Legacy Leavers

Committed to Community with Ako Abdul-Samad

Today we get to hear from a leader whose life has been defined by service, resilience and an unwavering commitment to community - Ako Abdul-Samad.   Ako is a lifelong re

Shaping a City with Christine Hensley

Today on Legacy Leavers, we are excited to sit down with someone who has helped shape the Des Moines we know today—Christine Hensley.   Chris is a lifelong Des Moines re

Daring Diplomacy with Ambassador Kenneth Quinn

Today on Legacy Leavers, I’m honored to sit down with a local AND global leader whose life’s work has bridged diplomacy, humanitarian service and the fight against hunger

Advocating for an Inclusive Future with Sally Pederson

Today on Legacy Leavers, I’m honored to sit down with a leader whose career has been defined by service, advocacy and a deep commitment to expanding opportunity for other

Business Leader to Community Builder with Fred Hubbell

Today on Legacy Leavers, we're honored to sit down with a leader whose name is deeply woven into the history—and the future—of Des Moines: Fred Hubbell. Fred is a busin

Bonus - Reflecting on Meaningful Memories with Karla Jones

Today we’re joined by Karla Jones, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines — a member of the Community Foundation l

Leading Beyond the Newsroom with Michael Gartner

Today on Legacy Leavers, we're excited to sit down with a true journalistic icon and committed civic steward, Michael Gartner. Born and raised right here in Des Moines, M

A Legacy Earned with Ambassador Mary E. Kramer

Today on the Legacy Leavers podcast, we're pleased to have Ambassador Mary E. Kramer join us to tell her story as an Iowa trailblazer whose remarkable career spans classr

Service in Action with Joe Gonzalez

Today on Legacy Leavers, we're welcoming Joe Gonzalez — a retired Des Moines Police Department leader whose 42-year career helped build lasting bridges between law enforc

Shaping a Region with Martha Willits

Today on Legacy Leavers, we welcome Martha Willits, a lifelong educator, public servant, and community leader whose influence has touched nearly every corner of Greater D

Small Town Roots, Global Reach with Ambassador Terry Branstad

We’re kicking off season 2 with an inspiring conversation featuring Ambassador Terry Branstad! Ambassador Branstad is a tremendously skilled and respected political leade

Breaking Barriers and Building Futures with Dr. Mary Chapman

In this final episode of Season 1, we're honored to welcome Dr. Mary Chapman — a pioneering educator, civic leader and tireless advocate for equity and opportunity in Gre

Constructing a Vibrant Community with Fred Weitz

In this episode of Legacy Leavers, we are honored to welcome a long-time friend and mentor, Fred Weitz. As you’ll hear today, Fred is a man of great vision whose contribu

Going Above and Beyond with Dr. Richard Deming 

On this episode of Legacy Leavers, we welcome Dr. Richard Deming — a renowned oncology physician, a human widely known for his commitment to compassion and a visionary le

From Fast Breaks to Foundations with Nolden Gentry

Today on Legacy Leavers, we welcome Nolden Gentry — a trailblazer whose journey from the basketball courts of Rockford, Illinois, to the legal and civic arenas of Des Moi

Shattering Glass Ceilings with Connie Wimer

Today on Legacy Leavers, we're honored to sit down with one of the most influential voices in Greater Des Moines — Connie Wimer.   As the founder and chair of Business P

Introducing Legacy Leavers

I’m Kristi Knous, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, and I’m excited to announce a new podcast that celebrates the visionaries that have shaped,