People who use time wisely spend it on activities that advance their overall purpose in life. -John C. Maxwell
Greater Des Moines thrives when purpose meets service. Community Connect inspires and teaches participants that leveraging their purpose improves their lives and our community. The program has two key objectives:
- To provide a curriculum that helps participants uncover and leverage their personal values and purpose, leading to goal setting for intentional engagement in the community.
- To connect participants with experienced community leaders so they may learn and benefit from the mentors' wisdom and networks.
The nine-week program, facilitated by Dr. Christi Hegstad and program alumni, offers a dynamic learning environment and ensures interaction with each mentor as well as other program participants. Between sessions, participants meet in small groups to build relationships and to support momentum toward goals.
Application, Timeline, and Cost
- Applications for the Class of 2026 are open now through November 2 - apply now.
- Join the virtual info session on October 21 at 4pm. Register here to receive the virtual link.
- Tuition is $650. Partial and full scholarships are available. Requests may be made upon acceptance into the program.
- Do you know someone who would be a great fit for the program? Recommend them here!
Participant Expectations
- Attendance at all sessions is required for graduation of the program. Up to one absence will be allowed if an appeal is approved by the program leaders.
- Active participation is expected in each session. This may include coming prepared to discuss short assignments or sharing personal experiences.
- Creating and expecting a foundation of trust, which includes confidentiality of conversations and information that is shared.
Community Connect 2026 Session Dates
- January 20, 2026, Kick-off + Mentor Mixer, 1:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- February 3, 2026, Session 2, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- February 17, 2026, Session 3, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- March 3, 2026, Session 4, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- March 24, 2026, Session 5 Celebration, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- September 2026, 6-Month Reconnection, TBD
Small Group Meeting Dates
- February 10, 2026, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- February 24, 2026, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- March 10, 2026, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
2026 Mentors
Jackie Boeding-Tewes – Director of Engineering, Principal Financial Group
Blake Campbell – Senior Director of Leadership, Best Buddies International
Mary Chapman – Vice President Emeritus, DMACC
Ryan Douglas – Senior Charitable Giving Advisor, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
Chris Murphy – VP, Innovative Technology, Holmes Murphy
Nader Nasseh – IT Applications Manager, Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, Inc.
Vinh Nguyen – Workforce and Education Program Manager, Lutheran Services in Iowa
Sarah Oltrogge – Communications Content Supervisor, Central Iowa Power Cooperative
Zach Rus – Executive Director, Iowa Safe Schools
Matt Unger – Former CEO of DMARC, currently on sabbatical
Daniel Zinnel – Chief Executive Officer, Proteus, Inc.
Community Connect Class of 2026
| Abigail Adrian, Lutheran Services in Iowa |
| Tika Bhandari, Lutheran Services in Iowa |
| Jill Boes, ISG |
| Madelyn Clark, Iowa Donor Network |
| Amy Doty, ARTISAN Management Group |
| Quincy Griffin, ISG |
| Moriah Hayhoe, Community Choice Credit Union |
| Chase Henry, Innovative Captive Strategies |
| Emily Klovstad, ARTISAN Management Group |
| Rachel Less, R&R Realty |
| Rae Luna, Supportive Solutions |
| Megan Miller, Holmes Murphy & Associates |
| Tyler Miller, Financial services leader |
| Rafael Muhammad, ARTISAN Management Group |
| Niki Murphy, ARTISAN Management Group |
| Kay Oskvig, Whitfield & Eddy Law Firm |
| Jason Pifer, Casey's |
| Jack Portz, ARTISAN Management Group |
| Emelyn Grace Robinson, Drake University |
| Alexandra Rohn, Mindspring Mental Health Alliance |
| Angela Ross, The University of Iowa |
| Jacey Roy, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines |
| Yesenia Vargas Macias, ARTISAN Management Group |
| Joseph Wernau, Heartland AEA |
| Laila Williams, By Degrees Foundation |
| Lydia Zerby, Iowa Soybean Association |
Thank you to our generous sponsors of the 2026 Community Connect Program:
Presenting Sponsor
About Dr. Christi Hegstad
Program Facilitator
The Community Connect Program is facilitated by Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC. Christi coaches achievers to reach Bold Goals, make a positive difference, and lead a life of meaning and purpose! Since 2003 Christi's firm, MAP Professional Development Inc., has coached leaders across the globe to achieve extraordinary success while focusing on their values, contribution, and positive, purposeful impact. Christi is a Forbes Coaches Council member, NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year winner, Forty Under 40 recipient, and past president of the International Coach Federation - Iowa Chapter. In addition, her work has been published in a variety of books and resources including Forbes, Huffington Post, and Handbook of Improving Performance in the Workplace (Pfeiffer). Christi is also a book addict, literacy advocate, and mom to three amazing children.