Passport to Prosperity
Recognizing those who have made an impact in the community
2024 Passport to Prosperity Gala
October 3, 2024
Meet Your 2024 Honorees
The amazing people listed below were nominated for their significant contributions to their communities right here in Iowa. Through their stories, you'll read about acts of kindness, bravery, and determination. The success they've achieved so far is only the beginning.
Bobbie Vida Van Roekel
Home Country: Philippines
Working Life: Design Manager
Through her tireless volunteerism, Bobbie has brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and belonging. She is a dedicated, hardworking, and effective community leader who has made a significant impact on our society. During her time at the Filipino American Society, she spearheaded multiple events like the Filipino fiesta where we showcase Filipino culture and invite the whole community for a great experience that involves food, art, and entertainment. She is committed to share her time and energy to support the community and help others in need.
Carolina Coronado-Park
Home Country: Peru
Working Life: Director of the Office of International Engagement
University of Northern Iowa.
Carolina has helped to create specific recognition programs at UNI to ensure that student, staff and faculty leaders are recognized for their international efforts. In addition, she has taken the lead on identifying and facilitating many partnerships for UNI with international agencies, universities and government programs. All of these efforts have provided added opportunities for international students, faculty and research exchange and facilitated greater global understanding and cooperation.
Geetha Srinivas
Home Country: India
Working Life: Director of the Center for Veterinary Biologics,
US Department of Agriculture
Dr. Srinivas holds the distinction of being the first woman, the first person of color, and the first immigrant to serve as the director of the USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics. Dr. Srinivas’s history of volunteerism and activism exemplifies her dedication to community service and cultural integration. Her efforts have not only enriched the lives of Indian immigrants but have also contributed to the cultural tapestry of the wider community.
Sharon Ndikurugamba
Home Country: Rwanda
Working Life: Executive Director of African Immigrants and Refugees Transition Services
Sharon and her co-founder, Immaculee Butare, have been instrumental in assisting individuals with resettlement challenges, integration, and rebuilding their lives in a new land. Her personal journey and deep understanding of immigrant and refugee experiences have been pivotal in creating programs that address their unique needs. Through her work, Sharon has helped to break down barriers and promote cross-cultural understanding, promoting a more inclusive and welcoming Iowa for all.
Jude Igbokwe
Home Country: Nigeria
Working Life: Adjunct Professor
Three Iowa Universities
Jude often goes above and beyond for Nigerians in the Des Moines community by serving as a trusted mentor, confidant, sponsor, and friend. Dr. Igbokwe has worked tirelessly to attain his doctoral degree, to teach his students, and to be an example of the type of person we should all strive to be personally and professionally, here in Iowa as well as in his native Nigeria. Whether it has been sending local, underprivileged Nigerian kids to school to further their education or building a well to provide running water for the people in his home village, he is always looking for ways to give back and lift up the community. 2022 Iowa State University Recipient of the Dwight Ink Public Service Award.
Ambassador Terry Branstad
Former Governor of Iowa
Former Ambassador to China
Ambassador Branstad will be receiving the Dr. Judith Conlin Welcoming the World Award
Branstad has been president of the World Food Prize since 2023. He served as Ambassador to China from 2017 to 2020. He is a founding partner of the Branstad Churchill Group and currently serves as “Ambassador-in-Residence” at Drake University.
Branstad, the longest-serving Governor in United States history, enjoyed a distinguished 22-year tenure as Iowa’s Governor. During that time, Branstad put into motion the Iowa Partner State program, helping to cultivate relationships between Iowa and its seven international state partners.
Saturday Oct. 1st
Monday Oct. 3
Wedensday Oct. 5
Thursday Oct. 6
Peace Tree Brewing
6:30 pm
Peace Tree Brewing
6:00PM
Friday Oct. 7
6:30PM Social
7:00PM Dinner & Program
Des Moines Botanical Garden
Nominations are closed for 2023
Do you know someone who has made a significant and positive impact in their community?
These impacts could be economic, social, or cultural as long as they’re within the state of Iowa.
To qualify for the award, nominees must receive TWO letters of support, and must be available to receive the award on October 6th at our formal event.
Deadline to submit a nomination is April 26th, 2023
Questions? Reach out to Patricia Grote
pgrtoe@iowainternationalcenter.org
Meet Your 2021 Honorees
The amazing people listed below were nominated for their significant contributions to their communities right here in Iowa. Through their stories, you’ll read about acts of kindness, bravery, and determination. The success they’ve achieved so far is only the beginning.
Interested in showing your support for our global community by sponsoring this event?
Contact Pat Grote
pgrote@iowainternationalcenter.org
