Billy Weathers

Founder and CEO, B.Well Foundation

Age: 30

Mentor: Jane Weathers, former division vice president of Red Cross of America.

Reasons he is a Forty: He successfully led thousands of peaceful protesters in 2020 to fight for social justice in the community. The foundation has given over $100,000 to support students and families of Des Moines Public Schools via rent/mortgage payments, medical expenses, utilities, family emergencies, DMPS programming, culturally inclusive classroom materials, winter clothing and holiday food drives, and grant distribution. As an artist, he has executed events for local artists, sold out multiple shows and most recently opened for rap superstar Nelly. He has been awarded the Des Moines Education Volunteer of the Year Award, American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa’s Iowan of the Year, Des Moines Register’s People to Watch and Simpson College’s “Recent Humanitarian Service” Alumni Award.

What are your goals in your role at your company? The foundation's strategic plan outlines numerous goals to accomplish over the next five years, including expanding reach throughout Des Moines, increasing community partnerships with like organizations, adding a director of marketing volunteer position, adding facility space for a formal headquarters to conduct business, having drop-off donations and more. Confirming initiatives are sustainable.

What are your goals in your roles in your community involvement? I would like to create safe spaces not only for creatives, but for youths to come and express themselves, to collaborate, to have fun and to interact with other inspiring and young souls. There aren’t a lot of spaces in Des Moines for 18- to 35-year-olds outside of bars and restaurants.

What’s your biggest passion, and why? My biggest passion is to inspire. That is the greatest attribute a human can share with others. Looking to others for inspiration helped me pursue my goals. To give back, I hope my words, my music, our events and our foundation can help inspire others.

What is it that drives you? After extensively volunteering with DMPS since 2016 and leading peaceful protests in the summer of 2020, our team founded the foundation to make an even bigger impact for students and the community. We now support initiatives focused on education, mentorship, and families and schools in need of resources. 

What are your aspirations for the future? Open up the floodgate of the creatives that live in Des Moines. There’s a lot of talented people here that deserve shots, platforms, creative expressions, lanes and avenues. My goal is to do this through music, the foundation and access to resources.

Three hobbies: Exercise (work out, bike, yoga), gardening and reading.

Fun fact: He’s always creating something new: a future vision, new music, new art. He lives in a house full of creative geniuses, which inspires him to keep creating every day. 

One word to describe you: Relentless.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? I wish everyone would open their eyes to new perspectives. To understand and accept others, even if they’re unlike yourself, it takes stepping out of your comfort zone, but that’s the best way to learn, grow and see positive change.

Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? I’m never going to give up. I’m never going to stop. Nothing will ever be enough. There’s not a monetary amount that’s going to satisfy me. I have a hunger for greatness and seeing Des Moines succeed. I want this to be the greatest city, to have people study us and figure out how the greatness came to be. I hope to give every last one of my resources to my team, my community, my people, my art and my music. I have a relentless work ethic, and I promise to see my vision and goals through for the betterment of the community.

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Experience opens your mind, books help direct your vision, but nobody builds your dream for you. You can’t do it alone, and the more you try to do it alone, the farther you will fail. Instead, create and build a team if you want to achieve success. A team is your most important asset. 

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why? I would like to see power delegated. The white patriarchy runs deep systemically in Central Iowa, from education and housing to health care and financial stability. If those currently in power can relinquish it and give power to underrepresented voices and communities, that would shift perspectives and create a more equitable society. Central Iowa has a long way to go in creating spaces for all people — not just for those that have money and resources.