Vision Leads believes in an expansive vision of success for each and every person and develops leaders who know that our collective survival depends on the equity and inclusion of all of us. We equip individuals with the necessary tools to facilitate change in their communities; through intergenerational problem solving. We empower communities to take ownership in their local government and help individuals find their seat at the table.
Our Mission
We are committed to fostering a vibrant and informed community. Our grassroots programming is not just comprehensive; it’s designed with you, our fellow Iowans, in mind. We strive to reach every corner, provide essential knowledge, and empower you to actively participate in the shaping of your community.
Tools to Be the Change:
Understanding Government Basics: Our educational programs focus on simplifying the intricate workings of government. Whether you're well-versed or new to civic engagement, our initiatives cater to everyone. We believe informed citizens are the cornerstone of a thriving democracy.
Serving on Boards and Commissions: Unlock the potential to make a difference by guiding you through the ins and outs of serving on boards and commissions. We are passionate about cultivating a new generation of leaders committed to positive community change.
Our Training Programs:
Municipal Non Partisan Candidate Cohort: Engage in sessions specifically designed to ignite your interest in public service. Discover how you can play an active role in community betterment.
Ethics and Financal Compliance Training: This comprehensive initiative seamlessly combines ethics and finance training, providing aspiring politicians with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of political finance while upholding the highest standards of integrity.
Be the Change:
Through our initiatives, we are on a mission to educate and empower every individual to take the reins of to problem solve. Voting is just the beginning; civic engagement expands the possibilities. We believe in having all voices at the table; Incude ink to Community Connect
About Us
Deidre was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and as a child moved with her family to Oklahoma. At eight years old, Deidre’s mother passed away shortly after giving birth to her younger sister. Overcoming this adversity at such a young age and seeing her dad be present for her and her siblings shaped who Deidre is today.
In 2004, Deidre moved to Iowa to attend Drake University, where she found more than just an education– she found a home. “Iowa made me a grown woman,” says DeJear. “Iowa is where I learned what freedom looked like.”
Deidre DeJear is a small business owner and voting rights advocate who is driven by her passion to create equitable, inclusive, and accessible opportunities for all. She started her business in 2008 during her senior year at Drake, with a mission of helping other businesses grow and thrive. It was the brink of the recession, and Iowans were out of work. As a result, many became entrepreneurs out of necessity. Deidre stepped in to help them market themselves and navigate the filing process through the Secretary of State’s Office. For over 15 years, Caleo Enterprises has helped over 1,000 small businesses and nonprofits in Iowa.
The other side of Deidre’s work leads her to enhance public participation in civic engagement. In 2018, Deidre ran as the Democratic Nominee for Iowa Secretary of State, making her the first African American in Iowa to be nominated by a major political party. In 2022, as the Democratic Nominee for Iowa Governor, Deidre traversed the state, advocating for high quality public education, access to mental healthcare, and a countless number of issues that matter to voters across Iowa.
Deidre founded Vision Leads and co-founded Back 2 School Iowa and LadyLike. She is also a member of the Des Moines Chapter of the Links, Inc., board chair of Count the Kicks, board member of The Directors Council, City of Des Moines Housing Services Board, and Interfaith Alliance.
Deidre lives in Des Moines with her husband Marvin, and her two dogs, Macy and Maurice.
Founder: Deidre DeJear
Our Board
Click the name of the board member to read their bio.
Our Team
Kam Middlebrooks
Kam is a native Hawkeye and began serving as a youth representative to NAACP National Board of Directors in 2008. Before joining the staff of the NAACP in 2012, where he served as the Midwestern Regional Field Director, the youngest to ever serve in that position. Kam has operated his own company, worked for the Evelyn K. Davis Center as an Asset Development Associate, then for Iowa State University as an advocate and resource for minority small businesses and nonprofits across Iowa. He has also worked for the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines where he oversaw grantmaking programs. Kam has also served on the Des Moines Civil & Human Rights Commission for 5 years as chair, and recently served as Political Director with Deidre DeJear for Governor campaign. Kam is currently Iowa State Organizer for the REFORM Alliance, an organization focused on reforming the probation, parole, and supervised release systems.
Facilitator
Facilitator
Yena Balekyani is a seasoned campaign management professional, consultant, and organizing leader with experience in grassroots organizing, advocacy, and electoral campaigns. She is the founder and former Executive Director of Congolese Youth Connect, an organization that provided mentorship and advocacy services to refugee and immigrant youth from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Yena has previously served as an Organizer for Cory Booker and Organizing Together 2020, managed and consulted on local and statewide races in multiple states, and has also worked for the Iowa Democratic Party and Progressive Iowa as Engagement Director and Partnerships Director. Most recently, she served as the Statewide Organizing Director for Deidre DeJear’s campaign.
Yena Balekyani
Program Director
Heather M. Jones-Brown (she/her) is a Des Moines, Iowa, USA native and proud graduate of Des Moines’ East High School. Jones-Brown holds a BA in International Relations and Political Science from William Jewell College and a Masters in Business Leadership from William Penn University. Heather has been actively engaged in politics since 2008 - both as a super volunteer for several candidates and as a staff person. Her political work includes, precinct captain, social media management, blog writing, organizer, finance, constituency outreach, and deputy campaign management. In non-partisan spaces, Heather has led voter registration efforts and hosted presidential candidates through community conversations as the Des Moines NAACP Political Action chair in 2019. Currently, Jones-Brown is the Assistant Chief Diversity Officer for Staff Equity at Grinnell College and the Program Director for Vision Leads. Her community work includes Executive Board of Des Moines Branch of the NAACP, the Epsilon Theta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc, Advisory Committee Chair of Modern Languages at Grand View University, New Leaders Council Des Moines Alumni, the Advisory Board of Greater Des Moines Y-Camp and the Pyramid Theater Company Board. She is also a 2020 graduate of the Community Leadership Program for the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and a 2020 Des Moines Business Record 40 Under 40 Honoree. She is certified as an IDI administrator.
Heather Jones-Brown
Casey Castaner
Casey Castaner (she/her) is a Florida native who has been an Iowa transplant since she was a teenager. She holds an Associate’s Degree from DMACC and a BA in Business Management from Simpson College. She is the training operations director at Vision Leads and has been active in Iowa politics since 2016. Casey’s experience ranges from being a delegate to organizing presidential campaigns to operations director on the 2022 Iowa Gubernatorial Race. Casey continues to stay involved civically because she cares about current events and wants others to have the best life possible. She is also a huge animal lover and video game connoisseur.
Operations Director
Creative Content Manager
Will was born and raised in Iowa. After receiving an Associate’s Degree from DMACC, he is now pursuing a Politics major at Drake University. His experience includes volunteer work for Fmr. Congresswoman Cindy Axne, Vice President Kamala Harris, co-leading a team of fellow volunteer graphic designers for President Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign, and most recently, serving as the Deputy Digital Director for Deidre DeJear’s 2022 campaign for Iowa Governor, where he created graphics, edited videos, and managed the campaign’s social media channels.
Will Dutchuk
