Meet Stacey Robles, DEI Program Manager at the Greater DM Partnership
When Stacey Robles was in third grade, she moved from Chicago to Des Moines with her mom, dad, and little brother. They lived in a predominantly Latino area of Chicago, and Stacey’s school was taught in Spanish, with only one hour a day to learn English. Many of their relatives had immigrated from Mexico to the city, but the Robles family made a difficult decision to leave. They were searching for better opportunities and a safer environment for their growing family. Her parents considered moving to Texas but decided on Des Moines because they preferred to live in a climate with four seasons. Des Moines offered city life but at a quieter pace than Chicago. After a relative in Des Moines encouraged them to visit, they knew it was the right place for their family. As the family settled into life in Iowa, there was much to do and learn, and they all jumped in headfirst.
Stacey and her brother, Jose, were bussed across town to the southside to a swing school as their neighborhood elementary school near the State Capitol was being rebuilt. Her parents, Ezequiel and Esmeralda, found jobs to support their family. Ezequiel worked two jobs, and Esmeralda worked overnight shifts. When they arrived in Des Moines, the family didn’t speak English but knew learning was important. “I watched my parents struggle as they navigated systems they didn’t understand in a language they were still learning. As I picked up English at school, my parents worked alongside me, learning too,” recalled Stacey.
After several years, the family moved to Melcher-Dallas where Stacey attended high school. She worked hard and began taking college classes her junior year and graduated a semester early in 2010. “From a young age, I knew that doors that once seemed closed would be opened by going to college. As I grew older, I realized that I wanted to graduate, to not only achieve my own dreams but to give my parents the opportunity to see themselves reflected in me when I walked across the stage to receive my degree,” explained Stacey. After high school, Stacey enrolled at DMACC in Ankeny to take her general education courses. Stacey and her mom toured the campus at Simpson College in Indianola and talked with a transfer counselor about what Stacey envisioned for her future. “She walked us through how my credits would transfer and answered all of our questions. After leaving that appointment, I knew immediately that Simpson was the place I wanted to be. I wanted to attend a college where I felt like I belonged and where my family could also feel part of the experience,” said Stacey.
As a child, Stacey wanted to be a police officer when she grew up. During college, she had the opportunity to intern with the Des Moines Police Department and realized it wasn’t the path for her. “Instead, I found that I was more drawn to the restorative and preventative sides of the justice system. This experience led me to explore working with various nonprofit organizations in Des Moines. Through this work, I discovered how much I love helping people, not just to better my own community, but to make Des Moines an even better place for everyone,” explained Stacey.
Stacey met some of her closest friends at Simpson through the Multicultural Club and TRIO Student Support Services. This federally funded program provides academic support, cultural activities, and personal development programming to traditionally underserved populations. These first-generation, low-income, and/or differently abled students often face barriers in higher education. Between studying and working part-time, Stacey made time to be as involved as she could on campus.
In December 2013, Stacey’s family proudly watched her graduate from Simpson College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, a double major in Spanish and Criminal Justice, and a minor in Political Science. Shortly after graduation, Stacey worked at her former elementary school, Capitol View, as the Community School Coordinator, where she established a clothing closet, a food pantry, and a laundromat on-site for students and their families. “This role was particularly meaningful to me, as it was a full-circle experience, returning to the school I once attended, but now as a staff member,” remarked Stacey.
Stacey went on to join Iowa Workforce Development as a Migrant and Seasonal Farmwork Outreach Specialist. She focused on providing outreach to farm workers in southeast Iowa and educating them on their rights, contracts, and local resources. She collaborated with local agricultural businesses and offered guidance on working with migrant workers. As she gained more knowledge about migrant workers, she transitioned into the role of Foreign Labor Advisor for the State of Iowa. She ensured the state complied with all federal H-2A and H-2B visa program regulations. This role allowed her to serve as the liaison between the federal government and the state, which broadened her understanding of workforce policies and programs.
In May 2024, Stacey reached another goal and completed her Master’s in Business Administration and earned a Leadership Certificate.
Currently, Stacey is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Manager at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, an organization focused on economic and community development. “We have over 400 investors and an Affiliate Chambers of Commerce network with more than 6,700 Members, making us the third-largest regional chamber in the country. At The Partnership, we believe it’s crucial for people to feel welcomed in their workplace. We help organizations learn best practices for creating inclusive, healthy environments for people from all backgrounds. One of our core focuses is talent attraction and development, and our DEI initiatives play a key role in supporting those efforts to attract and retain talent,” explained Stacey.
In just over a year, Stacey's role has included hosting events such as the annual Inclusion Summit, Inclusion Awards, and Multicultural Receptions. She also represents the organization and Greater Des Moines region in the Regional Inclusive Growth Network, a collaborative learning and action network hosted by Brookings Metro. She was recently recognized as the Bankers Trust 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree.
When asked what Stacey enjoyed most about her job as DEI Program Manager, she stated, “There are so many things I love about my job, but what I enjoy most is working together to make our region even better. Our region has so much to offer, not just for businesses but also for the people who call it home. This role has also given me the chance to learn more about the area and discover all the places I still have left to explore.”
This is a multi-part series. Part 2 will feature Stacey Robles as a guest writer who will tell the story of her parents’ sacrifice for their children’s future.
Love this success story. This is only one example of why we should welcome immigrants.
Thanks for introducing us to this community leader!