Affording a place to call home
Deidre DeJear
President and CEO, Oakridge Neighborhood
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February 20, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM
** virtual event **
Affordable housing is a critical issue in the greater Des Moines area and across Iowa. Many low-income families spend most of their income on housing and are often one crisis away from becoming homeless. Deidre DeJear, President and CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood, will join us to talk about the need for affordable housing in the greater Des Moines area and also all the good work that is happening in the Oakridge Neighborhood.
You may make your reservation to attend virtually by clicking on the "Register Now" button. This online presentation will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.
If you have any issues registering, please email info@interfaithallianceiowa.org or call 515.279.8715.
ABOUT OUR PRESENTER | 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. For over 15 years, she has helped over 1,000 small businesses and nonprofits thrive in Iowa.
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, is a member of the Des Moines Chapter of the Links, Inc., and sits on multiple boards across central Iowa. In October 2024, she began serving as President & CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood. Deidre lives in Des Moines with her husband, Marvin, and her dog, Macy.
Crossroads is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Des Moines.