Current City/Town of Residence

Ames, Iowa

Tell us a little about yourself (e.g., your background, profession, hobbies).

I graduated from Simpson College in 2015 with a degree in Political Science. After exploring a career in politics in Washington D.C., I decided to move back to Iowa, make a change and dove into the IT field with a focus on Cybersecurity.

I have gained valuable experience protecting data and systems at several financial institutions, progressing to my current role as the Information Security Officer at the Ames National Corporation. In this position, I combine my problem-solving skills with a passion for digital security and leadership.

Outside of work, I enjoy a variety of hobbies. You can often find me cycling, playing video games, and exploring, shopping, and playing Pokemon Go on Main Street in Ames with my wife. I also believe in and enjoy giving back to the community through various boards and commissions I volunteer on.

Where did you grow up? What brought you here?

I grew up in Corwith, Iowa; essentially the definition of small town Iowa, and I knew that small town/farm life wasn’t for me.  After spending 3 years in Washington D.C. I wanted to move back to Iowa, but still wanted the city lifestyle and Ames offered absolutely everything I wanted!

How long have you lived in the area? What made you choose this community?

I have now lived in Ames for 8 years, and honestly, the community kind of chose me.  Ames has a great combination of small town vibes, with large town amenities, like an amazing Main Street, an incredibly diverse and eclectic range of things to do around town, and great people.

What do you love most about living here?

The passion and love people have for the community and community betterment.

What’s your favorite local spot (restaurant, park, event, etc.) and why?

Provisions Lot F- Great local restaurant, a rotating menu keeps things fresh, and the food is always amazing!
Burgie’s Coffee- One of many great local coffee shops in town!
Dog Eared Book’s- The most delightful and amazing indie book store I’ve ever been to!  Ask for a recommendation, I haven’t been steered wrong yet!

How have you gotten involved in the community (volunteering, events, groups, etc.)?

Yes, absolutely.  I am on the City of Ames Public Arts Commission, I sit on the Board of Directors for the Ames Foundation, I am also a member of the Ames Main Street Design and Beautification committee.  I am also a moderator and leader of the Central Iowa Pokemon Go group.

What does “quality of life” mean to you, and how have you found it here?

Quality of life to me simply means being content, there is no extra stressors in your life due to where or how you live, and Ames is perfect for that.  You can chill around town, or with friends, go to sports games, or read at a silent book club.  There’s really something for essentially everyone to find that contentedness.

What do you do for work or what are you passionate about professionally?

I work as the Information Security Officer & Cyber Security Engineer for the Ames National Corporation.  Meaning that I help lead and develop the Cyber Security Program for the company and affiliate community banks.

What advice would you give someone considering relocating to this area?

Do it!  There is a great and active business community, the people are fantastic, and the culture is deceptively deep for a city of this size!

Have you built meaningful relationships here? How did they come about?

Absolutely!  The relationships I’ve built have mostly been around being engaged in the community, just getting involved and being willing to say yes to opportunity has given me a huge boost in meaningful relationships around town.

What do you think makes this place special or unique compared to other places you’ve lived?

The small town vibes mixed with big city amenities.  There is a real sense of community that is missed out on in larger cities, but Ames still benefits from having all of the culture of a large city that makes that community so much more fun to enjoy!

What are you most excited about for the future—personally or for the community?

Being engaged, and building for the future- Ames has endless opportunity and it’s incredibly exciting to have even a small part in helping shape and develop that future!  No matter what you are in to, Ames probably has something you can be passionate about and you can grow that endlessly!

Is there a particular story or moment that represents your experience living here?

The summer downtown farmers market- a few weeks ago my wife and I decided to swing down to the Farmers Market “for a few minutes” to grab breakfast (seriously, try the Carlos Quesadilla breakfast burrito if you haven’t!).  We ran into 10 different people that we hadn’t seen for a while, and didn’t leave downtown for 3-4 hours because we just kept running into people and chatting, and even ended up getting lunch with some friends while downtown.  The effortless feeling of community is so ingrained in Ames, and fun things just happen!

Anything else you’d like to add?

Ames is a really fantastic play to live and work.  I’m constantly impressed by the communities resilience and its commitment to progress.  We have an incredible ability to collaborate, innovate, and build a diverse and inclusive community, regardless of external challenges.

