Community Difference Makers

Hosted by Bankers Trust

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Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa team up in 2026 to tackle our community’s toughest challenges, from food insecurity and housing to childcare and youth violence. Hear weekly conversations with experts and community members working to create real change. Welcome to Community Difference Makers.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 27, 2026Episode 2439 min

71. Helping Students Discover Their Future

For today’s students, success doesn’t follow a single path. While some may choose a four-year university, others may find their future through community college, registered apprenticeships, industry credentials, military service, or career-focused training programs. In this episode of Community Difference Makers, we explore how educators, employers, workforce organizations, and community partners can help young people discover the opportunities available to them and make intentional decisions about their futures. Featuring: •Gaby Cox, Project Iowa •Heather Isaacson, By Degrees Foundation •Mike Cooper, United Way of Central Iowa •Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa Production: Snaadt Media Group

October 20, 2026Episode 2335 min

70. Creating a Community Where Everyone Belongs

What does it take to build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive? In this episode of Community Difference Makers, we explore the intersection of disability services, health, education, and equity in Central Iowa. Join us as we discuss how to create a more inclusive community where people of all abilities can participate, contribute, and succeed. Featuring: •Dr. Teri Wahlig, ChildServe •John Claes, Gigi’s Playhouse Des Moines •Kate Bennett, United Way of Central Iowa Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa Production: Snaadt Media Group

October 19, 2026Episode 2243 min

69. A Diploma and a Plan – Preparing Students for What Comes Next

Graduating from high school is an important milestone. But what happens the morning after graduation? For more than one in five Central Iowa graduates—22%—there isn't yet a clear plan that includes education or training beyond high school. In this episode of Community Difference Makers, we discuss the importance of helping young people leave high school with a sense of what comes next. Featuring: •Melanie Campbell, Des Moines Public Schools Foundation •Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold, Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) •Kate Bennett, United Way of Central Iowa Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa Production: Snaadt Media Group

October 6, 2026Episode 2145 min

68. The Community Response to Youth Violence Prevention

Preventing youth violence takes more than a justice system. It takes families, schools, mentors, community organizations, and young people working together. In this episode of Community Difference Makers, we explore Central Iowa’s Safe & Thriving Youth Community Plan, the progress being made, and how a coordinated community effort can create safer, brighter futures for local youth. Featuring: •Kimberly Graham, Polk County Attorney •Bridget Cravens-Neely, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa •Tone Roddy, United Way of Central Iowa •Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa Production: Snaadt Media Group

September 29, 2026Episode 2037 min

67. New Approaches to Affordable Housing

Explore two innovative housing solutions making a difference in Central Iowa: transforming extended stay hotels into supportive housing and creating affordable homeownership through a community land trust. Discover how creative thinking is helping expand access to safe, stable housing for more people. Featuring: •Jaqueline Chico, Central Iowa Community Land Trust / Home, Inc. •Emily Osweiler, Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing •Michael Berger, United Way of Central Iowa •Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa Production: Snaadt Media Group

September 23, 2026Episode 1947 min

66. What Nonprofits Reveal About Community Health

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, we discuss how central Iowa’s health and human services organizations responded to United Way’s Thriving Community Survey and what it tells us about the demand they’re experiencing, their ability to meet it, and what they expect in the months ahead in the Des Moines metro. Featuring: • Janice Schroeder, Children & Families of Iowa • Alicia Vermeer, Community Youth Concepts • Joseph Jones, United Way of Central Iowa • Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa Production: Snaadt Media Group

September 23, 2026Episode 1833 min

65. Are Food Pantries the Front Door to Additional Support?

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, we explore how food pantries can serve as a gateway to additional support for families and individuals facing challenges with housing, transportation, healthcare, employment, and more. Featuring: • Kathy Underhill, DMARC (Des Moines Area Religious Council) • Zuli Garcia, Knock and Drop Iowa • Luke Lynch, United Way of Central Iowa • Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa Production: Snaadt Media Group

June 3, 2026Episode 1714 min

64. Season Recap

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa recap the conversations we had throughout the season on food insecurity, housing, childcare, and safe and thriving youth.

May 26, 2026Episode 1625 min

63. Public Safety, Public Health, and Prevention: A Cross-Sector Response

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa learn more about how public safety, public health, and community impact can work together to address youth violence with United Way of Central Iowa's Luke Lynch, Chief Michael McTaggart of Des Moines Police Department, and Juliann VanLiew of Polk County Health Department.

May 19, 2026Episode 1521 min

62. Safe & Thriving Youth Mentorship

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa discuss the power of mentorship, with guests Natasha Ratliff, Tone Roddy, and Saaliyah Singleton.

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