2020 LEAP Summit
Opening Keynote
Opening Keynote
Equipped
How we are equipped to finish 2020 strong, personally and professionally
Shekinah Young
How we are equipped to finish 2020 strong, personally and professionally
Shekinah Young
Shekinah Young
Shekinah Young, community influencer, strategist, brand manager, relationship builder is passionate about improving communities and has committed her entire career to creating sustainable change. Ms. Young is a committed problem solver noted for innovation in engagement strategies, brand management and the development of strategic partnerships.
Serving 80 global markets, 25+ major financial markets including Des Moines, Iowa as Principal’s headquarter location; Ms. Young currently serves the community as a Global Inclusion Consultant at Principal. In this role she works to empower communities through financial security. Giving back to domestic and global communities in her prior role within Principal Foundation and Community Relations was how she began her work in the private sector. Community is at the core of who she is and fuels her passion to continue in this work.
Prior to her work with Principal, Ms. Young enhanced her municipal government communication skills as the City of Des Moines’ Chief Communications Officer connecting residents, businesses and organizations to their local government. She began her career with
Des Moines Water Works in the Office of the CEO, then moved on to the City of Des Moines as Communications Fellow, earning three promotions in her ten year tenure. During her time there, she was committed to engaging residents in new innovative ways. She launched city social media presence, revamped the quarterly publication, established a more engaging budget process “Speak Up DSM” and developed new communication avenues. All came as a result of her deep commitment to community and public service.
Ms. Young holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Drake University, Masters of Strategic Communication from the University of Iowa and more than 15 years of community engagement experience. Business Record 40 Under 40 class of 2020, finalist for the 2019 Influencer of the Year, YMCA of Greater Des Moines 2018, Make A Difference Award Recipient and Graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute are a few of the accolades she has received.
Though Drake University is what brought Ms. Young to Des Moines her commitment to community is what keeps her here. She is the cofounder and Vice Chair of Back 2 School Iowa, a non profit organization committed to empowering underprivileged youth in Des Moines. This organization has touched the lives of more than 10,000 students to date giving scholarships, backpacks, hair styling, physicals, talent showcases and more. Young also serves on the executive board of the John R Grubb YMCA and Chair of Drake University Community Engagement Advancement Committee. Though Ms. Young has received many honors, her most prized title is community advocate.
Serving 80 global markets, 25+ major financial markets including Des Moines, Iowa as Principal’s headquarter location; Ms. Young currently serves the community as a Global Inclusion Consultant at Principal. In this role she works to empower communities through financial security. Giving back to domestic and global communities in her prior role within Principal Foundation and Community Relations was how she began her work in the private sector. Community is at the core of who she is and fuels her passion to continue in this work.
Prior to her work with Principal, Ms. Young enhanced her municipal government communication skills as the City of Des Moines’ Chief Communications Officer connecting residents, businesses and organizations to their local government. She began her career with
Des Moines Water Works in the Office of the CEO, then moved on to the City of Des Moines as Communications Fellow, earning three promotions in her ten year tenure. During her time there, she was committed to engaging residents in new innovative ways. She launched city social media presence, revamped the quarterly publication, established a more engaging budget process “Speak Up DSM” and developed new communication avenues. All came as a result of her deep commitment to community and public service.
Ms. Young holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Drake University, Masters of Strategic Communication from the University of Iowa and more than 15 years of community engagement experience. Business Record 40 Under 40 class of 2020, finalist for the 2019 Influencer of the Year, YMCA of Greater Des Moines 2018, Make A Difference Award Recipient and Graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute are a few of the accolades she has received.
Though Drake University is what brought Ms. Young to Des Moines her commitment to community is what keeps her here. She is the cofounder and Vice Chair of Back 2 School Iowa, a non profit organization committed to empowering underprivileged youth in Des Moines. This organization has touched the lives of more than 10,000 students to date giving scholarships, backpacks, hair styling, physicals, talent showcases and more. Young also serves on the executive board of the John R Grubb YMCA and Chair of Drake University Community Engagement Advancement Committee. Though Ms. Young has received many honors, her most prized title is community advocate.
