12
Aug
generate @ UnityPoint Health — 2025 Catalysts Honoree
At the 2025 Catalysts Live event, Rose Hedges of UnityPoint Health took the stage to share “Health Making in the Heartland”
12
Aug
Tumbleweed — 2025 Catalysts Honoree
At the 2025 Catalysts Live event, Paul H. Richardson, Jr. of Tumbleweed shared “From the Heartland to the Heart of the Matter: Innovation, Caregiving & Community”
12
Aug
Easterseals Iowa — 2025 Catalysts Honoree
At the 2025 Catalysts Live event on July 17th, Mindy Burr of Easterseals Iowa took the stage to share "Path to Independence: Disability and Employment."
12
Aug
2025 Catalysts Live Event – Innovation for All Iowans
At the 2025 Catalysts Live event on July 17th, this year’s five honorees were celebrated and honored.
12
Aug
IA Women in Tech Happy Hour — 2025 Catalysts Honoree
At the 2025 Catalysts Live event, Liz Keehner and Kate Lyon took the stage to share “Beyond the Title; Building Belonging for Women in Tech”
12
Aug
Dentons Davis Brown — 2025 Catalysts Honoree
At the 2025 Catalysts Live event, Kailey Blazek Naranjo of Dentons shared “From Cornfields to Code: How Immigrants are Key to Fueling Iowa’s Growing Tech Industry"
09
Aug
Wells Enterprises — 2024 Catalysts Honoree
Breaking Down Language Barriers: Harnessing AI for Translation Do you love Blue Bunny ice cream? Or maybe even Halo Top or a Bomb Pop? You have Wells Enterprises, the largest privately held, family-owned ice cream and frozen treat manufacturer in the United States, to thank. But they wouldn’t be where they
09
Aug
Tech Gift Foundation — 2024 Catalysts Honoree
Empowering the Underserved through the Gift of Tech What were you doing at the age of 14? Kathir Kalyanaraman, a senior at Johnston High School, was creating Tech Gift Foundation, which has since provided laptops and other technology to more than 1,000 individuals in need. At the 2024 Catalysts Live event on July 18th, Kathir, founder
09
Aug
Iowa Workforce Development-Vocational Rehabilitation Services — 2024 Catalysts Honoree
Settings; For Success Iowa Workforce Development Vocational Rehabilitation Services provides expert, individualized services to Iowans with disabilities so they can achieve their independence through successful employment and economic support. They want to help every person who seeks employment find it. At the 2024 Catalysts Live event on July 18th, Tyler Hansen, CESP, business engagement manager,
09
Aug
Des Moines Data for Good — 2024 Catalysts Honoree
From Insight to Impact: Empowering Nonprofits with Data Des Moines Data for Good empowers nonprofits in the Greater Des Moines Area to make data-driven decisions and maximize their impact. At the 2024 Catalysts Live event on July 18th, Tammy Armstrong, Data for Good board member and owner of Little Data Solutions LLC, and Scott
09
Aug
Digital Diagnostics — 2024 Catalysts Honoree
DEI in Healthcare AI: From Technology Design to Patient Impact In many ways, Digital Diagnostics is changing the game in healthcare. Its flagship product, LumineticsCore, is an AI system designed to diagnose diabetes-related eye disease without needing a physician to examine the images. The device is a shining example of the
08
Aug
RECAP: 2024 Catalysts Live Event
Equity & Accessibility Powered by Technology The Catalysts Series is a collection of conversations with leaders and changemakers of organizations who forge new paths through technology innovation to guide Iowa's technology industry forward to a more inclusive, equitable and diverse future.At the 2024 Catalysts Live event on July 18th, this year’s five honorees were
11
Dec
VGM Group – 2023 Catalysts Honoree
VGM Language Learning Program: Overcoming Obstacles to Create Impact Eliminating language barriers can massively transform the workplace — something VGM Group recently found out. At the 2023 Catalysts Live event on July 18th, Cassi Price and Sara Laures took the stage to discuss the impact of the VGM Language Learning Program and the difference it’s
29
Nov
Athene – 2023 Catalysts Honoree
Building Bridges and Breaking Down Barriers In recent years, Athene has made a significant commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within the workplace. They’ve done so through three lofty goals. At the 2023 Catalysts Live event on July 18th, Angela Jackson and Anchit Sharma shared the stage to discuss these goals and the initiatives implemented
13
Nov
Veterans Tech Support – 2023 Catalysts Honoree
Upgrading the Technology Skills of America's Heroes Not many teenagers can say they’ve started their own non-profit helping others in need. But Abigail Johnson can. At the 2023 Catalysts Live event on July 18th, Abigail took the stage to discuss her background and skills, which made her uniquely qualified to launch Veterans
05
Oct
City of Cedar Rapids – 2023 Catalysts Honoree
LGBTQ+ Visibility, Inclusion and Progress When the City of Cedar Rapids set out on their DEI journey last year, they knew they could start small. That meant sharing the importance and impact of using someone’s personal pronouns with all staff. At the 2023 Catalysts Live event on July 18th, Elizabeth Buch (she/her) took the stage
18
Sep
John Deere – 2023 Catalysts Honoree
Readying Deere Women for the Dance Floor John Deere is not only an agricultural company, but one deeply embedded in technology and innovation and with a strong team of engineers. At the 2023 Catalysts Live event on July 18th, Crystal Wells took the stage to discuss John Deere’s commitment to fostering a more diverse set
22
Aug
ITA Group – 2023 Catalysts Honoree
The Role of Leadership in Driving Diversity and Inclusion Efforts ITA Group has transformed its diversity and inclusion practices over its 60-year history, transitioning from a male-dominated leadership to an inclusive environment that champions authenticity. At the 2023 Catalysts Live event on July 18th, Maura McCarthy and Jason Katcher shared the
14
Nov
2022 Catalysts Interview – Kum & Go
While efforts surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion are in the beginning stages at Kum & Go, they’re of utmost importance, especially as the organization is committed to weaving those values into its core culture. Read More:
27
Oct
2022 Catalysts Interview – VizyPay
VizyPay – a Waukee-based fintech company that’s disrupting credit card processing by eliminating or greatly reducing processing fees for small businesses – not only takes innovative approaches to its work, but also to its hiring practices, which has led to a diverse employee base.