Calla Whipp
Director of marketing and public relations, Des Moines Symphony
Age: 39
Education: Bachelor of Music with elective studies in business and Bachelor of Business in marketing
Boyfriend: Tony D'Antuono
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Tell us some of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
I actively work with the Des Moines Symphony, Civic Music Association and Music Under the Stars to help bring quality music to Central Iowa.
I’ve developed various music programs that affect hundreds of children each school year.
I captain and play on several USTA tennis teams.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
Generations of strong women affected me in ways I only recently started to understand. There are countless examples, but one that stands out to me is my great-grandma, at age 84, drove to a lumber yard, purchased wood, hauled it in her four-door sedan and built a deck into the side of a hill. Both of my grandmas are the same way; so is my mom. They’re relentless, strong and unshakeable, and I hope to be just like them.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
I wanted to work in the arts AND work with children in the arts. During my very first post-college job, I made a commitment to make space for the work I loved. It taught me about building a business and the importance of the customer relationship, but it also taught me that it’s OK to prioritize things that are important to you even if it isn’t the fastest or most traditional way to success. Being fulfilled day to day is a great way to make a life.
What are your aspirations for the future?
The arts are such an important part of our community. It’s also a very difficult space. To employ professional artists is a very expensive endeavor. And it’s worth it. I’d love to see our arts organizations find meaningful ways to work together to control nonartistic expenses, from advertising to insurance to bookkeeping.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
I’m intentionally strengthening my approach to conflict resolution by working to address issues early and directly, creating space for open dialogue, ensuring everyone feels heard and believing that someone else might have the best ideas.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?
Your path is your own, and what’s right for someone else might not be right for you. Stay true to who you are, work hard, be open to ideas, and let your path take you where you’re supposed to go.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
When in doubt, start. And don’t be afraid to fail. Sometimes tasks or problems seem overwhelming, but I always find that the simple act of doing something, really anything, makes it seem less daunting AND allows space for creativity.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
Behaving in a certain way because you “should.” There are so many ways to achieve goals, and I really believe the only way to get where you truly want to be is to get there by being your authentic self.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
I want our leadership to model what it truly means to work together for the common good. While our political environment is deeply polarizing, I hope Iowa can lead the way in finding collective purpose and human connection, even when, and perhaps especially when, we don’t agree on everything.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I’m moderately obsessive about my hobbies, and if you ask me about travel or tennis or weightlifting or scuba diving, I will immediately try to sell you on trying them.
Hobbies: Tennis, scuba diving, getting outside (usually with my dog!).
What is one word that best describes you?
Sanguine.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
Vegetarian Thali from Kathmandu Restaurant, complete with a side of vegetable momo.
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
I accidentally got a personal record for my deadlift due to incorrectly adding up the weight.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
Yankee Doodle Pops.
What is your go-to snack?
Parmesan cheese on sourdough toast.