Diana Wright

Startup community builder, Greater Des Moines Partnership

Age: 33

Reasons she is a Forty: She is generous with her deep network and continually works to provide unique value to the people she’s connected with. She fights for clarity and unity in places where there was previously division and dissent. She provides resources where helpful and is thoughtful about designing solutions for the long term. Recently, she has been the team champion for a Central Iowa group of stakeholders participating in the two-year MIT REAP program. Outside of work, she volunteers her time serving on the boards of Pi515 and the Des Moines Music Coalition. It’s not uncommon to find her meeting with an entrepreneur or young person in the community during her free time at a coffee shop around town. 

What are your goals in your role at your company? My goals as a startup community builder are unique. I get to work with entrepreneurs and help them speed up success while working with many stakeholders to ensure we have the ingredients for a vibrant entrepreneurial community. 

What are your goals for your community involvement? I love to be part of teams that have a big vision. I'm excited about the work Pi515 is doing to create pathways for the next generation of youth and leaders to create their own success. Likewise, the Des Moines Music Coalition's work is focused on strengthening the local music economy and positioning Des Moines as the "music city of the Midwest." 

What's your biggest passion, and why? I'm passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and growing vibrant cities and small towns. I love to see transformative projects and businesses that create a sense of community pride and are good for the environment.  

What is it that drives you? I come from a family of small business owners and entrepreneurs who taught me to develop curiosity, which lent me the confidence to create and solve problems. My drive comes directly from working with entrepreneurs and people who want to solve the issues and find the opportunity to build real, impactful businesses in our region and Iowa.  

What are your future aspirations? I'd love to see a community impact fund for entrepreneurship development that entrepreneurs and organizations can use to support entrepreneurs, whether it be seed funding, events, program initiatives or community-building. With the long game in mind, we should think of ways to support the small business and startup community, so we continue to shout that this “must be the place” to start something and build a business. 

Three hobbies: Love to golf, be outside in nature, and support the local arts and live music scene.  

Fun fact: She once got locked in an Irish pub with Mumford and Sons after attending one of their early concert tours across Ireland (2010). It was an evening to remember and a sign of her good luck.  

One word to describe you: Connector. 

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional?

Get comfortable charting your own course rather than be hindered by traditional ways of working. Do come up with ideas based on how things can be done differently. Start something you’re passionate about, and know there is a community here of other kindred spirits who want to support you and see you be successful.  

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address?

"You stand for what you tolerate" is a quote I recently read that I believe is critical for everyone to assess in business, relationships and politics. Whether it be ethical entrepreneurship, leaving the environment better than you found it or treating people with kindness and understanding —  we all have work to do to ensure we are creating vibrant communities now and that can withstand time.  

Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? 

I'm grateful to have mentors and allies in this community, and appreciate all who nominated me from my team at the Greater DSM Partnership and all who wrote letters of support. It means a lot.