Shekinah Young

Shekinah Young is the communications officer for Principal Foundation. Prior to her current role, she was the executive director of Back to School Iowa, a nonprofit organization she founded that is committed to empowering underprivileged youth of Des Moines, Iowa. Young was also the chief communications officer for the City of Des Moines, where she connected residents, businesses and organizations to their local government. Young began her career with Des Moines Water Works in the Office of the Chief Executive, then moved to the City of Des Moines as a communications fellow, earning three promotions in her 10-year tenure. In her role for the City of Des Moines, Young worked alongside other departments, emergency services, FEMA and regional crisis teams to best support the community in times of crisis, which include three major floods, heightened race relations conflicts and police officers killed in the line of duty. Young serves on the executive board of the John R. Grubb YMCA, is a longstanding member of the Mentor Iowa program and a graduate of the African American Leadership Academy. Though she has received many distinguished honors, including 2018 finalist for Young Professional of the Year, Influencer of the Year, 2018 Community Advocate and 2017 Make A Difference Award, her most prized title is public servant.