About Us

Our Mission

Lead a business-education partnership to develop the leadership skills of Cedar Valley students.

Our Vision

Our students will be prepared to contribute to the success of the Cedar Valley community and its employers.

Our Core Values

Servant Leadership- We believe leadership is for everyone. Through modeling leadership, focusing on strengths, and creating opportunities for others, we empower people who will empower others.

Human Connection- We believe in the power of diverse relationships. Through fostering trust and being a resource for others, we develop sustainable partnerships.

Integrity- We believe authenticity is best and character matters. Through responsible use of community investments and leading by example, we build a reputation of positive impact.

Lifelong Learning- We believe education is an ongoing journey. Through investing in individual and community development, we equip people to change their own lives.

Facilitate Change- We believe challenges are opportunities to improve. Through a flexible response to change, we create better results that ripple into the community.

Leader Valley Staff

Nicole Hackman
Director of Fundraising and Communications
nicole@leadervalley.org
319-404-8048

Shantavia Parker
Coach/Facilitator
shantavia@leadervalley.org
319-504-3466

Melissa Reade
Executive Director
melissa@leadervalley.org
563-880-4190

Leader Valley Council

De’Carlos Anderson
UNI Talent Search

Kelsey Burke
VGM

Cary Darrah
Grow Cedar Valley

Liz DeJoode
PDCM Insurance

Rob Green
City of Cedar Falls

Aaron Jarnagin
Pixel Labs

Emily Knutson
Hawkeye Community College

Shanlee McNally
RJ McElroy Trust

Tom Novotney
Cedar Valley Catholic Schools

Selvedina Nuhanovic
Vine Valley Real Estate

Dr. Andy Pattee
Cedar Falls Community Schools

Dr. Jared Smith
Waterloo Community Schools

Robert Wright
Waterloo Community Schools

Leader Valley Fundraising Team

Edita Begic
Vine Valley Real Estate- Fundraising Co-Chair

Gwenne Berry
UNI- Fundraising Co-Chair

Nehemiah Blackburn
Tyson Foods

Derek Hamil
CPM

Jennifer Heller
Business Growth Solutions Now

Amy Lockhart
University of Northern Iowa

Jayden Moore
Northwestern Mutual

Madelyn Ridgeway
CBE

Jay Schmitz
Viking Pump