GIVE & GROW DSM

This is the 2nd episode of 3 featuring The Harkin Institute: How can employers create more meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities? In this episode of the Give & Grow DSM Podcast, host Siobhan Spain talks with Emily Schmitt of Sukup Manufacturing Co. about how the company’s relationship with the Harkin Institute has influenced its approach to human resources, hiring and workplace inclusion. Emily shares how Sukup works with The Harkin Institute and other community partners to look beyond limitations and focus on employees’ strengths, matching people with jobs where they can succeed. The approach has challenged traditional assumptions about productivity and accessibility while strengthening Sukup’s culture of care and belonging.

Website | https://harkininstitute.drake.edu/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harkininstitute/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/harkininstitute

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/theharkininstitute

Email | [email protected]

Website | https://giveandgrowdsm.com/

Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsm

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm

This is the first of three episodes featuring The Harkin Institute. What does it take to create meaningful, lasting change? According to Craig Owens, executive director of The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement at Drake University, there’s no magic wand. Progress happens when people listen, collaborate and commit to doing the work.

In this episode of the Give & Grow DSM Podcast, host Siobhan Spain sits down with Owens to explore how The Harkin Institute advances inclusive, evidence-based public policy while keeping people—not politics—at the center of its work.

Website | https://harkininstitute.drake.edu/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harkininstitute/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/harkininstitute

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/theharkininstitute

Email | [email protected]

Website | https://giveandgrowdsm.com/

Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsm

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm

In the 3rd of 3 episodes featuring Des Moines Public Library: Books, Belonging & Building Young Readers. In this episode of the Give & Grow DSM Podcast, host Siobhan Spain talks with Ashley Molzen, Community Engagement Manager at the Des Moines Public Library, and Sheri Breen, Head Start Child Care Partnership Program Manager at Drake University, about the power of early literacy and the community partnerships helping put books into the hands of young readers. Ashley and Sheri share how the Library’s Rosie Reader outreach program partners with Drake Head Start and child care centers to bring storytimes, books and literacy activities directly to children—including babies as young as six weeks old.

Website | https://www.dmpl.org/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/desmoineslibrary 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/dmlib

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/des-moines-public-library/

Website | https://giveandgrowdsm.com/

Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsm

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm

The 2nd of 3 episodes dedicated to Des Moines Public Library:

Give & Grow DSM Podcast, host Siobhan Spain talks with Oma Blaise Ford, interim director of the Des Moines Public Library Foundation, about the power of libraries, philanthropy, literacy, and community advocacy.

They discuss the Foundation’s history, the importance of supporting all six Des Moines Public Library branches, the library’s role as a free community resource, and why community voices and giving matter during a challenging budget period.

DONATE NOW: https://dmplfoundation.org/

https://www.dmpl.org/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/desmoineslibrary Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/dmlibLinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/des-moines-public-library/

https://giveandgrowdsm.com/Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsmInstagram https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm

The 1st of 3 episodes featuring Des Moines Public Library: Give & Grow DSM host Siobhan Spain sits down with Melissa McCollum, Director of Des Moines Public Library (DMPL). New to the role, Melissa shares her personal connection to libraries, her career journey, and what excites her about leading this 159-year-old institution. She highlights the library's diverse offerings, including programming, the Library of Things, Tech Central, and community outreach. Melissa also addresses financial challenges stemming from new Iowa property tax laws, potential budget cuts, and the importance of community advocacy. She encourages listeners to stay informed, volunteer, and support the library foundation to help preserve this vital community resource.

In the 3rd of 3 episodes featuring Children & Family Urban Movement (CFUM): Hear how one after-school program transformed the life of Michael Hardat — and why community-centered youth programs matter now more than ever. The conversation explores the importance of representation and access in education, and the urgent need for investment in Des Moines youth. Michael shares personal stories about growing up in the River Bend neighborhood, attending CFUM programming, earning a degree from Iowa State University, and now rebuilding the middle school program that once helped him dream bigger.

Website | https://www.cfum.org/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cfum_dsm/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/cfumdsm

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/children-&-family-urban-movement/

Give & Grow DSM:

Website | https://giveandgrowdsm.com/

Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsm

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm

The 2nd of 3 episodes dedicated to Children & Family Urban Movement (CFUM): Host Siobhan Spain speaks with longtime community leader and philanthropist Nicky Schissel. As Board Chair, Reading Buddy and passionate advocate at CFUM, listeners will discover how donor engagement, volunteerism, and community partnerships fuel the mission of Children & Family Urban Movement. Nickey shares her insights on philanthropy, mentorship, and building stronger communities in Des Moines.Website | https://www.cfum.org/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cfum_dsm/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/cfumdsmLinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/children-&-family-urban-movement/Website | https://giveandgrowdsm.com/Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsmInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm

The 1st of 3 episodes featuring Children and Family Urban Movement: Give & Grow DSM host Siobhan Spain sits down with Andy Bales, Executive Director of Children and Family Urban Movement(CFUM). With decades of experience serving people facing homelessness—including 20 years leading the Union Rescue Mission on Skid Row—Andy shares why he returned to Des Moines and what he’s learned about dignity, empathy, and community care. From after-school programs and summer camps to daily meals through CFUM’s Breakfast Club and Supper Club, Andy explains how small acts of welcome—like a high five or a hug—can transform a child’s life. He also offers powerful insights into homelessness, public policy, and why Des Moines has a unique opportunity to lead with compassion. This is a conversation about showing up, standing alongside your neighbors, and choosing empathy in a divided world.Website | https://www.cfum.org/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cfum_dsm/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/cfumdsmLinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/children-&-family-urban-movement/Website | https://giveandgrowdsm.com/Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsmInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm

In the 3rd of 3 episodes featuring Six Degrees of Separation Give & Grow DSM host Siobhan Spain sits down with Osnel Vilmael—board member, donor, and beneficiary. Osnel shares his journey from growing up in rural Haiti without electricity or water to building a life and career in Des Moines. Learn how this experience fuels his commitment to expanding education access in his hometown of La Biche. You’ll hear how Six Degrees evolved from sponsoring six students into operating a thriving school serving 160 children.

Website | https://www.sixdegreeshaiti.org/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sixdegrees_haiti/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/sixdegreeshaiti

Give & Grow DSM:

Website | https://giveandgrowdsm.com/

Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsm

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm

When people choose to support a nonprofit, what truly motivates them to give? For Six Degrees of Separation donor Andrea Joseph, the answer is trust, dignity, and meaningful impact. Give & Grow DSM host Siobhan Spain sits down with Joseph to discuss what drew her family to the organization and why its mission resonates so deeply. For more than a decade, Six Degrees of Separation has been working to build a sustainable school system in Labiche, Haiti. The organization was founded in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake by six women from Des Moines who wanted to create long-term change rather than short-term relief. Today, the nonprofit continues to expand its vision with plans for new classrooms, solar power, internet connectivity, and even campus-based food production.

Website | https://www.sixdegreeshaiti.org/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sixdegrees_haiti/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/sixdegreeshaiti

Give & Grow DSM:

Website | https://giveandgrowdsm.com/

Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3y0yaF0FC15ATLDkXubjjt?si=dbfc11ea1a604139

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-and-grow-dsm

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/giveandgrowdsm/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@giveandgrowdsm