Blake Willadsen Joins DMARC Staff, Luke Elzinga Shifts to New Role
The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) welcomed Blake Willadsen to its team as Marketing & Communications Manager on January 3, 2023. Luke Elzinga transitioned to a new role as Policy & Advocacy Manager.
“We are very excited to have Blake bring his experience and perspective to our team and for Luke to expand his role around the important advocacy work DMARC engages in around solving root causes of food insecurity,” said DMARC CEO Matt Unger.
“DMARC’s mission starts with elevating the voices of the Iowans we assist. I can’t wait to elevate those ...
Staff Spotlight: Michael Sirois
Get to know DMARC Warehouse Associate Michael Sirois!
What drew you to DMARC originally, and how has it changed since then?
Well to be honest, I got a text from Andrew (another member of the DMARC team) asking me if I was looking for a job. And, well, long story short, I said yes. That is how I got drawn to DMARC.
What do you like most about working at DMARC?
What I really like most about working at DMARC is the fact that we are not afraid to change for the better. We are always looking for better ways to meet the needs of the people we serve.
What is your ...
Staff Spotlight: Luke Elzinga
Luke Elzinga joined DMARC in April of 2014. As Communications and Advocacy Manager, he writes and edits a variety of written material for print and web, designs print pieces and graphics, maintains dmarcunited.org, takes photos, produces videos, manages press outreach, leads DMARC's advocacy efforts, and other communications and advocacy tasks.
Luke earned his BA in Advertising from Iowa State University. He previously served as an AmeriCorps VISTA member at Montana Legal Services Association in Helena, Montana. Luke is a 2017 fellow of the New Leaders Council Des ...
Staff Spotlight: Monica Curl
Get to know DMARC Development & Outreach Associate Monica Curl!
What drew you to DMARC originally, and how has it changed since then?
Just out of college I chose to become an AmeriCorps VISTA and as a VISTA I worked with three different organizations and DMARC was one of them. As a VISTA I completed in person interviews with people using the food pantries. I was impressed that DMARC was asking questions about what the pantry clients would like in a pantry and that they also worked to provide healthy food. I turned down another career path and when looking of a ...
Get to Know Phil Kiwayiele
Pamphile (Phil) Kiwayiele recently joined DMARC's staff as the Accounting/Office Administrator.
Before joining DMARC, Phil worked as a staff accountant at various companies, preparing and processing accounting journal entries, data analysis, budget preparation, financial reporting, preparing monthly ledger account reconciliations, managing accounts payable and receivable, and other accounting tasks.
Phil was born and raised in Brazzaville, Congo, before travelling to France for studies at the University of Aix-Marseille II, where he obtained his Master's degree in ...
Staff Spotlight: Nisha Kishor
Nisha Kishor is the Volunteer & Outreach Manager at DMARC. Nisha grew up in Wichita, Kansas and moved to Kentucky in high school. She attended the University of Kentucky where she earned a BA in Political Science and International Studies. After school she taught English in South Korea for one year.
Nisha just moved to Des Moines in August 2020 and is looking forward to meeting new people and getting to know her new home. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities, cooking, and spending time at home with her husband Ashish.
What drew you to DMARC originally, and ...
Staff Spotlight: Becky Whitlow
DMARC Food Pantry Network Director since 2012, Becky Whitlow has over 20 years experience in product merchandising, warehouse operations, and distribution of hard goods. An expert in building community collaborations and customer relationships, Becky has experience managing $500,000-$1.5 million in product inventory, purchasing, and redistribution operations, and was instrumental in the design of the warehouse facility at 1435 Mulberry Street.
With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration – Marketing and a Sociology minor, she oversees the daily operations of ...
Staff Spotlight: Leslie Garman
Leslie Garman joined DMARC’s team as Director of Development & Outreach in May of 2017. Today she leads all fundraising and outreach efforts with the support of DMARC’s development staff and volunteer team.
Leslie brings a wealth of fund development, communications, special event, and volunteer organization experience to the role, having worked with several nonprofit organizations representing the social service, health and cultural sectors, including: Employee & Family Resources (EFR), the Spina Bifida Association of Iowa, Junior League of Des Moines, the United ...
Staff Spotlight: Joe Dolack
Joe Dolack joined the DMARC team in April 2013, and as Operations Manager he oversees different programs within the DMARC Food Pantry Network. Joe helped build the Mobile Food Pantry Program from its infancy. The Mobile Food Pantry Program has more than double in size since 2016. Joe enjoys helping lead DMARC’s frontline programs.
Joe attended Westwood College and Lewis University studying Criminal Justice. Joe relocated to Des Moines in 2012. While never seeing himself as an Iowan in the past Joe is now a proud transplant, with deep roots in Iowa.
Joe enjoys being ...
Staff Spotlight: Rev. Sarah Trone Garriott
The Rev. Sarah Trone Garriott joined DMARC in August 2017 as the Coordinator of Interfaith Engagement. Sarah works with the diverse faith communities of the greater Des Moines area to support the mission of DMARC, while also creating resources and opportunities to support faith communities in their work. Sarah also partners with The Comparison Project at Drake University in their efforts for interfaith awareness, dialogue, and scholarship.
As an AmeriCorps VISTA working for Northern New Mexico Legal Aid in Gallup, New Mexico, Sarah engaged community and faith leaders ...
