Our Stories
Hear how Project Iowa has led people on all walks of life through self-exploration to find (or rediscover) their purpose and towards discovering fulfilling, stable careers.
Wanda Price
In July of 2025, I experienced something that many people face at some point in their careers—I was laid off due to budget cuts. Even though I understood the reasons behind the decision, the sudden loss of stability was difficult. It forced me into a
Wanda's StoryStories of us
Read stories of resilience, inspiration, and determination.
Clifford Salmond
Cultivating Careers Graduate
A Journey of Resilience and Renewal Clifford Salmond is one of the first participants to go through Project IOWA’s programming. He graduated in February 2013, and has had many successes along the way. Clifford, a veteran of the criminal justice system who was incarcerated on drug-related charges.
Selma
Cultivating Careers Graduate
Selma Vital is a graduate from Project IOWA’s Cultivating Careers program. She is currently employed at The University of Iowa as an Academic Advisor. Tell us a little bit about yourself. I am a Brazilian living outside of my country since 1998, and besides the United States
Brooklyn Andrews
Social Media & Marketing Intern
My name is Brooklyn Andrews, I am 17-years-old, and recently graduated from East High School. I am the Social Media and Marketing intern for Project Iowa. When I first found out about the YouthWorks program I was very excited to learn about how to promote an
Lisa Knopf
Cultivating Careers Graduate
Lisa's Story
Tia Bolden
Cultivating Careers Graduate
When did you participate in Project Iowa’s program Cultivating Careers? Summer of 2021 Current Employment Accountant, Oakridge Neighborhood Why did you participate? For a better understanding of self and to hopefully change careers. Describe your experience with Project Iowa and working through the program. Five words I would use would
Tia's Story
Rachel Gai
Cultivating Careers Graduate
Tell us a little bit about yourself. My name is Rachel Gai and I have four years’ experience in digital marketing, including storytelling, content creation, and social media marketing. I recently graduated with a degree in Business Marketing from Iowa State University with a minor
Rachel's Story