Jenae Sikkink 

Senior vice president of talent development and inclusive strategies, Greater Des Moines Partnership

Age: 33

Husband: Drew Sikkink   

Accomplishments that make you deserving of being a Forty Under 40: 

  • Launched and oversees the new national talent attraction marketing campaign and regional community integration strategy at the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

  • Conducted the 2023 DSM Workforce Trends and Occupancy Study with over 2,000 individual participants and 10 key business insights to help employers adjust to the post-pandemic world.

  • Executive committee member of the governor's Empower Rural Iowa Initiative, key voice for new strategic focus of the initiative and increased leadership programming in rural Iowa. 

  • Board service includes: Avenue Scholars Des Moines, Central Iowa Workforce Development Board, Iowa College Access Network and Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

I love helping people and finding creative solutions to complex challenges. My goal is to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

What are your goals in your role at work?

The Partnership will soon conduct a Global DSM Talent Study to gain insights and leverage results for a regional action plan.

What are your goals in a role outside of work?

Creating strategic vision and strong governance for the boards I serve on, including the governor's Empower Rural Iowa Initiative, Variety – the Children's Charity, Central Iowa Workforce Development Board and Avenue Scholars 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 a young professional, I was in a job interview and the CEO asked me what I was passionate about. That moment provided extreme clarity for my career, as I realized the importance of doing what I love, which is to help people.

What are your aspirations for the future?

We need to continue to deepen connections among rural, suburban and urban leaders across the Greater Des Moines region. We are stronger when we work together.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?

Be salt and light. Salt draws out the best flavors and preserves goodness. Light shines brightly into darkness and provides direction.

What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?

We continue to hear that employers have workforce challenges. I'd like to continue to see more employers open their doors to students for work-based learning opportunities. Work-based learning creates career pathways for our young talent, so they can see themselves living and working in the region. Additionally, strong talent retention strategies, such as creative ways to support work-life blend, flexibility and competitive benefits packages, will help our region stand out to top talent.

What's one fun fact about you?

Played volleyball in college.

Hobbies: Minnesota Vikings season ticket holder, work outside in the garden or yard and hike in the timber to find deer antlers.

One word that describes you: Joyful.

What is your favorite local restaurant? George's Pizza & Steakhouse in Pella.

Name one book, podcast, movie or show you love. “WorkLife” with Adam Grant (podcast).

What is your go-to activity to do in Central Iowa in the evenings or during the weekend?

Attend Central College football games.