Heather M. Jones (she/her/hers) is a lifelong Des Moines resident and proud East High School graduate. She holds a BA in International Relations and Political Science (William Jewell College), a Master's in Business Leadership (William Penn University), along with certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (University of South Florida MUMA College of Business), Compensation and Benefits (eCornell), and Nonprofit Leadership. She is also an ATIXA trained investigator and IDI Administrator.

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Heather’s career reflects a commitment to equity, community building, and global connections. Her journey spans roles such as Executive Director of Iowa Sister States, Deputy Campaign Manager for Deidre DeJear’s historic Secretary of State campaign, and Financial Education Coordinator at the Evelyn K. Davis Center. She has worked internationally, including teaching in Japan and aiding a South Korean firm’s U.S. expansion.

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Currently, Heather serves as Assistant Chief Diversity Officer for Staff Equity at Grinnell College. Her community involvement includes leadership roles with Vision Leads, the Iowa Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., NAACP Des Moines, and Des Moines Y-Camp. She is a 2020 Des Moines Business Record 40 Under 40 honoree, a 2020 LeadDSM graduate, and a sought-after speaker on authentic community support, equity, and belonging.