For 20 years, CultureALL has been boosting feelings of belonging across the state of Iowa. We hope you’ll join us at the CultureALL BALL on September 20th, 2025! We will celebrate this milestone as a community.

Our staff, contractors, volunteers, and donors have made this possible with their dedication, compassion, and expansive vision for a future where Iowans are recognized for intentionally practicing inclusive behaviors.

CultureALL’s network has expanded to include over one hundred Ambassadors and Books, representing more than 80 distinct cultures. These folklife storytellers are local residents - Iowans like you - who have trained to lead workshops and take part in meaningful discussions that value the cultures of our community.

A dedicated office team coordinates every Ambassador workshop, every Open Book event, and every workplace consultation, on top of training and professional development!

We asked our staff to reflect on the last 20 years.

Karen Downing (Special Projects Coordinator)

"A circle of chairs in a library. A school. A retirement community. A business. A faith space. A circle of chairs and stories, stories from our Books and those participating in the program. As Special Projects Coordinator for Open Book, I have seen the power of stories to connect, heal, and create community. All it takes is a circle of chairs.

“We have over 50 Books in our Catalog, trained story sharers who offer a chapter of their lives to listeners. But the listeners in turn become story sharers when the Books ask questions that connect us as humans.  What is a memory you never want to let go? Who are your heroes? What does play look like to you?

“In a culture that can rest too easily in divisions, CultureALL provides safe and welcoming ways to see and be seen. I am thankful to CultureALL for allowing me to bear witness to our shared humanity."

Erika Worley (Grants & Administrative Specialist)

"Volunteer, intern, photographer, staff, participant, family... I have tried on just about every hat at CultureALL there is! It’s been a privilege to have a front row seat to the organization's development since it was conceptualized.

“20 years later, I've earned a college degree in a foreign language, interviewed CultureALL Ambassadors, managed the raffle table at the Bollywood Ball, and assisted in winning grants from the Iowa Arts Council, Prairie Meadows, and Businessolver. These days my title is Grants & Administrative Specialist! I still wear several hats in order to assist with accounting, fundraising, and event planning.

“Having grown up within the Grinnell College bubble, diversity of all kinds was normal for me. It took me several years to recognize the need for DEI efforts in the state of Iowa and across the United States. I will admit that I didn't fully understand the necessity of CultureALL's mission until sometime after graduating from Kalamazoo College, another liberal arts institution that attracted young people from all over and encouraged study abroad, media literacy, and cultural adaptability. I realized that I wanted to be part of making Iowa a wonderful place to live, not only for me but also my cousins and friends of different or mixed backgrounds. There are already so many people working hard to make that dream even more of a reality.”

Jack Chimbetete (Client Relations Consultant)

“When I first joined CultureALL a year ago as the Client Relations Consultant, I was fascinated by how the organization brings people together, sharing diverse cultural experiences and helping Iowans engage with and learn from one another. The way the organization fosters understanding, empathy, and connection between individuals from all backgrounds was inspiring, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that mission.

“As I settled into my role, I quickly discovered that our work goes far beyond just sharing culture—it’s about building a sense of belonging and equity in the workplace and beyond. I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how our programs help to shift perspectives and create tangible change in workplaces, schools, and communities. This work has been incredibly fulfilling and energizing.

“I’m excited to be part of a team that is helping position Iowa to be recognized as one of the most inclusive states within the next five years. Our programming is essential in this effort, and I’ve heard time and again from partners and collaborators how our work complements their own efforts to build stronger, more equitable communities. It’s clear that CultureALL is not just offering services — it’s creating real, lasting impact by genuinely caring for people and the communities they represent.

“Every day, as I continue to engage with diverse individuals and organizations, I’m reminded of how essential this work is. It fuels me and motivates me to continue learning, growing, and contributing to a more inclusive Iowa. I couldn’t be more proud of the journey I’ve been on with CultureALL, and I’m excited to see how our work will continue to make a difference in the years to come.”

Karen Allen (Program Director)

"As CultureALL's Program Director, I am honored to have the opportunity to work most directly with our partner Ambassadors, Books, and performers. These phenomenal Iowans share their personal journeys and glimpses into unique cultural details with a great variety of audiences, and do so generously, graciously, and passionately. In my role, I am inspired to amplify their stories and make connections throughout the community to expand and ensure more participants of all ages are able to experience culture every year.

“It's incredible to watch each and every program unfold. I am regularly in awe of the connections participants make not only to the Ambassadors or Books, but also to each other, and even discover more about themselves or their own families. It is truly beautiful to see unlimited ways we can all be connected or relate to each other.

“Having lived many places across the US, and experienced a variety of communities myself, I love learning the cultural nuances that exist all around us. CultureALL has offered me the opportunity to learn about the world through the eyes of so many who have personally experienced it well beyond where I have been able to go.

“Through working with this wonderfully diverse team, I feel more confident in making that initial outreach when I meet someone new."

Paula Bell (Director of Planning & Consulting)

"As CultureALL’s Director of Planning and Consulting, I have had the opportunity to work with clients to identify how to create the inclusive environment they desire. I have met new people and heard their stories both of triumph and of challenge. I have been able to celebrate with them, but also help them brainstorm ideas on how to overcome challenges and pain points.

“I have had the opportunity to work with individuals to help them on their personal journey of discovery. The discovery of self. The discovery of culture. The discovery of how to appreciate the difference dimensions of others and appreciate the value they bring. I have had the opportunity to see Ambassadors in action and the reaction to the corporate audience as they share their cultures traditions and beliefs in a way that provides an amazing unforgettable experience for others.

“It’s amazing the lives you can impact by sharing a piece of yourself, actively listening to others, and collaborating to help organizations and individuals."

Jessie Orton (Operations Director)

"When I stepped into this organization 5 years ago, it felt like home right away. The most important relationships of my life exist because of CultureALL and the network that welcomed me in with open arms. I can't imagine my old self participating in the things I do now with comfort, having the conversations I'm grateful to be a part of and seeing impact firsthand with the participants in the Ambassador and Open Book Programs. CultureALL brought me to who I am and who I continue to become.

“As the Operations Director, I'm deep inside of the organization — working on and in the business in tandem. I work collaboratively to develop the path forward and guide all of the required components to make it possible. While it may not be the most glamorous position, living in the weeds and counting all of the numbers, I find great joy in exploring all of the stories that live there. I'm proud to put all of my energy into this work that allows us to serve Iowans. At a time when so many are uncertain about what the future holds — I see tremendous opportunity in how CultureALL's model can lean in to listen, seek to understand and become a bridge to belonging in classrooms, workplaces, and the broader community.

“To look back at my part in the 20 year-journey, the first thing that comes to mind is the development of the strategic plan that started with executing a capacity building campaign to double our staff, increase our service activities, expand our footprint across the state — and we did it! It took a village — starting with building strong relationships and establishing key partnerships. It took extraordinary board leadership and a small and mighty team steering forward. I am forever grateful for this table and the seat I'm in."

Sherry Gupta (Founder/Executive Director)

"CultureALL has brought my worlds together in robust, rich, and profound ways. I cherish this land and the communities of Iowa, and I equally adore the cultures and people who were born and raised in other places around the world. I love discovering their perspectives that are different from mine. I feel enriched each time we build bonds because of our differences, when we find we have more in common - not in spite of our differences, but because of them. The experience feels like magic."