ImpactCR
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With ImpactCR, young professionals don’t just come to exchange business cards; they come to create opportunities for learning and development, support civic engagement and to cultivate the future business and community leaders of Cedar Rapids. For over 15 years, ImpactCR has aimed to empower young professionals to discover their “why” and provide them the tools to act on it and create a lasting, positive impact on their community.
Traditionally, our members are between the ages of 20 and 40 years old, however, we welcome professionals who are “young at heart,” and of all industries, skill sets and specialties. Our vision is a dynamic, inclusive and diverse community where young professionals want to live, work and play. All events and programming are free of charge, and made possible by the generous sponsorships of the following companies:
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ImpactCR is a program of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance.
Young Professionals
Build your CR Legacy:
ImpactCR is the best way to connect with other young professionals, engage with the community, and gain skills to succeed in your career. From recurring after work socials to engaging events with our area’s top business leaders, find the right connections in the heart of Cedar Rapids and leave a lasting impact. Even if you’ve lived here your entire life, you might be surprised by the access you’ll gain through ImpactCR. Did we mention getting involved is free?
Sign up for the ImpactCR Newsletter
Employers
Getting your YP employees involved in the community is a key component in employee retention. ImpactCR is a great place to begin having your employees get involved in our community, building their own network, finding volunteer opportunities and experiencing what makes our community great!
Want to discuss how best to get new or existing YPs involved?
Contact us below!
Community Partners
Partnering with ImpactCR:
ImpactCR is the best way to connect with other young professionals, engage with the community, and gain skills to succeed in your career. From recurring after work socials to engaging events with our area’s top business leaders, find the right connections in the heart of Cedar Rapids and leave a lasting impact. Even if you’ve lived here your entire life, you might be surprised by the access you’ll gain through ImpactCR. Did we mention getting involved is free?
Events
These are just a few of the events ImpactCR hosts annually, and all are free to the young professional community.
Siren Wednesdays
Grab a friend and join us for an after work social on the first Wednesday of each month (listen for the Sirens!) to develop your professional network, meet new people, and engage with community organizations in a relaxed environment.
Big Wig Lunch Talk (BLT)
Join us for lunch and hear from Cedar Rapids’ top community and business leaders as they share their unique leadership story.
Leadership Roundtable
Pull up a seat at the table for intimate conversations with several business leaders, public officials, and industry experts *If you have a leader in the community you would like to hear speak or meet, use our contact form below.
Meet the Board
Board members apply and are selected for two-year terms. They meet monthly and represent the greater YP community from a wide spectrum of businesses, backgrounds and passions. If you are a member of the YP community, consider applying and advocate for your vision of Cedar Rapids and how to get there. There is no financial obligation to join this board. Contact us to sign up to be notified once applications open in Fall of 2023.
Kayla Hesseltine (Chair)
PayProp
My favorite thing to do in Cedar Rapids is go to the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Markets in the summer or grabbing afternoon drinks.
Carissa Johnson
Boujee Picnic
There are so many opportunities in Cedar Rapids to get connected and be involved in making our city great. From job opportunities to YP's serving on boards, it seems like nothing is out of reach for anyone. I like to have business meetings locally at Dash Coffee in Kingston Village.
Megan Johnson
Boys and Girls Club
Catherine VanDraska
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Cindy Stier
First Interstate Bank
Lindsay Handy
Sheets Forrest Draper Insurance
There are so many opportunities for children here in Cedar Rapids. I enjoy volunteering and giving back. My go-to restaurants here are Villas Patio and Mix Sushi.
Ashley Burns
Mercy Medical Center
Sam Hammes
Gallagher Insurance
Cedar Rapids is a great place to live and work. I like to spend as much time as I can outdoors, volunteering, and staying active so you'll usually find me hunting, fishing, boating, attending an athletic event, or going to a concert. My favorite restaurants are LP Street Food and Taste of India.
John Suchy
Northwestern Mutual
I came to the University of Iowa for college and ended up falling in love with the people #IowaNice. I had an amazing experience getting familiar with the corridor and the surrounding communities. I look forward to giving back to the communities that have given me so much over the years. My favorite local restaurant is Need Pizza, because I’m always in need of pizza!
Jade Ploessl
Women Lead Change
