Torrie Townsell

Meet Torrie Townsell: YouthWorks Coordinator, Supermom, and All-Around Powerhouse

If there were an Olympic event for juggling responsibilities, Torrie Townsell would take home the gold—twice. As Project Iowa’s YouthWorks Coordinator, she spends her days empowering young people and guiding them toward career success. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Torrie is also a mother of seven, a devoted wife, a weightlifting enthusiast, a sky-photo-taking aficionado, and a woman who somehow manages to stay sane amidst the beautiful chaos of it all.

Born and raised in Des Moines, Torrie’s journey has been anything but ordinary. As a survivor of the system and a former teen mom, she has faced challenges that could have easily held her back—but instead, they made her stronger. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Simpson College while working full-time and raising three kids on her own. (If that doesn’t deserve a standing ovation, what does?) Today, she channels that same resilience into her work, helping young people see their potential and understand that success isn’t about where you start—it’s about where you’re headed.

When she’s not busy shaping the next generation of leaders, you can find Torrie traveling, relaxing, making candles, getting facials, walking, and eating delicious food—because self-care is key when you have a small army of children at home. Oh, and let’s not forget one of her biggest talents: capturing stunning photos of the sky, proving that even in the busiest moments, she always finds time to appreciate life’s beauty.

At Project Iowa, Torrie takes immense pride in watching her students grow. Whether they’re acing their internships, overcoming self-doubt, or figuring out how to send a professional email (yes, it must have a subject line!), she celebrates every victory. Her ability to connect with students—part mentor, part cheerleader, part no-nonsense “you’ve got this” coach—makes her an irreplaceable part of the team.

When asked if she believes in Project Iowa’s mission, she doesn’t hesitate: 100%. To Torrie, meaningful employment isn’t just about earning a paycheck—it’s about building confidence, stability, and a life filled with purpose. She knows firsthand how one opportunity, one person believing in you, can change everything. That’s why she shows up every day, determined to be that person for someone else.

So, whether she’s coaching students, lifting weights, capturing the perfect sunset, or attempting to keep up with seven kids’ schedules, Torrie does it all with passion, humor, and a heart for making a difference. If you haven’t met her yet, just know this—once you do, you’ll walk away feeling inspired… and possibly rethinking your entire productivity level.