Kara Matheson, Shrm-Scp Email & Phone Number

West Des Moines, Ia, Us

West Des Moines, Iowa, United States

- Established the DEI Awards Committee, building systems and processes for smooth execution, while overseeing team dynamics to drive forward this pivotal inclusion initiative for Central Iowa- Enhanced the WDM Leadership Academy's impact by implementing an Accountability Program, enriching curriculum with more diverse experiential learning opportunities, and broadening program accessibility through strategic scholarship opportunities- Distinguished the WDM Leadership Academy's brand by introducing an annual commemorative Class Yearbook, the Words of Wisdom campaign to spotlight leaders, and a compelling promotional video- Developed a comprehensive Culture Code for Chamber team and its 25 committees that proves consistent guidance to hundreds of leaders on how to better lead and navigate challenges- Facilitated new monthly Professional Development sessions for the Chamber team, fostering a supportive environment for reflection, growth, and advancement- Strategically led over 50 individuals, including a full-time Chamber team member, four committees, and numerous sub-groups, resulting in record-breaking engagement, streamlined processes, and enhanced community impact that frequently garners recognition for involved Community Members- Spearheaded the inaugural Committee Kick-Off training day, emphasizing professional development and meaningful connections, that better equipped Committee Chairs for successful leadership- Cultivated strategic partnerships and sponsorships, generating a substantial 22.7% of annual Chamber revenue that is crucial for program sustainability and expansion- Supported launch of Talent Attraction Campaign with 7 strategic initiatives for 10 large employer partners

West Des Moines, Iowa, United States

- Spearheaded the inaugural Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Workplace Excellence Awards, a distinguished platform that showcases community success stories and inspires increased inclusion efforts across Iowa- Developed comprehensive promotional materials and coordinated participation in career fairs, strategically enhancing local visibility to attract young talent and drive regional workforce growth- Supervised and mentored multiple interns, offering tailored guidance to nurture their professional growth, achieve success within assigned projects, and cultivate future leaders- Provided instrumental support to new Chamber committees, contributing to flagship initiatives such as the Raccoon River Rally community event and the prestigious two-day Black & Brown Business Summit- Delivered presentations on research findings for organizational, regional, national, and industry-based trends to various leadership groups across the Central Iowa business community - Established a digital Student Resume database, bridging the gap between employers and emerging talent, facilitating increased talent placement within the region.- Created statewide Iowa Day of Kindness initiative in collaboration with WDM Leadership Academy Alumni through Mayor and Governor proclamations, resulting in sock drive with 2,500+ local donations

West Des Moines, Iowa, United States

- Navigated COVID pandemic by transitioning over 100 events to virtual platform, adjusted newsletter strategies, and establishing social media page for small businesses to engage with customers - Developed two new specialized newsletters: "The Scoop" for student audiences vital to the region's future workforce, and "The Influencer" tailored for CEOs, delivering targeted leadership content- Expanded programming and engagement of YURtern, a regional summer internship program designed to develop talent and cultivate local career pathways for college students- Launched groundbreaking West YP program, an innovative young professional program that increased the development and engagement of regional emerging leaders by an extraordinary 866%

- Spearheaded a comprehensive rebranding initiative encompassing logo redesign, the development and launch of a dynamic website, and integration with a new Customer Relationship Management platform - Planned, organized, and directed more than 100 events annually, including new programs such as Trek Days for college students, West Des Moines Eat Week, and the First Responders Appreciation Breakfast - Developed robust marketing communication strategies, designed promotional materials, and created written content delivered through e-newsletters, social media, print materials, and video production - Achieved unprecedented growth in social media outreach and event attendance, notably steering the organization's largest annual fundraiser to record-breaking success

Okoboji, Iowa

- Planned and executed a diverse portfolio of events including Winter Games, Walleye Weekend, Oktoberfest, and more—spanning from high-profile tourism gatherings to monthly networking sessions- Oversaw all aspects of event management from budgeting and website management to legal and safety regulations, social media engagement, and merchandise sales - Cultivated partnerships by securing sponsors, vendors, venues, catering services, entertainment, speakers, and necessary event resources - Improved Iowa Navy Commodore ambassador program through recruitment, training, and incentives

• Encouraged academic participation and success of student athletes at Iowa State University

Des Moines, Iowa

• Collaborated with three team members to plan and execute annual fundraising event with record attendance and donations • Requested, collected, packaging, pricing, and preparing donation items • Publicized event via social media posts, interviews, and submission to reputable publications’ calendars

Ames, Iowa

• Set up venue, prepared materials, and worked Experience Iowa State events and daily visits • Provided over 100 informative and enjoyable tours to potential students and their families • Created a welcoming environment to ensure overall satisfaction of guests

• Delegated tasks to executive board members to ensure progress towards goals • Prepared service activities and presentation material for general meetings • Updated advisor and Make-A-Wish® Iowa office with event details and fundraising accomplishments

• Contacted student organizations, performers, and businesses to secure involvement • Promoted day-of celebration, 4K run, and gaming event across campus • Created agendas and room layouts for the event

• Organized and conducted all social activities for the chapter • Managed budget and social committee • Communicated regularly with Social Advisor and Collegiate Panhellenic Council

• Developed schedule, set up, and worked activities and events throughout the weekend • Demonstrated customer service skills and ability to problem solve in stressful situations • Trained and motivated event volunteers

• Planned and implemented one large-scale service project each semester • Advocated for and attended various monthly volunteer opportunities • Maintained open communication with local volunteer organizations

• Assisted in the planning and set-up of games, crafts, and entertainment • Acquired donations and supplies from businesses and organizations • Recruited students and team leaders to reach record participation

Clive, Iowa

• Facilitated the planning of activities for weekly and daily themes • Encouraged educational, developmental, and emotional growth • Communicated daily progress of children with parents

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Event Management

Activities and Societies: Chi Omega Fraternity, Student Volunteer Services, GRIP Mentoring, Alternative Breaks, Up 'Til Dawn, Cyclone.

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Event Management, Junior