Dannie Patrick
Senior director of community impact, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
Age: 34
Partner/fiancé: Arsenio Valentin
Accomplishments that make you deserving of being a Forty Under 40:
I am currently the president of Young Professionals Connection.
I also serve on a number of nonprofit boards, including the Des Moines Music Coalition, Goodwill of Central Iowa and the Greater Des Moines Partnership board.
I am also a graduate of African American Leadership Academy (2021) and am an active alumni volunteer for the program.
What's your biggest passion, and why?
My biggest passion is actually connecting people to their passions and purpose, and seeing them recognize their own value. Many times, specifically in underrepresented communities, we are only given the ability to exist within a small box or set of stereotypes society has created for us. If you don't fit a certain mold, many times you feel like an outcast. Seeing a young person (or a not-so-young person) light up because they found a job, skill or activity that not only brings them joy but that they excel in is just one of the best feelings in this world.
What are your goals in your role at work?
My goal stepping into this role at the Community Foundation is to ensure the work we are doing to better our community reflects the needs and perspectives of all who inhabit it. So many times decisions can be made without truly hearing from and collaborating with the many diverse individuals who make our community grow and thrive. In order to ensure our community creates positive experiences for everyone, I have to learn and listen to each of those voices, and I am so excited to do so!
What are your goals in a role outside of work?
As president of YPC, I worked to finalize an annual planning process in 2023. I have also been working with the board to implement a fund that reduces potential financial barriers to professional development. This confidential version of a scholarship fund aims to provide access to Young Professionals Connection programming without a lengthy application process or the singling out of young professionals who may need temporary financial assistance.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I would love to see more community spaces for creatives and artists, specifically musicians, actors and dancers, to collaborate, learn from one another and perform. When I first moved to the area, the Des Moines Social Club offered a variety of classes and opportunities for creatives to hone their craft in various ways. It would be great to see a space similar to that return to Des Moines.
Tell us about an experience or memory that influenced how you see the world or what you want to do in life.
When I was 20 years old, my mother died after a long battle with cancer. At the time, I struggled to find purpose or value in what I was doing. I found solace in a quote from Mother Teresa that said, “In my country there is a famine of the body and in yours there is a famine of the spirit. This is the hunger you must feed.” I realized that there is value in all of the different roles we each take on in this world and it is possible to make an impact in more ways than imaginable. To this day, I am not a doctor. I don't have the skills to change the amount of time someone has on this earth, but I do have the ability to help give them a meaningful experience while they are here.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?
Don't be afraid or guilty to switch directions. You are not a failure for changing your mind on what you choose to do with your life. As someone who ended up finding a different career path, I initially struggled with this, but over time, I have taken comfort in realizing the ability to adapt and change is a skill.
What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
There is more work to be done in lessening the gap in awareness and access to opportunities, particularly career opportunities. In studies such as the One Economy report, the biggest reason found for gaps in meaningful employment are due to a lack of awareness. We as Central Iowa leaders need to go beyond historic communication channels and partnerships to ensure there is broader awareness of opportunities in the multiple communities that live in our region.
What's one fun fact about you?
From age 8 to 24 I was on the shortbread Girl Scout Cookie box and was a Girl Scout until 18.
Hobbies: Craft cocktail maker, documentary junkie, fashion enthusiast.
One word that describes you: Effervescent.
What is your favorite local restaurant? Veggie Thumper.
Name one book, podcast, movie or show you love. “American Symphony” (documentary directed by Matthew Heineman on Netflix).
What is your go-to activity to do in Central Iowa in the evenings or during the weekend?
Cocktails/mocktails with friends.