Current City/Town of Residence

Ames

Tell us a little about yourself (e.g., your background, profession, hobbies).

HR Professional, formerly Finance professional. Live in North Ames by Ada Hayden where a lot of my hobbies reside. Iowa State fan, Ames Farmers market, dogs. Playing sports in town.

Where did you grow up? What brought you here?

Jefferson, IA. Employment and new opportunities brought me here.

How long have you lived in the area? What made you choose this community?

5 years – employment opportunities, Iowa State – campus town, beautiful housing

What do you love most about living here?

Ada Hayden, college town energy (ISU), city with a friendly feel that you can get in smaller towns. Tailgating.

What surprised you most about this community after moving here?

Ames Farmers Market. It’s my partner and I’s favorite now. It’s got something for everyone and it’s not congested.

What’s your favorite local spot (restaurant, park, event, etc.) and why?

Ada Hayden or Great Plains Pizza. The tailgates!

How have you gotten involved in the community (volunteering, events, groups, etc.)?

YSS mentor, Area YP

What does “quality of life” mean to you, and how have you found it here?

Quality of life means personal peace. Ames can be quiet and it can be energetic when you want it to be. If you want to blend in and observe, there’s plenty of ways to do so. If you want to stand out and be a part of things here there’s opportunities for that as well. Ames has brought me peace because I can blend in OR be a part of something whenever I want to be. It’s the city for every kind of person.

What do you do for work or what are you passionate about professionally?

Human Resources Professional. Passionate about people, and succeeding with people.

Has living here influenced or supported your career or goals? If so, how?

Yes. It takes a little bit more networking than say, DSM, but there are plenty of great opportunities here in many fields. You just have to do some digging.

What advice would you give someone considering relocating to this area?

Each year, you’ll find a few things that make you love Ames more. My partner didn’t know much about Ames prior to living here. Now, she’s fallen in love with Ames because every month she finds something new here that she really enjoys. Same goes for me. As Ames grows, so does my affection for it.

Have you built meaningful relationships here? How did they come about?

Yes. Often times, it just took saying hello and asking how people are doing. I’ve gained great friends here by just extending good energy.

How has this community impacted your personal or family life?

By attending things like ISU games, Farmers Market, ADA Hayden, tailgates, etc you spend time with your “neighbors”. You’ll find in Ames that your neighbors here care about this town and are proud of it. This community has provided me friends, a home, employment, and hobbies.

What do you think makes this place special or unique compared to other places you’ve lived?

College towns get a bad rep sometimes, but the energy and pride in Ames completely debunks that rep. Ames is clean, safe, and the people genuinely care about their home, here. Blend in or stand out! You’ll feel comfortable in either choice.

What are you most excited about for the future—personally or for the community?

Updates to Main St & CyTown, Ada Hayden trails. This shows that the city wants to grow and invest in what already makes it great.

Are there any dreams or goals you’re pursuing that you feel supported in here?

Growth in employment. I’ve gained connections and skills in Ames that have proven to aid me in growing as a person and professional.

Is there a particular story or moment that represents your experience living here?

I had lived here for 3 years prior to my partner moving here to live with me. I knew several great spots to eat, hang out, and activities to do. But once she moved here, seeing her growing love and excitement for Ames expanded my love and excitement for Ames. We found even more restaurants, hobbies, activities in Ames together. What Ames could offer me grew exponentially because I get to enjoy it with her and our friends here. Now we want to make this our forever home because we’ve seen how it’s grown and what’s it’s growing to and we want to be a part of it all.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Ames is the city for everyone. Love it

Current City/Town of Residence

Ames

Tell us a little about yourself (e.g., your background, profession, hobbies).

I’m originally from Ukraine and moved to the U.S. a few years ago. I’ve been working as a cook and recently became a co-owner of a Ukrainian bakery. I’m passionate about sharing my culture through food, love experimenting with recipes, and enjoy being part of my local community.

Where did you grow up? What brought you here?

I grew up in Ukraine and moved to the U.S. during the war. What brought me here was the hope of living a safer, better life, building my future, and having the freedom to just live my life.

How long have you lived in the area? What made you choose this community?

I moved to Ames in 2024, Iowa State University brought me here.

