After nearly a year and a half with Iowa IPL, it is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye. Although this was a difficult decision for me, I am grateful for the connections I’ve built within the Des Moines community and the opportunities I’ve encountered during my time with Iowa IPL.
While advocacy and education have been a part of my work since before graduating from college, policy was a new element for me to tackle. Language used in the legislature often can be complex and difficult to understand. I’ve struggled with seeing how inaccessible this content is for our community, and how time consuming and frustrating it can be for folks to try to muddle down the information put out by our government. To hold a position in which I’m responsible for transforming that language into more consumable content has both been very meaningful and challenging, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to learn from so many great folks within my work circle.
In moments of reflection, I remind myself of the profound impact we wield within our community. We hold a collective power to enact change and uplift one another. When we unite in love and care, we can accomplish remarkable things, not just for ourselves, but also for the environment around us. I hope my community in Des Moines continues to nurture this collective bond and hold onto compassion.
The trust and support from my team have allowed me to grow and thrive in my role here, both within the organization and my community. I’m looking forward to the journey and opportunities ahead, as I look back on fond memories from my time with Iowa IPL.
MJ’s last day will be Friday, March 22nd. We invite you to make a gift in their honor.