Passport to Prosperity
Passport to Prosperity is an inspiring event that brings together Iowans of all backgrounds. The celebration features an awards ceremony to recognize selected individuals in Iowa, as well as cultural entertainment and a menu representative of the native countries of recipients. Each year, we honor five outstanding individuals as Passport to Prosperity honorees, and welcome over 200 friends, donors, and community leaders at this unique event.
2025 Passport to Prosperity Gala
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Doors Open at 6:00 pm
at: Drake University - Olmsted Center
Meet Your 2025 Honorees
Meet the amazing individuals who, through their significant contributions to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our community, have made Iowa a better place to live. Through their stories, you'll read about acts of kindness, bravery, and determination, and the success they've achieved so far is only the beginning
Edgar Ramirez
Home Country: Mexico
Eugene Kiruhura
Home Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Pastor Eugene is the senior pastor of Shalom Covenant Church in Urbandale, Iowa, and the Executive Director of Shalom Community Impact Center (SCIC), a nonprofit that provides essential services to refugee and immigrant families in Polk County. At SCIC, he provides free preschool, after-school tutoring, English classes, digital literacy training, job search assistance, and transportation to refugee families—all at no cost.
Jack Chimbetete
Home Country: Zimbabwe
Phillip Kollie
Home Country: Liberia
Phillip is the owner of Shifo Auto Sales where whether it’s helping a new immigrant family afford their first car, supporting someone with no credit history, or offering flexible options to those with damaged credit, Phillip consistently provides solutions with compassion and integrity.Phillip has become far more than a successful entrepreneur—he is a lifeline and beacon of hope for many immigrant and underserved individuals in our community.
Raneen Rhem
Home Country: Iraq
Raneen will be receiving the 2025 Emerging Leader Award.
Yogesh Shah M.D., M.P.H. ’13, FAAFM
Home Country: India
Dr. Shah will be receiving the Dr. Judith Conlin Welcoming the World Award
Dr. Yogesh Shah’s willingness to take risks and ability to build meaningful relationships has impacted health care around the world — from Mumbai, India to Mount Ayr, Iowa to Rwanda, Africa. As a triple-board-certified physician, he has cared for patients, educated students, and improved communities. Dr. Shah has received numerous awards for his work, and was named a 2009 Passport to Prosperity recipient.
Become a Silent Auction Donor Today!
Interested in becoming a sponsor or donating to the silent auction?
Fill out this form and Reach out to Miya Davis at mdavis@iowainternationalcenter.org
Can't Make It This Year? You Can Still Donate to Support Passport to Prosperity.
Interested in showing your support for our global community by sponsoring this event?
Contact Pat Grote
pgrote@iowainternationalcenter.org
Past Honorees
As we look back on the history of Passport to Prosperity we see so many amazing people that have been honored the past 20 years.
Check out all of the outstanding past honorees and help us continue to honor their contributions to Iowa’s community.