What do you love most about living here?

It’s such a unique experience to live in a student town. During the semester, Ames is full of energy and life, and in the summer it becomes so quiet and peaceful. Seeing all the young faces and feeling their active vibe makes you feel young too.

What’s your favorite local spot (restaurant, park, event, etc.) and why?

I love so many local spots—The Café, Provisions—but of course my favorite is Piece and Freedom Bakery, where I’m a co-owner. The food is what I grew up with, and the desserts aren’t overly sweet. It feels like sharing a piece of my childhood, and that makes it really special.

How have you gotten involved in the community (volunteering, events, groups, etc.)?

I’ve gotten involved through our bakery, also at the farmers’ market and by participating in local events. It’s been a great way to meet people, share our Ukrainian food and culture, and feel part of the Ames community.

Has living here influenced or supported your career or goals? If so, how?

Yes, absolutely. The Ames community is so friendly, open to new things, and incredibly supportive. Their encouragement makes me feel confident about my path and inspires me to keep sharing my culture and food.

What advice would you give someone considering relocating to this area?

You should find what you really like, and this place will help you make it real.

What do you think makes this place special or unique compared to other places you’ve lived?

First of all – people. Ames community is so respectful and open to everyone.

Are there any dreams or goals you’re pursuing that you feel supported in here?

Yes, one of the dreams I’m pursuing here is sharing Ukrainian traditions, food, and culture through our bakery. I want to create a unique experience for the Ames community, where they can not only enjoy our baked goods but also get a sense of Ukrainian heritage and hospitality. I feel supported in this goal because the team and the community have been encouraging and receptive to our vision.

Is there a particular story or moment that represents your experience living here?

I was really worried about my first time at the Farmers Market. We brought Ukrainian food, and I wasn’t sure if people would accept it or be willing to try it. Just in case, I also brought cinnamon rolls—and you know what happened? One guy came into our tent and said, ‘Why do you have cinnamon rolls? I thought I could find something Ukrainian here.’ That’s when I realized that people are open to trying something new. It was amazing!

Current City/Town of Residence

Ames

Tell us a little about yourself (e.g., your background, profession, hobbies).

I feel very fortunate to call Ames home. It is a beautiful community full of smart, kind, and welcoming people. I work at ISU as a Biology Teaching Laboratory Coordinator. My favorite things about living in Ames are the energy of the campus community, ISU athletics, and the public school and city programs for youth.

Where did you grow up? What brought you here?

I grew up in Grand Rapids Michigan. I moved to New Hampshire and Tennessee for college, and moved to Ames in 2016. MY family moved here after my wife was offered a tenure-track faculty position in the Department of World Languages and Cultures at ISU.

How long have you lived in the area? What made you choose this community?

This upcoming spring will mark 10 years for our family in Ames. We feel very connected in our community. We are supported by friends and colleauges, and love watching our kids grow up in an environment where they also feel safe, accepted, and free to have fun.

What do you love most about living here?

My favorite part about living in Ames is being part of the campus community. We live on the edge of campus, and love being able to feel like we live where we work. ISU is a great school that brings in students from all over the world, and we really like living and working in a community that makes us feel valued, and part of something bigger than what we could do on our own.

What surprised you most about this community after moving here?

I was most surprised my the City of Ames Parks and Recreation programs. With 4 young kids, the programs were really impressive and diverse, giving us tons of options for extra curricular activities outside the typical club sports teams in Ames.

What’s your favorite local spot (restaurant, park, event, etc.) and why?

Alluvial Brewing Company. The vibes are always just right, the beer is top notch, and you can always find interesting and welcoming people up there.

How have you gotten involved in the community (volunteering, events, groups, etc.)?

I served on the Old Town Neighborhood Associating for a few years. I also volunteered for a few years with the KHOI local radio station. I am a musician and have been playing live music in Ames since moving here. I am exceptionally grateful for my band of local musicians, The Iowa No Mountain Boys. We have been playing together since 2020, and love getting to play various live music venues in Ames

What does “quality of life” mean to you, and how have you found it here?

Quality of life to me describes the perfect mix of feeling productive and valued professionally, welcomed and supported in your community, and well provided with access to affordable basic human needs such as healthcare, housing, food, and transportation. From my last 10 years living in Ames, all of these aspects have been well addressed. Ames is a fantastic place to live, work, and raise a family, and I’m proud to call it home.

