Icons of Impact: One-of-a-Kind Mentorship Showcase Launches November 12th

[Des Moines, IA – November 13, 2025] – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa presents Icons of Impact: Mentorship Showcase, a new fundraising initiative co-chaired by Connie Wimer and Mike McCoy. This event brings together influential leaders, executives, and changemakers for a unique one-to-one mentorship experience. The public can make pledges on exclusive 1.5–2 hour mentorship sessions, available virtually or in-person, with some of Central Iowa’s most respected figures. The highest pledges will win these one-ofa-kind opportunities.

This ten-day online showcase (November 12–21, 2025) will generate critical funds to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa’s youth mentoring programs, while reinforcing the power and value of mentorship at all stages of life.

“We are thrilled to bring together some of the community’s most respected leaders for this unique mentorship experience,” said Bridget Cravens-Neely, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa. “Icons of Impact will not only create meaningful connections through a shared purpose, but also advances our mission to mentor and uplift the next generation.”

This year’s Icons of Impact include:

• Connie Wimer, Business Publications Corporation, Owner & Chair

• Mike McCoy, NCMIC Group, Former CEO

• Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust, Chief Consumer Banking & Marketing Officer

• Miriam De Dios Woodward, De Dios Consulting, President & CEO

• Dr. Angela L. Walker Franklin, Des Moines University, President

• Katherine Harrington, WDM Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO

• Iowa Wolves Mentor Experience

• Dan Keough, Holmes Murphy, Chairman & CEO

• Suku Radia, Bankers Trust, Former CEO

• David Stark, UnityPoint Health, Chief of Government Affairs & Philanthropy

• Tiffany Tauscheck, Greater Des Moines Partnership, President & CEO

• Suzanna de Baca, Story Board Advisors, LLC, CEO

• Connie Boesen, Mayor of Des Moines

This showcase mirrors the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters: creating and supporting oneto-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Just as our Littles grow through their relationships with caring mentors, the public will have the opportunity to experience that same transformational value while supporting young people in Central Iowa.

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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa
Since 1967, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa (BBBSIA) has continuously dedicated itself to serving youth (Littles), ages 5-24, through professionally supported mentoring relationships with adults (Bigs) in Central Iowa. As a prominent youth mentoring organization in Central Iowa, BBBSIA’s mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Please visit bbbsia.org or call 515-288-9025 to learn how YOU can join our village.