2025 Catalysts - Technology Association of Iowa

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Presented by

Innovation for

All Iowans

The Catalysts Series is a collection of conversations with the changemakers and organizations forging new paths through innovation to guide Iowa's technology industry forward to a more inclusive future.

2025 Honorees

Honoree Stories

At this year’s Catalysts Live event on July 17th, attendees heard inspiring stories that highlighted how five different organizations are sparking change and innovation through big ideas.

2025 Catalysts Live Event – Innovation for All Iowans

Dentons Davis Brown — 2025 Catalysts Honoree

Easterseals Iowa — 2025 Catalysts Honoree

generate @ UnityPoint Health — 2025 Catalysts Honoree

IA Women in Tech Happy Hour — 2025 Catalysts Honoree

Tumbleweed — 2025 Catalysts Honoree

Event Details

DATE

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Location

Willow on Grand

6011 Grand Ave
Des Moines, Iowa 50312

Agenda

8:00 a.m.

Coffee, light breakfast, and networking

8:40 A.M - 10:00 a.m.

Opening Remarks + Honoree Presentations

Honoree Presentations

Dentons Davis Brown

From Cornfields to Code: How Immigrants are Key to Fueling Iowa’s Growing Tech Industry

Dentons is a full-service law firm providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions
Without immigration, Iowa’s population, economy, and GDP will decline
International students are critical to invest in to retain workforce talent

Kailey Blazek Naranjo
Shareholder
Dentons Davis Brown

Easterseals Iowa

Path to Independence: Disability and Employment

Learn how disability employment has evolved over the last 25 years
Learn the many benefits of employing individuals with disabilities
We will share examples of how making small accessibility accommodations can have a huge impact on your company

Mindy Burr
Director of Vocational Programs
Easterseals Iowa

Tumbleweed

From the Heartland to the Heart of the Matter: Innovation, Caregiving & Community

Big ideas can start in small towns: Tumbleweed’s story began on a cross-country road trip and came to life in Iowa—proving you don’t need to be in Silicon Valley to build something that matters.
Caregiving is an economic and emotional challenge we can tackle together: With 1 in 5 adults caring for an aging loved one, it’s time we recognize caregiving as both a personal and business imperative—and a space ripe for innovation.
Everyone has a story—and a role to play: Whether you’re a policymaker, parent, founder, or caregiver—you can be part of what we’re building.

Paul H. Richardson, Jr.
Founder & CEO
Tumbleweed

generate @ UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids

Health Making in the Heartland

When you invest in the creativity of those closest to the work, you spark a movement that can scale across a health system, and across Iowa.
Demonstrate how a makerspace can influence practical problem solving.
Be inspired to grow a culture of innovation in your organization through the real-world stories of generate.

Rose Hedges, DNP, RN
Nursing Research & Innovation Program Manager
UnityPoint Health

Women in Tech Happy Hour

Beyond the Title; Building Belonging for Women in Tech

Women want a space to connect with and learn from other women
Low-pressure events create high impact
Technology doesn’t discriminate; its application transcends every role, title and company size

Liz Keehner
Principal
Next Level Ventures