West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Reflects on 2025 Reignite CommUNITY Awards

WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, October 28, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce proudly reflected on an unforgettable evening of unity and inspiration at this year’s Reignite CommUNITY Awards, held for the first time at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. The annual celebration honors individuals and organizations that are advancing inclusion, belonging, and community connection across Greater Des Moines.
 
A Night of Recognition and Impact
This year’s award recipients represented powerful stories of leadership, courage, and collaboration:

• Government Award: Mazahir Salih

• Student Award: Isaiah Poe

• Inclusion Initiative Award: OneVoice DSM

• Leader Award: Will Keeps

• Emerging Leader Award: Val Veiock

• Large Business Award: Holmes Murphy

• Small Business Award: Professional Contrarian

• Nonprofit Award: The Beacon and Lutheran Services in Iowa (dual recipients)

 
As part of the Chamber’s continued commitment to empowering changemakers, several monetary awards were presented during the celebration. Val Veiock received a $2,000 scholarship to the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, and Isaiah Poe was awarded a $2,000 scholarship to support his continued education. In addition, The Beacon and Lutheran Services in Iowa each received $1,400 checks from event proceeds to advance their community missions.
 
“At Wellabe, compassion is at the heart of everything we do. Supporting the Reignite CommUNITY event allows us to celebrate the organizations and people who are dedicated to making the world a better place through their actions and impact. We’re proud to invest in the continued learning, growth, and influence of both Isaiah and Val through the Student and Emerging Leader scholarships.”
 
Attendees experienced an immersive and uplifting evening that embodied the event’s pillars — celebrate, elevate, motivate, and educate — through art, culture, and collaboration. The program featured an interactive art installment by Community Support Advocates, a captivating Ishara dance performance, Henna art, tea tasting with a CultureALL Ambassador, a spirited “UNITY” BINGO activity, and a vibrant nonprofit vendor fair spotlighting organizations that champion this work.

“We didn’t just gather. We connected, we listened, we learned,” said Kara Matheson, VP of Workforce Development & Culture at the WDM Chamber. “From our youngest-ever student award recipient to longtime change-makers, Reignite CommUNITY brought together individuals and organizations across the state for an inspirational night. It served as a beautiful reminder that community will always be our greatest strength.”

Sponsors and Partners
Reignite CommUNITY would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors and partners:

• Scholarship Sponsor: Wellabe

• Gold Sponsor: Microsoft

• Champion Sponsors: Google Fiber, IMT Insurance, NCMIC, Merchants Bonding Company

• Supporting Sponsors: Holmes Murphy, MWH Law Group

• Award Sponsor: Triplett Office Solutions

• Video Sponsor: FE Studios

• Education Partner: Project Iowa

• Nonprofit Partners: Learn more here

 
Learn more about Reignite CommUNITY here.
 

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About the WDM Chamber of Commerce
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, established in 1924, is a dynamic organization dedicated to championing all things West Des Moines. With a focus on strengthening local businesses, providing personalized resources, and attracting a top-tier workforce, the Chamber aims to position WDM as the best suburban city in America. Celebrating a century of excellence, the Chamber boasts a diverse community of over 1000 members, offering something for everyone. Explore the possibilities, learn more about the chamber, and discover how you can get involved in shaping the future of West Des Moines at wdmchamber.org.