Discussion Group: Engaging Mutual Aid and New Nonprofits

Zuli Garcia - Knock and Drop Iowa will be a panelist. In 2020, Zuli saw a need in the Lantix community in Des Moines, and she began a local small project to help provide food and essential items for the Latinx community. This small project then turned into Knock and Drop Iowa. As the organization has grown, they now work with other organizations to help build relationships between communities. The organization has grown significantly in the last two years and Zuli will be able to provide her experience on starting from an idea to providing support to thousands of Iowans through Knock and Drop Iowa.

Shekinah Young - LadyLike DSM will be a panelist. In late 2016, a group of friends wanted to attend a conference that focused on goal setting for the upcoming year, but they wanted one geared toward Black Women. After seeing they would need to spend more money than they'd like, they decided to start working on an idea to host a conference right here in central Iowa. Over the last few years, they have hosted various events and have grown to support several local Black Women-owned businesses. Having started PowHer Hour, PowHer Bruch, and Sip and Shop Grant, Shekinah will be able to offer her experience contributing to the growth of LadyLike DSM.