Kourtney Kirkpatrick
Director of advancement, Anawim Housing
Age: 34
Accomplishments that make you deserving of being a Forty Under 40:
My contributions to Home Inc. as the director of advancement and administrative services, and my tenure as the interim executive director, underscore my leadership abilities and commitment to affordable housing.
In my current role as the director of advancement at Anawim Housing, I have demonstrated skills in fundraising, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.
As the membership chair and chair-elect of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Central Iowa Chapter board, I spearheaded a membership campaign for all new members to meet with a current board member to help them better understand the benefits that came with their membership while creating a direct relationship with a board member. As board chair of Dental Connections, I am involved in the executive, fundraising and marketing, finance and governance committees to provide strategic direction for the organization.
I participated in Lead DSM's Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute in 2019-20. As an alum, I volunteer each year as a mentor and class planner.
What's your biggest passion, and why?
Connecting and collaborating with others. I firmly believe that the foundation of progress, innovation and understanding lies in our ability to come together, share our diverse perspectives and work toward common goals. Each individual holds a unique set of experiences, knowledge and insights that, when shared, can lead to transformative outcomes.
What are your goals in your role at work?
My goal is to contribute to steering the organization through the current financial challenges. My aim is to be a catalyst for positive change, leveraging my connections and skills in fundraising to secure the necessary resources that will enable us to continue our vital work in the community.
What are your goals in a role outside of work?
In my roles outside of work, my goal is to leave each organization stronger and more impactful than when I first became involved. My guiding principle is to contribute to the betterment of the organizations and the communities they serve. By leveraging my skills, experience and networks, I aim to foster environments that encourage growth, innovation and a shared commitment to making a positive difference.
Tell us about an experience or memory that influenced how you see the world or what you want to do in life.
From a young age, I witnessed firsthand the impact of societal issues on individual lives – how systems can fail people and how circumstances beyond one’s control can drastically alter life’s trajectory. This realization was the catalyst for my commitment to use whatever privilege and opportunities I had to assist others who were not as fortunate. It has influenced my career choices, my volunteer efforts and my daily interactions.
What are your aspirations for the future?
My aspirations are deeply rooted in the belief that collective action and collaboration can drive profound and lasting change. I envision fostering a strong network of collaboration among local nonprofits to enhance our stewardship of community resources and maximize our impact. By sharing insights and pooling our resources, I believe we can address the challenges our communities face more effectively and sustainably.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?
Confidently assert your presence in professional settings and discussions. It's important to recognize and believe that you deserve a seat at the table. Your ideas, insights and experiences hold value, regardless of your age or years in the industry. Diverse perspectives, including those of younger professionals, can lead to innovative solutions and foster a more inclusive environment.
What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
I may be biased, but I would like to see Central Iowa leaders address our escalating affordable housing crisis. The current strategies and interventions, while well-intentioned, are proving insufficient against the scale and complexity of this challenge. We require radical change, underpinned by substantial financial investment and creative policymaking, to ensure that everyone in our community has access to safe, affordable and stable housing.
What's one fun fact about you?
I can still do the splits.
Hobbies: Traveling, shopping and themed parties! Please invite me to all your themed parties moving forward.
One word that describes you: Steadfast.
What is your favorite local restaurant? Lua Brewing.
Name one book, podcast, movie or show you love. Dax Shepard's podcast “Armchair Expert.”
What is your go-to activity to do in Central Iowa in the evenings or during the weekend?
Getting brunch with my friends or ordering takeout from local restaurants while reading or listening to audiobooks.
Is there anything else people should know about you?
I was born and raised in the Des Moines area. This place is more than just a location to me; it's a part of who I am. My love for this city and its communities runs deep, fueling my commitment to contributing positively to its growth and the well-being of its residents. Being recognized as a Forty Under 40 honoree was a humbling affirmation of my efforts thus far, but I firmly believe that my work is far from complete.
While Des Moines is an incredible city, the reality is that this prosperity is not uniformly experienced by all of its residents. There are disparities and challenges that cannot be overlooked — issues that affect the quality of life for many of our neighbors. This uneven distribution of opportunities and resources is something I am deeply committed to addressing. I am driven by the conviction that we all have a part to play in creating a more inclusive, equitable Des Moines, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. My goal is to contribute to solutions that uplift every corner of our city.