What do you do for work or what are you passionate about professionally?

I work as a Biology Teaching Lab Coordinator at Iowa State University. I love getting to introduce our incoming cyclone scientists to the vast biodiversity of our living world. I have a passion for teaching, and making an impact in the classroom is an easy way to feel purposeful in my profession.

Has living here influenced or supported your career or goals? If so, how?

Absolutely. ISU is a world-renowned university, and a great employer. I love working on campus, and I have endless opportunities to make a difference in our students’ lives.

What advice would you give someone considering relocating to this area?

Come for a weekend! Catch a sports event, walk around campus, visit the unique and fantastic local shopping and dining amenities. Check out some of our great parks. You will see quite quickly, that Ames has everything to offer. Big city feel, with small town community.

Have you built meaningful relationships here? How did they come about?

We have the best group of friends here in Ames. All the connections came about very naturally. We have had great luck meting people at work, through youth events, or at community spaces who share similar interests, and have now become life-long friends.

How has this community impacted your personal or family life?

I can’t think of a much better living situation to raise a family. Ames is affordable, has access to great pediatricians and child health care, and has a very impressive public school system. My kids are happy and healthy living in Ames. Go Little Cyclones!

What are you most excited about for the future—personally or for the community?

I’m most looking forward to continued  community ammenities being constructed here in ames. Examples would be the Ames family aquatic center, the CyTown business and enteratinment district, and the Linc business development on Lincoln way.

Anything else you’d like to add?

We love living in Ames. I don’t think we ever imagined our family living anywhere in the state of Iowa, but after our first visit it was very clear that this was the right move for us. Ames is home for us, and we are very happy being here. Now we just need to get our families to move here as well!

Current City/Town of Residence

Ames

Tell us a little about yourself (e.g., your background, profession, hobbies).

I’ve lived in Ames for 28 years, and it’s truly become home. I’m originally from Kenya, but this community has been such a big part of my life. I’ve worked at Mary Greeley Medical Center for 26 years, and I really enjoy being part of a team that makes a difference every day.

Outside of work, I love to travel, hike, and swim, and I’m a proud mom of two wonderful boys who keep life fun and full of adventure. I really enjoy connecting with people, exploring new places, and being part of the community here in Ames.

Where did you grow up? What brought you here?

I grew up in Kenya and lived there through high school. At the time, my sister was pursuing her Ph.D. at Iowa State University, and that’s what led me to move to Ames to continue my education.

How long have you lived in the area? What made you choose this community?

I have lived in Ames for 28 Years! Initially I did not know much about Ames.. I moved here beautiful my sister was here.. however I chose to stay in Ames because I felt welcomed and peaceful place — a community that safe, supportive, and full of opportunity. What started as a move for education quickly became so much more. I’ve now lived here for 28 years, and I truly can’t imagine calling anywhere else home.

What do you love most about living here?

What I love most about living in Ames is the strong sense of community and how welcoming everyone is. It’s a safe, friendly place where people genuinely care for one another. I also love how convenient it is — Ames is close to so many places, and there are plenty of beautiful trails and parks to enjoy. It still has that small-town feel, yet it offers so much diversity, culture, and opportunity, especially with Iowa State nearby. Over the years, Ames has given me lasting friendships, a wonderful place to raise my boys, and countless memories that make it feel like home in every way.

What surprised you most about this community after moving here?

Coming from Kenya, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but people here went out of their way to make me feel included and cared for. I was also pleasantly surprised by how diverse and connected the community is — despite being a smaller city, there’s a real sense of belonging and togetherness. And of course, I was amazed by how beautiful and peaceful it is, with all the trails, parks, and green spaces that make it easy to enjoy the outdoors. Ames truly has a special warmth that makes you feel at home right away.

How have you gotten involved in the community (volunteering, events, groups, etc.)?

I’ve been fortunate to get involved in the Ames community in many meaningful ways over the years. I regularly volunteer at Food at First, helping serve meals and organize groups from different organizations like Team Kenya and Mary Greeley HR/Education to give back together. I also enjoy taking part in local events and cultural activities, especially those that bring people together from diverse backgrounds.

