Rachel Wacker
Executive director, Greater Dallas County Development Alliance
Age: 39
Children: Isla, Wrenna
Accomplishments that make you deserving of being a Forty Under 40:
Restructuring an organization while supporting the creation of over $50 million for the county within my first year.
Supporting communities all throughout Iowa through business expansion and community development efforts.
What's your biggest passion, and why?
While it's obvious that family is very important to me, it is equally important to me that other parents and their children have the necessary support resources in their lives: access to mental health services, transportation, affordable housing and positive, healthy relationships that help them feel safe and supported.
What are your goals in your role at work?
My goal is to develop equitable programming that cultivates growth and vitality for the businesses and communities of Dallas County.
What are your goals in a role outside of work?
In my role as “Mom”, “Mama,” “MoTHOR,” my goal is to, at least once a year, plan an “experience” for my daughters and me that are outside of our “comfort of routine bubble.”
Tell us about an experience or memory that influenced how you see the world or what you want to do in life.
During my initial role in economic development, I worked for someone that I still consider a mentor to this day. During a conversation about my role in the organization, I shared with them that I wanted an opportunity for advancement. It was a small office limited in budget and also room for growth. The director asks me, “What is it that you want?” My response to this question was, “Well, I want your job.” They responded saying, “Well, then let's get you my job,” and proceeded to place me in every training course and exposed me to experiences that would position me for career advancement. “Onward and upward'' was our catch phrase from then on!
What are your aspirations for the future?
I would love to see a consortium of intergenerational thought leaders in diverse subject matters to encourage curiosity to avoid quick judgment when experiencing difficult conversations or situations.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?
Ask questions. Ask the dumb ones, the ones you’re worried might be disrespectful, the ones simply because you’re curious, the ones because you’re wondering if there's a better way.
What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
Central Iowa is so philanthropic! I would love the leaders that are capable of offering significant contributions to consider the impact that affordable housing, or lack thereof, has on the entire economic ecosystem. I believe our Central Iowa leaders have a calling to be the voice of the business community and their employees.
What's one fun fact about you?
One fun fact about me is that I absolutely loathe answering this question. I love icebreakers … but the amount of anxiety in the room when people are asked this question is palpable.
Hobbies: Boating in Okoboji, yoga, cycling.
One word that describes you: Authentic.
What is your favorite local restaurant? Cooper's on 5th.
Name one book, podcast, movie or show you love. America Ferrera's iconic speech in “Barbie” the movie.
What is your go-to activity to do in Central Iowa in the evenings or during the weekend?
Live music! Wooly’s, Wells Fargo Arena, Val Air Ballroom and now Vibrant Music Hall!