Young Professionals
Join ImpactCR to create connections in the CR Metro
GET INVOLVED
Connect, Engage, Grow & Give Back
Connect and grow with other like-minded
young professionals in our area with ImpactCR!
Let’s talk about what it means to be a young professional in Cedar Rapids. It’s not just about swapping business cards; it’s about building something meaningful and creating deep connections within our community. That’s the roots of ImpactCR.
ImpactCR looks beyond just being a strong networking group. It’s a place to connect with other young professionals, find opportunities for learning, support civic engagement, and develop the future leaders of the Cedar Rapids metro.
We’re open to all. No matter your profession, industry, skill sets, or specialties. Our goal is to build a vibrant, inclusive community that thrives off balance in professional growth and a full, fun life.
Our 3 Pillars
- Social Connections: Empower young professionals to expand their networks, exchange ideas and thrive both personally and professionally
- Leadership Development: Provide valuable opportunities for skill enhancement, knowledge sharing and mentorship to foster career growth
- Civic Engagement: Organize and facilitate volunteer initiatives that make a positive difference in our local community
Nominate a young professional today to be recognized at our annual Make Your Mark event on November 21!
Emerging Leader of the Year Award
Do you know an exceptional young professional making a profound impact on our community? Nominate them for the prestigious 2024 Emerging Leader of the Year award! Celebrate their leadership, achievements, and community involvement. Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize the bright stars shaping our future.
Community Catalyst Award
Honor the heart of our community by nominating someone for the Community Catalyst Award in the volunteer category! Celebrate those who have shown outstanding commitment and dedication through their volunteer efforts. Help us recognize the unsung heroes creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Thank you to our sponsors
Meet the ImpactCR Advisory Board
Rohit Dalal (chair)
University of Iowa Center for Advancement
“Love the community.”
Catherine VanDraska (vice chair)
Big Brothers Big Sisters
“I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids. This is an amazing place to build your career, raise a family and make friendships and connections!”
Cindy Stier (governance officer)
First Interstate Bank
“I came here for a work opportunity, and I stayed for the people and community!”
Heidi Alderdyce
Paragon Interiors
“Cedar Rapids is a growing and exciting place to call home as a young professional. Opportunities and resources are easily accessible, and connection is everywhere. I joined the ImpactCR board to deepen my involvement in the community, and drive my time towards being a part of an organization that shares the same values. I look forward to developing lasting relationships, and teaming up with a talented group of Cedar Rapids professionals!”
Sarah Auman
Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty
“I am excited to implement new ideas and re-engage young professionals in Cedar Rapids. We have a board that is extremely motivated and invested in doing great things for Cedar Rapids and I can’t wait to take everyone on our journey through new event experiences and connection to people in our great city!”
Dennis Beery
Armstrong Development Group
“Cedar Rapids has a vibrant business community and most of the amenities of a larger city while still maintaining a small town feel with beautiful parks and nature trails.”
Ashley Burns
Cedar Rapids Public Library
“I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids! I moved back here for the people. Our community is one of a kind — we’re big-hearted people with a commitment to bettering our city. Cedar Rapids offers the opportunities of a bigger city with a small-town feel. There are numerous ways to get involved & everyone is welcome here.”
Avery Campbell
Independent
“A native of Cedar Rapids, and wouldn’t have it any other way. The close-knit community, depth of meaningful connections, and the wealth of opportunities make CR a vibrant hub of fulfillment and thriving potential. It’s a great place to call home.”
Andre Dawson
“I’m excited to connect professionals from every side of town to groups and events they may not have known about in the past. An opportunity to help individuals understand why Cedar Rapids is an area of excellence is what I aspire to create!”
Christian Francois
Cedar Rapids Tourism
“I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, IA, and am very passionate about our community. I’ve always been proud to call this place home. Being away for four years while attending college and traveling on various study abroad trips, made me realize how special Cedar Rapids is. I want to be more involved with our community and what better way to do so than by growing and advocating for our city with like minded young professionals.”
Sam Hammes
Guide Wealth Partners
“Cedar Rapids is a great place to live and work. I like to spend as much time as I can outdoors, volunteering, and staying active so you’ll usually find me hunting, fishing, boating, attending an athletic event, or going to a concert. My favorite restaurants are LP Street Food and Taste of India.”
Megan Johnson
Mercy Medical Center Foundation
“I’ve lived in Cedar Rapids my whole life, so it’s my place of comfort. It’s a great place to raise a family and the people here are top notch!”
Sarah Michelle
HoneyMap
“CR was a happy accident. I am a coastal girl through and through. One summer, I was traveling on a solo-cross country trip and miscalculated one of my drives. I needed a spontaneous hotel stop, and that happened to be in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I had no idea what to expect but quickly fell in love. I couldn’t believe I stumbled upon the perfect blend of city and country, metro and small-town charm. I moved here in April of 2023 and just purchased my first home. I’ve not had one weekend since that didn’t hold dozens of opportunities to work, rest, or play. The community has been nothing short of amazingly warm and welcoming and I’m excited to share the love with more people! “
Jade Ploessel
Women Lead Change
“My husband’s job brought us here but I have grown to the love the tight knit community!”
Brady Quinn
MEDCO
“The opportunity to make an impact in the community is unique. Uptown Marion is where my family and I spend a lot of our time, in particular The Uptown Artway. We also enjoy our locally owned restaurants and breweries.”
Taylor Sikkema
Collins Aerospace
Camden Stovie
Harrison Group Inc.
“I have lived in Cedar Rapids my entire life and grow to love this community more and more every year. The city continues to surprise me with amazing restaurants, events and opportunities to connect with new people.”
