Community Building Roundtable, 11/5/2025

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is partnering with Grinnell College to host a Community Building Roundtable on Wednesday, Nov. 5. This event is part of The Partnership’s ongoing Multicultural Reception and Roundtable series, which offers opportunities for individuals in Greater Des Moines to build relationships across industries, generations and backgrounds, fostering connection and strengthening the region’s talent ecosystem. This roundtable will highlight how Grinnell College is engaging both the community and students to foster inclusion, create a sense of purpose and build meaningful interactions. Attendees will walk away with ideas they can apply in their own communities.

Agenda

11 a.m. -  Welcome and Opening Comments 

• Stacey Robles, Inclusive Talent Program Manager, Greater Des Moines Partnership 
• Jenae Sikkink, Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies, Greater Des Moines Partnership 
• Anne Harris, President, Grinnell College 

11:20 a.m. - Community Building Panel

• Russ Behrens, City Manager, City of Grinnell
• Monica Chavez-Silva, VP of Community Engagement and Strategic Planning, Grinnell College 
• Rachael Kinnick, President & CEO, Grinnell Chamber of Commerce 
• Mark Peltz, Dean of Careers, Life and Services, Grinnell College 
• Jenae Sikkink, Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies, Greater Des Moines Partnership (Moderator)

Noon - Tour of Weingart Civic Innovation Pavilion