Janessa Calderon, Executive Director

Greater Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce (GQCHCC)

The driven, 26-year-old native of Muscatine, Iowa, is the new executive director (and the youngest Latina in the job) of the Greater Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce (GQCHCC). After more than two years working for the nonprofit, the board promoted Calderon to the position – its only paid staff — effective Dec. 1, 2020.

Calderon has served several leadership roles for the Hispanic Chamber since 2018 — beginning as the programs and events manager and growing into the membership engagement coordinator in 2019. As executive director, one of her priorities is to be the hub of resources for any level of the chamber’s business members.

She also has been involved with the chamber of by leading volunteer panels such as their Membership Engagement Committee, Ambassador Committee, Marketing Committee, and annual Gala Committee.

Calderon is a lifelong resident of the Midwest and graduated from St. Ambrose University – with a bachelor’s in strategic communications, then earning her Master of Organizational Leadership degree from the College of Business in 2019.

After getting her undergraduate degree, she worked from 2017-18 for St. Ambrose as a Hispanic outreach admissions counselor, working to increase Hispanic enrollment at the private Davenport school.

That’s where she met the Hispanic chamber, which was “very welcoming,” Calderon said Monday. “They introduced me to everyone in the community, which is kind of how this whole thing started.”

To become a member or to learn more about the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming events, programs and initiatives, visit www.gqchcc.com.

(Article from QuadCities.com)

Maria Corona, Ph.D., Executive Director

Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Dr. Maria Corona has joined the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) as the executive director. In this position, Dr. Corona will use her extensive experience of community organizing,  advocacy and passion for social and racial justice to continue the transformation of domestic violence services and response in Iowa to create the conditions where every person can thrive.

With a unique and intersecting perspective, Dr. Corona brings a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience to this role. Prior to joining ICADV, she was awarded the prestigious Mid-Iowa Health Foundation HealthConnect Fellowship to support her dissertation project and bold system change ideas. She worked as a research assistant four years for the Child Welfare Research Training Project (CWRTP) and in several Iowa State University Extension and Outreach research programs. The bedrock of her research, policy and systems change emphasis were influenced by working as a Diversity Outreach Coordinator and advocate for survivors of domestic violence at Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support (ACCESS).

Dr. Corona received her Bachelor of Science degree in Women’s Studies and International Studies; Master’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences; and her PhD in Human Development and Family Studies; all from Iowa State University.

Outside of her extensive professional and educational background, Dr. Corona is an avid supporter and volunteer for a variety of organizations serving communities across Iowa. These include Immigrant Allies of Marshalltown, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC of Iowa), Dream Iowa, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Ames Sanctuary Interfaith Partners (ASIP), and Al Exito. In 2020, the Association of American Colleges & Universities named Dr. Corona a recipient of the K. Patricia Cross Futures Leaders Award, thereby earning her national recognition for her academic and civic responsibility and contributions. 

Noemi Mendez, Executive Director

Latina Leadership Initiative

Noemi Mendez’s education background consists of a BA in Elementary Education with a concentration in K-6 General Education Classroom Teacher, Early Childhood, K-8 Reading. K-12 English Language Learner, a Ed.S. in Literacy and Administration, additionally an MSE in PK-12 Principal / Special Education Supervisor and Evaluator.

She is  currently serving in the Des Moines Public School District as an ELL Curriculum Coordinator and now the Executive Director for LLI on a part-time basis.

Noemi has had the opportunity to teach internationally in China Shijiazhuang Foreign Language Education Group, and in Africa in rural Ghana through the program The Move Projectttt Academy. Where she delivered professional development to educators in TSIPASI. Noemi is also very involved with the community in Des Moines, partnering up with the Des Moines Police Department as a Community Ambassador. With CAP (Community Ambassador Program), Noemi volunteers her time with various events throughout the year supporting the community. 

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