Chrysalis Foundation

Chrysalis Scholar Spotlight: Hayat Yimer

“Being in a Chrysalis after-school program in fifth grade was a pivotal moment for my self confidence.”

Hayat shares that Chrysalis helped her better understand both the challenges women face in society and the strength, connection, and beauty found in female relationships and community.

The impact of that experience inspired her to return as a GirlPower Peer Mentor, helping create the same sense of confidence and belonging for younger girls.

Through mentorship, Hayat has continued growing as a leader while building communication skills, meaningful relationships, and confidence in her own voice.

Learn more about our Inspired Event Keynote Speaker, Lynsey Addario, and her work by visiting https://www.lynseyaddario.com/. And mark your calendar for the Inspired Event November 2!

Lynsey Addario Lynsey Addario is an American photojournalist, who has been covering conflict and humanitarian crises around the Middle East and Africa on assignment for The New York Times, National Geographic Magazine, and Time Magazine for almost two decades.

Chrysalis Scholar Spotlight: Hannah Wilwerding

“Without Chrysalis, I wouldn't be as knowledgeable about the valuable skills of leadership, cooperation, and communication.”

Through the Chrysalis After-School program and later serving as a GirlPower mentor, Hannah gained not only leadership experience, but a deeper understanding of relationships, communication, emotional wellbeing, and the importance of continued learning and growth.

Programs like Chrysalis create opportunities for girls and young women to build confidence, strengthen their voices, and develop skills they carry into every part of their lives and future leadership.

As another school year comes to a close, we want to give a HUGE thank you to our Chrysalis After-School facilitators.

Thank you for the time, energy, encouragement, patience, laughter, and leadership you brought to students all year long. You helped create spaces where girls could grow in confidence, build friendships, develop leadership skills, and feel supported exactly as they are.

We are so grateful for everything you poured into this year. Have an amazing summer, you earned it!

Strong relationships start with honest conversations, but those conversations are not always easy.

Chrysalis is proud to help share an upcoming opportunity from Eyes Open Iowa designed to help teens and supportive adults strengthen communication, build trust, and navigate important topics together.

The Linking Families and Teens (LiFT) workshop is a one-day interactive experience for youth ages 13–19 and a trusted adult. Participants will engage in guided activities and conversations focused on communication, values, relationships, and sexual health in a supportive environment.

Saturday, May 30 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
West Des Moines
Lunch and snacks provided
Each participant receives a $50 Visa gift card

If your family could benefit from additional tools for open, healthy communication, we encourage you to learn more and register. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/24dxujt/lp/1b783886-fa6b-43ce-99af-336dc9207e9d

During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Chrysalis celebrates the contributions, leadership, cultures, and stories of AAPI individuals and communities in Iowa and across the country.

We recognize that strong communities are built through inclusion, representation, and opportunities for all people to thrive. This month and throughout the year, Chrysalis remains committed to supporting girls and women from all backgrounds as they build confidence, leadership, and economic security.

We are grateful for the many AAPI leaders, partners, supporters, and community members who help strengthen our community every day.

Check out this blog post about how Chrysalis recognizes AAPI Heritage Month:

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - Chrysalis Foundation Did you know that the month of May was designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 1990, but the first Asian immigrant arrived in the United States...

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Chrysalis is grateful for partners like Mindspring Mental Health Alliance who are helping lead important conversations around mental health in Iowa.

We were honored to welcome Executive Director Kristi Kerner to a recent meeting of the Chrysalis Board of Directors to share insights about the current state of mental health, the challenges facing individuals and families across our community, and the importance of continued advocacy, education, and support.

At Chrysalis, we know that mental health is deeply connected to safety, stability, confidence, and opportunity for girls and women. We are proud to invest in organizations working every day to create healthier, more connected communities.

Thank you to Kristi and the Mindspring team for your leadership and partnership.

As we gather with family, friends, and community today, we pause in remembrance and gratitude.

Opportunities for individual and corporate sponsorships are now available for the 2026 Chrysalis Inspired Event.

Inspired brings together business and community leaders who believe that when girls and women succeed, our entire community benefits. This year’s event will feature Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist and bestselling author Lynsey Addario on Monday, November 2, 2026.

Sponsorship support helps Chrysalis continue investing in programs and partnerships that advance safety, security, education, and economic empowerment for girls and women across Greater Des Moines.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, send a message to [email protected] or visit https://www.chrysalisfdn.org/2026inspiredlynseyaddario/.

Chrysalis Foundation, the foundation for girls and women. Chrysalis leads programs, research, and partnerships to support girls' and women’s success in Greater Des Moines.

“If I hadn't had the opportunity to participate in the Chrysalis After-School program, I would've missed out on valuable leadership experiences that helped me grow more confident and responsible.”

Chrysalis Scholar Delanie Sutton shared how the Chrysalis After-School program gave her opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and form meaningful friendships and community throughout high school.

Delanie described Chrysalis as a place where she could try new things, find her voice, and feel like she belonged, experiences that continue to shape who she is today.