Beyond volunteering, I love connecting with others through faith-based and women’s groups, where we share encouragement, prayer, and support for one another. Being part of these efforts has helped me build wonderful friendships and deepened my appreciation for the kindness and unity that make Ames so special.

What does “quality of life” mean to you, and how have you found it here?

To me, quality of life means having peace of mind, a sense of belonging, and being surrounded by people who genuinely care. It’s about feeling safe, supported, and having balance — time for family, work, faith, and community.

Here in Ames, I’ve truly found that. The people are warm and welcoming, the community is safe and connected, and there are so many opportunities to grow, give back, and enjoy life. I love the beautiful trails, open spaces, and family-friendly activities that make it easy to stay active and engaged. Most of all, Ames has given me a place where I can raise my boys, build friendships, and feel at home in every sense.

Has living here influenced or supported your career or goals? If so, how?

Absolutely — living in Ames has had a big influence on both my career and personal growth. Being part of this community has given me stability, support, and opportunities to grow within Mary Greeley Medical Center, where I’ve worked for 26 years. The environment here values education, service, and community, which has really encouraged me to keep learning and stay connected to others.

What advice would you give someone considering relocating to this area?

I would tell anyone considering moving to Ames that they’re choosing a wonderful community to call home. It’s a friendly, safe, and welcoming place where people truly look out for one another. Whether you’re coming for school, work, or to start a family, you’ll find a strong sense of belonging and connection here.

Have you built meaningful relationships here? How did they come about?

Living in Ames has truly enriched my life in so many ways. I’m very connected with international students, and over the years, my home has become a home away from home for many of them. Welcoming students, sharing meals, and learning from each other’s cultures has been such a blessing.

How has this community impacted your personal or family life?

This community has had a tremendous impact on my personal and family life. Ames has given me a safe, supportive place to raise my two boys, surrounded by caring people and great opportunities. Over the years, we’ve built friendships that have become like extended family, and that sense of connection means so much, especially being far from home in Kenya.

The kindness, inclusiveness, and genuine warmth of this community have made such a difference in our lives. Whether through school, church, or volunteering, we’ve always felt welcomed and valued. Ames has truly shaped who we are — it’s where my children have grown up, and where I’ve grown both personally and spiritually. It’s more than just where we live; it’s home in every sense of the word.

What are you most excited about for the future—personally or for the community?

I’m most excited about the growth and diversity I see continuing to blossom here in Ames. This community keeps welcoming new people, ideas, and cultures, and I love seeing how that brings us all closer together. I’m especially hopeful about opportunities for connection, mentorship, and inclusion, particularly for students and families who are new to the area — that’s something very close to my heart.

Is there a particular story or moment that represents your experience living here?

One moment that really captures my experience in Ames was when a group of international students I had welcomed over the years surprised me with a dinner to say thank you. My home has become a home away from home for many, and that evening reminded me how deeply connected and caring this community is. Even far from Kenya, I’ve found family here — and that’s what makes Ames so special to me.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Living in Ames has truly been a blessing. It’s a warm, welcoming community with so much to enjoy — from the beautiful parks and trails like Ada Hayden and Brookside, to Reiman Gardens, the farmers market, and the Ames Public Library. I love the balance of small-town charm with the opportunities that come from being close to Iowa State University.

Ames has given me friendships, peace, and purpose, and I’m grateful to call it home.

Current City/Town of Residence

Ames

Tell us a little about yourself (e.g., your background, profession, hobbies).

I grew up on a farm in Northwest Iowa.  Following high school I started my undergraduate degree in Fashion Design at Iowa State University.  After graduating, I moved to Columbus, Ohio to work for Abercrombie & Fitch.  I spent 4 years working in fashion design for Abercrombie before making a career jump to my current role as a Recruitment & Outreach Coordinator for Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa.  Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my nieces.  I am very creative by nature so enjoy all things arts & crafts, sewing, painting, etc.  I also enjoy reading, gardening or really anything outside, thrifting, and traveling.

Where did you grow up? What brought you here?

Early, IA – which is a very tiny town in Northwest Iowa.  I moved to Ames when I started my undergrad at Iowa State.

How long have you lived in the area? What made you choose this community?

