and special needs throughout the community.  

Jeff Fleming, Director of the Des Moines Arts Center, joins us to talk about how the Arts Center was founded, how he first got involved, and what the organization has planned for its 75th anniversary.

Daniel Zinnel, CEO of Proteus joins us to talk about the organization's mission to provide agricultural workers and their families with affordable healthcare, education assistance and job training.  

Joshua Kummer, Bankers Trust Fair Banking Officer, shares insights on how the bank invests in the communities we serve through the Community Reinvestment Act, fair banking and partnering with local nonprofits.

This week we're kicking off Pride Month by talking with Courtney Reyes, Executive Director of One Iowa about the organization work to support equality and inclusion of the Iowa LGBTQ community.

Dwana Bradley joins us today on the Bankers Trust Community Difference Makers podcast to talk all things Iowa Juneteenth Observance and their 2022 Neighbor's Day!

Nu Huynh kicks off Season 2 to share all about her work at the Iowa Asian Alliance, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and gives listeners a preview of the upcoming 2022 CelebrAsian festival. 

In our final Quick Community Insight of Season 1, Suku Radia, retired CEO of Bankers Trust, joins the podcast to share why it's so important to "pay your civic rent," how he first got involved in the community and much more.

In our last episode of Season 1, Will Keeps speaks with Emily about empowering youth through music, starting over and changing lives through his work at Starts Right Here.

Sara Kurovski, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Iowa joins the podcast to talk about how the organization provides hope, joy and strength to kids at a time they need it most. 

This week, Shannon Cofield, president of the MercyOne Des Moines Foundation, talks with Emily about the philanthropic arm of MercyOne, including the recently completed Richard Deming Cancer Center, the popular Game Show Gala and more.

Urban Dreams Executive Director and Bankers Trust Community Board Member Izaah Knox joins the podcast this week to talk about his organization's mission to break down barriers within the community, how a walk home led to his current role and his vision for Urban Dreams. 

This week on Community Difference Makers, David Kilpatrick, executive director of the Des Moines Community Playhouse, talks with Emily about the human connections fostered by community theatre and how The Playhouse is enriching lives for people of all ages.

Oakridge Neighborhood President and CEO Teree Caldwell-Johnson joins the podcast today to talk about her 18-year journey with Oakridge and the great impact this organization has on the individuals and families it serves. 

In our second Quick Community Insights, Emily walks through everything you need to know about joining a board, including how to get started and what to expect.

Mary Sellers, president of United Way of Central Iowa, and Emily discuss UWCI's updated strategic focus, United to Thrive and how it has helped the organization reflect and respond to the needs within our Central Iowa community.

Bravo Greater Des Moines Executive Director Sally Dix joins host Emily Abbas this week. Sally talks about Bravo's mission and shares how the organization was formed and how it's funded - with some facts that may surprise to listeners!

Kristi Knous, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, joins Bankers Trust Chief Consumer Banking and Marketing Officer Emily Abbas and discusses her path to nonprofit work and the partnerships the Community Foundation leverages to help build a stronger community.

Host Emily Abbas shares quick insights on why you might want to start volunteering in the community, how to get started and what you can expect in different types of volunteer roles.

Scott Raecker joins host Emily Abbas to share the history of the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University and the impact the organization has made since its inception. 

Bankers Trust is sitting down with local nonprofit leaders in the communities we serve to learn more about their missions and how the community can get involved. Join Chief Consumer Banking and Marketing Officer Emily Abbas for new conversation with a special guest each week.