Speakers

Heidi is a business consultant and strategic partner for organizations to help align their business strategy with their people strategy.  Things like - change management, behavioral tools and resources, and helping organizations dig deep into engagement and retention to understand and solution for opportunities.  Heidi is active in the community through LFS, PTO at Center Point-Urbana and is the incoming President for the Junior League of Cedar Rapids. 

Chandler DeWees is the Fundraising Manager at Hoizons for the last year and a half. His repsonsibilities include fundraisers, outreach in Linn & Johnson County, and Donor Development.

Tom working on

Allie Lanham, owner of The Hangry Lady! is 26 years old, born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She graduated from Washington High School in 2014, while in high school  lost 60 lbs, everything she learned from that journey lead her to finding her passion, for food & health. She then went to Kirkwood Community College and earned a 2 year AS Degree in Dietetics, changed her major, and entered Kirkwood's Culinary Arts Program earning my Culinary Degree in 2019! 

In Culinary School I was a part of the Competition team, winning 1st place at the Riverside Culinary classic and 2nd place at the Iowa Pork Producers Competition. I was also the first recipient of the Chef Basil's Culinary Scholarship!! Immediately after graduation I became the Chef de Cuisine at Caucho for almost 2 years, during that time I was named as one of the '40 Women to Watch' by the Iowa Restaurant Association.

I then moved on to be the Executive Chef at Popoli for 6 months! I thought of the name "The Hangry Lady" 5 years ago, and dreamt of opening my own business one day, so when Popoli closed I decided to conquer my fears and just start! With a determination to provide my community with good food, that's good for you. 

I've been a vegetarian for 6 years and take pride in cooking delicious food while being able to accommodate dietary restrictions and provide knowledge about how food effects us. At the end of the day I'm here for you!

I love bringing joy to others with my food, so with that being said never hesitate to contact me, big or small, healthy or not, The Hangry Lady's got you covered

Requested

Catherine VanDraska joined the Big Brothers Big Sisters team in May 2021 and is a licensed social worker. She leads the program team, partnerships and growth. She has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk youth within our community in prevention and treatment settings. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys going to the movies, being out in nature, running and spending time with her husband, two young daughters and their two dogs. She also has two Littles in our program; an 11 year old boy in our Community Based program and a 7 year old girl in our Lunch Buddies program.  

Our very own Jessica (Komisar) Pleggenkuhle will introduce New Leader Manufacturing and what they do in our community!