Emily Mendez
Director of development, Proteus
Age: 36
Spouse: Miguel Mendez
Children: Briela, Bianca
Accomplishments that make you deserving of being a Forty Under 40:
I have spent my career supporting the needs of immigrants, refugees, families and farmworkers within the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. As the inaugural director of development at Proteus Inc., I led the return to in-person fundraising events, culminating in a record-breaking $87,000 raised at the I'm Thankful for Farmworkers Dinner, and I spearheaded fundraising campaigns for three new Proteus Inc. programs, including a collaborative partnership with Tito's Handmade Vodka and Capital City Fruit, which provides produce for farmworkers with limited access to healthy food.
I managed a $2.2 million budget amidst the dynamic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating regulatory shifts and restrictions as the executive director of Dental Connections, a nonprofit dental clinic dedicated to providing equitable access to quality oral health care for un- and under-insured patients.
I am a board member with the Iowa Rural Health Association, a member of the Latino Trade Network Committee and the West Des Moines Chamber, and a member of Rise Breakfast Club, a local women's group that promotes leadership, meaningful connection and mentorship among its members.
What's your biggest passion, and why?
Making life better for other people's children. I'll summarize a quote I love from Lilian Katz. The welfare of our children is intimately linked to the welfare of all other people’s children. When your child needs lifesaving surgery, someone else’s child will perform it. If my child is harmed by violence, someone else’s child will be responsible. The good life for my children can only be secured when we secure a good life for all other people’s children.
What are your goals in your role at work?
My goal is always to advance the mission of Proteus Inc. through philanthropy. I do this by intentionally engaging with organizations and individuals who believe in making a community impact and who have a desire to support the health, education and safety of our agricultural workers and their families. Let's meet for coffee!
What are your goals in a role outside of work?
I believe strongly in addressing equitable health care access within Iowa's rural communities. As a member of the Iowa Rural Health Association board of directors, I strive to actively engage organizations and local leaders across the state to elevate and address the issues uniquely affecting the health of all rural Iowans.
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 in high school, my family hosted a foreign exchange student from Argentina. Not only did this experience cement my love of Spanish, it shifted my worldview and made me question what I thought I knew.
What are your aspirations for the future?
My biggest aspiration right now is to be the best parent and spouse I can be. I want to continue to seek peace within myself, to quiet my doubts and to practice more self-love. I want to learn from as many people as I can, to partner with passionate people and to raise a whole lot of money for farmworkers.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?
The struggle you feel is actually called progress. Anyone you admire has failed more times than they've won, so don't be so hard on yourself. Be moderately scheduled. Saying no to things that don't align with your personal values can help with that. If you're able, donate monthly (even $5) to a cause you care about. Practice gratitude, protect your sleep and never forget how wildly capable you are.
What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
Multiyear, unrestricted funding (i.e., operating expenses) is the most surefire way the nonprofits you love can remain sustainable, nimble and innovative to meet the needs of those they serve. Research and talk to other leaders within your company about trust-based philanthropy or reach out to another funder who has already adopted this practice. Consider the significant difference your support could make in enabling these nonprofits to not just survive but thrive, fostering lasting positive change in our communities.
What's one fun fact about you?
My mother is of Dutch heritage and grew up in Pella. With the exception of 2020, when they didn't have it, I've been to every Tulip Time festival since 1988.
Hobbies: Hunting for treasures at the thrift store, researching blank spots or brick walls in my family's genealogy (I can trace some ancestors back to the 1100s), and spending time with my family watching movies and going on bike rides on many of the amazing trails in Iowa.
One word that describes you: Empowering.
What is your favorite local restaurant? I'm not sure this counts, but I will never say no to Black Cat Ice Cream.
Name one book, podcast, movie or show you love. A podcast called “Smartless” with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, available on most podcast apps.
What is your go-to activity to do in Central Iowa in the evenings or during the weekend?
I like to shop/dine at small and minority-owned businesses, watch the Pork Tornadoes or one of my favorite Latin bands, or go on a bike ride with my spouse and kids.
Is there anything else people should know about you?
I am incredibly grateful for my support system, the leaders who believed in me, my family for all their patience, and my girlfriends who put the cute in charcuterie. I would not be where I am without them. Also, yes, I want to meet your dog!