GREATER DES MOINES, IA (June 24, 2026) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced the 2026 graduating class of the DSM Fellowship Program. The cohort completed a 15-month long professional development program and consists of 17 individuals representing seven organizations across Greater Des Moines.

The following Fellows are graduating from the 2025-26 program: 

• Luke Becker, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield 
• Cassandra Brown, F&G
• Kristine Darland, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa
• Ngoc Truong Harrelson, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
• Isaac Hoffman, F&G
• Steven Jiang, Nationwide
• Haruko Okada, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield 
• Andrew Overton, American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company
• Archana Parashar, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
• Karter Smith, Bâton Global
• Nolan Sullivan, Slingshot Architecture
• Lauren Tucker, Nationwide
• Allison Walters, F&G
• Isabel Wheeler, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield 
• Katelyn Winjum, F&G
• Anna Wolff, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield 
• Angel Avila Zamora, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield 

“Investing in emerging leaders is an important way we can help strengthen the talent pipeline in our region,” said Krista Van Hooser-Perin, Director of Workforce at The Partnership. “These Fellows are well-positioned to make a lasting impact on Greater Des Moines.”

The DSM Fellowship Program is a premier professional development initiative that attracts, develops and retains a community of top-tier early career professionals who demonstrate emerging leadership. 

The Program centers on a four-pronged approach emphasizing areas of Career Development, Community Engagement, Curriculum and Social Connection through mentorship and engagement opportunities. Fellows are presented with opportunities to grow their careers and create lasting connections in Greater Des Moines. 

Over its eight-year history, the DSM Fellowship program has helped develop 73 Fellows from 16 organizations, creating a growing network of leaders across the region.

The Partnership congratulates the 2026 graduating class and looks forward to seeing how these emerging leaders continue to shape and strengthen their organizations and Greater Des Moines.

Find more information about the DSM Fellowship Program at DSMPartnership.com.