Legacy Leavers
by Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
Latest episode
Doing What You’re Supposed to Do with Rich Willis
Doing What You’re Supposed to Do with Rich Willis
About this podcast
Welcome to Legacy Leavers, a podcast that celebrates the visionaries that have shaped, and are shaping, Greater Des Moines through philanthropy, leadership and service.
At the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, we believe we’re simply Better Together — and these powerful and inspiring stories prove it. From personal turning points to powerful acts of giving, we explore what truly drives a life of legacy.
Episodes
- Doing What You’re Supposed to Do with Rich Willis · 31 min · Season 4 Episode 16Today, we’re delighted to welcome Rich Willis to Legacy Leavers. After starting at a local Cadillac dealership washing cars in 1972, Rich spent over five decades building Willis…
- Committed to Community with Ako Abdul-Samad · 47 min · Season 3 Episode 15Today we get to hear from a leader whose life has been defined by service, resilience and an unwavering commitment to community - Ako Abdul-Samad. Ako is a lifelong resident of…
- Shaping a City with Christine Hensley · 42 min · Season 3 Episode 14Today on Legacy Leavers, we are excited to sit down with someone who has helped shape the Des Moines we know today—Christine Hensley. Chris is a lifelong Des Moines resident and…
- Daring Diplomacy with Ambassador Kenneth Quinn · 52 min · Season 3 Episode 13Today on Legacy Leavers, I’m honored to sit down with a local AND global leader whose life’s work has bridged diplomacy, humanitarian service and the fight against hunger…
- Advocating for an Inclusive Future with Sally Pederson · 43 min · Season 3 Episode 12Today on Legacy Leavers, I’m honored to sit down with a leader whose career has been defined by service, advocacy and a deep commitment to expanding opportunity for others…
- Business Leader to Community Builder with Fred Hubbell · 55 min · Season 3 Episode 11Today on Legacy Leavers, we're honored to sit down with a leader whose name is deeply woven into the history—and the future—of Des Moines: Fred Hubbell. Fred is a businessman, a…
- Bonus - Reflecting on Meaningful Memories with Karla Jones · 28 min · Season 2Today we’re joined by Karla Jones, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines — a member of the Community Foundation…
- Leading Beyond the Newsroom with Michael Gartner · 44 min · Season 2 Episode 10Today on Legacy Leavers, we're excited to sit down with a true journalistic icon and committed civic steward, Michael Gartner. Born and raised right here in Des Moines, Michael’s…
- A Legacy Earned with Ambassador Mary E. Kramer · 44 min · Season 2 Episode 9Today on the Legacy Leavers podcast, we're pleased to have Ambassador Mary E. Kramer join us to tell her story as an Iowa trailblazer whose remarkable career spans classrooms…
- Service in Action with Joe Gonzalez · 35 min · Season 2 Episode 8Today on Legacy Leavers, we're welcoming Joe Gonzalez — a retired Des Moines Police Department leader whose 42-year career helped build lasting bridges between law enforcement…
- Shaping a Region with Martha Willits · 42 min · Season 2 Episode 7Today on Legacy Leavers, we welcome Martha Willits, a lifelong educator, public servant, and community leader whose influence has touched nearly every corner of Greater Des…
- Small Town Roots, Global Reach with Ambassador Terry Branstad · 33 min · Season 2 Episode 1We’re kicking off season 2 with an inspiring conversation featuring Ambassador Terry Branstad! Ambassador Branstad is a tremendously skilled and respected political leader whose…
- Breaking Barriers and Building Futures with Dr. Mary Chapman · 46 min · Season 1 Episode 5In this final episode of Season 1, we're honored to welcome Dr. Mary Chapman — a pioneering educator, civic leader and tireless advocate for equity and opportunity in Greater Des…
- Constructing a Vibrant Community with Fred Weitz · 35 min · Season 1 Episode 4In this episode of Legacy Leavers, we are honored to welcome a long-time friend and mentor, Fred Weitz. As you’ll hear today, Fred is a man of great vision whose contributions…
- Going Above and Beyond with Dr. Richard Deming · 48 min · Season 1 Episode 3On this episode of Legacy Leavers, we welcome Dr. Richard Deming — a renowned oncology physician, a human widely known for his commitment to compassion and a visionary leader…
- From Fast Breaks to Foundations with Nolden Gentry · 42 min · Season 1 Episode 2Today on Legacy Leavers, we welcome Nolden Gentry — a trailblazer whose journey from the basketball courts of Rockford, Illinois, to the legal and civic arenas of Des Moines…
- Shattering Glass Ceilings with Connie Wimer · 46 min · Season 1 Episode 1Today on Legacy Leavers, we're honored to sit down with one of the most influential voices in Greater Des Moines — Connie Wimer. As the founder and chair of Business…
- Introducing Legacy Leavers · 2 minI’m Kristi Knous, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, and I’m excited to announce a new podcast that celebrates the visionaries that have shaped, and are…
