Cheyenne Vander Waal
Commercial relationship manager, VisionBank of Iowa
Age: 34
Education: Business College certifications in corporate finance management, Upper Iowa University
Children: Scarlett (11) and Saige (3)
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
Strategic, relationship-centered commercial banker. I try not to “just lend” — I intentionally partner with business owners through every stage of their growth, taking the time to truly listen and understand. I’m most proud of the deep trust I’ve built with clients and colleagues, embracing complex challenges together and helping businesses thrive.
Leader shaped by grace, grit and curiosity. My career has been driven by saying “yes” to opportunities that scare me, staying curious, humble and solving problems creatively. That mindset — learned both professionally and personally landed me in leadership roles and strengthened my capacity to help the people around me.
Girl mom through and through. Spending time as a single mom of two beautiful girls has shaped how I approach everything — from being present to leadership, between problem-solving and how they need me to show up for them. It’s taught me resilience, empathy, discipline and perspective. I lead with both grit and grace, knowing that how we work with people matters just as much as the outcomes we achieve.
Building strong cultures through connection and authenticity. I believe strong cultures are built through trust, authenticity and connection. Whether that’s within VisionBank or through CREW and the networks that energize me, I’m intentional about creating spaces where people feel supported, challenged and encouraged to grow through accountability and intentionality.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
Life asked me to become both provider and protector earlier than expected. I focused on building a way forward for my two girls. They taught me courage is showing up despite fear, the beauty in independence and how to build support in unconventional ways. It’s why stability, trust and community guide how I lead and serve.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
Early in my career, I leaned into a few close mentors who became friends. They saw potential in me before I fully saw it myself. Trusting their guidance, advice and belief shaped my confidence and career. Most of all, they taught me the value of paying that belief forward.
What are your aspirations for the future?
Looking ahead, I hope to keep growing as an authentic leader with involvement in community initiatives that protect and empower women and children. I’m always interested in supporting stronger efforts around anti–sex trafficking work and causes rooted in protection, support, working parents and leaving our community stronger than we found them.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
Grit taught me how to push forward. Grace taught me how to pause. Someone special in my life recently reminded me to let the confetti fall and be present in the moment. Learning when to push ahead and when it’s time to go home and just be a mom.
What’s one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?
Say yes before you feel ready, stay curious and don’t wait for confidence to show up first — it’s built by doing. Find people who believe in you, and when you get there, be that person for someone else.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
Protecting my peace and treating my mental and physical well-being as a non-negotiable. When I’m grounded, I lead better, make clearer decisions and have more to give.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
That leaders have to choose between ambition and presence. I believe you can build a meaningful career while prioritizing family, health and peace — and that doing so requires accountability, not excuses and putting the work in when it matters.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
I’d like to see continued focus on protecting women and children — not only around trafficking prevention but also domestic violence support services and community awareness. Addressing this calls for collaboration across our organizations and local leadership, and being a strong voice for them.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I'll always say yes to an adventure or cooking something new in the kitchen.
Hobbies: Fitness, four-wheeling and cooking.
What is one word that best describes you?
Authentic.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
Nonna’s Pizza & Pasta — best spot in Ankeny.
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
Taking a spontaneous adventure to explore New York. Reset my mind, explored a new place and cheered to a beautiful beginning of 2026.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
Saturday mornings at the farmers market with my girls.
What is your go-to snack?
Some form of charcuterie — always.