The NAACP Des Moines Branch would like to congratulate our very own Madison Sconiers on her recognition as a 2023 40 Under 40.
Madison is a member of our executive committee.
Here is what the Des Moines Business Record has to say about Madison:
"Reasons she is a Forty: Madison is an outstanding community member, leader and collaborative partner. She is an advocate for her community, and served on numerous scholarship boards and educational advancement programs. Madison has made significant and necessary innovative changes through her role at One Economy Financial Development Corp., her membership with the Prevention and Advocacy Board of Primary Health Care’s The Project, and in her current role at Polk County. She brings an exciting energy to the spaces she serves, and she is passionate about youth, equity and efficiency.
What are your goals in your role at your company? Create a comprehensive training program for all roles in the treasurer's office to foster and support an exceptional customer experience. I also aspire to cultivate an inclusive work environment for people of all backgrounds.
What are your goals for your community involvement? Bring awareness of socioeconomic disparities affecting underserved communities, and connect individuals with available resources. Every board or organization I work with, I advocate for those without a voice and promote positive narratives in my community. Accountability is important, especially for those whose decisions have a direct, or indirect, impact on others.
What's your biggest passion, and why? Youths – I believe in paying it forward. I love pouring into youths, like so many elders in my community have poured, and continue to pour, into me. Youths are the future, and we all deserve guidance and support for a future we can be proud of.
What is it that drives you? Doubters are my motivation. Early in my career, I was continuously doubted and made to prove myself for things I had already earned. This took a huge physical and mental toll, but I never stopped advocating for myself and eventually decided to go where I was celebrated, not just tolerated.
What are your future aspirations? I always want to leave something better than I found it, which includes my community. I wish to promote youth-led civic engagement. We will have a more informed and engaged population if they are civic-minded before joining the voting pool.
Three hobbies: I love all DIY projects – especially when I learn a new skill. I love the arts and world travel. In warmer months, I love being outside with friends and family at community events, kayaking, hiking or camping.
Fun fact: Madison has an endless list of talents, hobbies and experiences. Her positive outlook on life and her ability to make connections with everyone is an asset to all she meets.
One word to describe you: Passionate.
What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? Be actively anti-racist and intentional about systemic change and inclusivity. Expand and diversify business ownership, management and entertainment options. Speak out about unfair treatment and legislation that negatively affects BIPOC communities.
What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Speak up when something is unjust or inequitable. Never stay in a role that makes you question your integrity. Go where you are celebrated, not tolerated. Leading by example is always the best policy. Lastly, "no" is rarely the final answer; either pivot your approach, or change your audience.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? The education crisis. Our students are not learning basic life skills that allow them to be well-rounded, contributing members of society (e.g., money management, civic engagement, trade skills). Our public schools and educators are egregiously underfunded, and continue to cut or eliminate funding for the arts. Iowa should be leading the nation in educational advancements, not scraping the bottom of the barrel for the bare minimum.
Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? I am a passionate and compassionate person who lives life to the fullest. I am direct, intentional and action/solution-driven.
source: https://www.businessrecord40.com/madison-sconiers