I lived here for 4 years while completing my undergrad, then moved away for 4 years, and just recently moved back in June.  I chose to move back to Ames specifically because this city truly has everything I need.  One of my sisters lives here which was of course the first big draw to move back to Ames, but there were also so many other reasons I was so attracted to moving back here.  It is a small enough community that I see people I know when I am out and about, but also big enough to have great restaurants and shopping, a plethora of opportunities to volunteer, and so many events and activities throughout the city that I knew I would never get bored.  Not only that, there is an incredibly strong young professionals group within Ames that I have already made so many friends and connections from.  While I loved my time living in Columbus, Ohio, these were all the things I was missing and craving during my time there.  I knew my heart was being called somewhere that felt more like home, and Ames has been just the place for that.

What do you love most about living here?

THE PEOPLE.  There is something so special about the people of Ames.  While it is a small(er) city, it is as strong and mighty as they come.  The opportunities for entertainment, volunteering, and professional development are endless.

What surprised you most about this community after moving here?

Growing up in a town with a population of around 250 people, I thought Ames was going to feel HUGE when I first moved here.  And although it took a few weeks to adjust, I quickly realized it has some of those wonderful small town qualities that I love so dearly.  I love that I see people I know when I am at the grocery store, or that I see the CEO of my company at the gym (well maybe I don’t love this because I usually look like a wreck) but seeing familiar faces in the community makes this community feel so homey and welcoming.

What’s your favorite local spot (restaurant, park, event, etc.) and why?

El Aztec and Hickory Park are my favorite restaurants
Ames Farmers Market is one of my favorite summer activities.

How have you gotten involved in the community (volunteering, events, groups, etc.)?

I recently joined the AREA Young Professionals Group, which has provided valuable opportunities to build connections with other emerging leaders in the community. Through this group, I’ve been able to participate in networking events, professional development activities, and community volunteer initiatives. It’s been a great way to expand my network, give back locally, and grow both personally and professionally alongside other young professionals.

What does “quality of life” mean to you, and how have you found it here?

Work life balance!!  I think its incredibly important to have a job you love so that going to work doesn’t feel like “work”, while also balancing that with time spent doing the things you love. For me its spending time with my family, volunteering in the community, and de-compressing with my hobbies.

What do you do for work or what are you passionate about professionally?

I work at Mary Greeley Medical Center in the Human Resources Department as the Recruitment & Outreach Coordinator.  I coordinate recruitment and outreach for MGMC, focusing on engaging high school and college students in healthcare careers. I organize career fairs, presentations, and events, manage social media outreach, and support departments with their hiring needs. My role is all about building relationships, promoting healthcare opportunities, and strengthening our employer brand.

Has living here influenced or supported your career or goals? If so, how?

Absolutely, and I’ve only been here a short time. A big part of my job is connecting with educators, students, and professionals in the community. Because Ames is a smaller city, it’s been much easier to build those connections than it would be in a larger place. What stands out most is how supportive people are—professionals here are generous with their time and willing to help you move forward in your career. And if they can’t personally help, they’ll connect you with someone who can.

What advice would you give someone considering relocating to this area?

I’d say come with an open mind and be ready to get involved. Ames has a welcoming, close-knit community where it’s easy to build connections if you put yourself out there. Take advantage of the local events, networking opportunities, and the genuine willingness of people here to support one another – it’s a great place to grow personally and professionally. Ames has so much more to offer than you would expect! In my opinion it’s the hidden treasure of Central Iowa.

How has this community impacted your personal or family life?

This community has made me feel at home very quickly. People here are welcoming, supportive, and genuinely invested in one another’s well-being. It’s given me a strong sense of belonging, and that has made both my personal and professional life feel more grounded.

What do you think makes this place special or unique compared to other places you’ve lived?

What makes this place unique is the balance between opportunity and community. In larger cities, it can be harder to make genuine connections, but here people are approachable, collaborative, and truly invested in helping each other succeed. It feels like a place where you can grow your career while also building meaningful relationships and a real sense of belonging.

What are you most excited about for the future—personally or for the community?

I’m most excited to finally settle down and build my life here. For the past nine years, I haven’t been living in what felt like my ‘forever’ city, and that can be difficult. Now, I’m looking forward to planting roots, getting more involved, and really becoming part of this community’s future.