 |
 Shannon Michelsen
|
| Hometown: |
Des Moines, IA |
| Alma Mater: |
Grand View College |
| Degree: |
Business Administration with Psychology and Marketing minors, April 2007 |
| Employer: |
Orchestrate Hospitality Management |
| Position: |
Marketing Coordinator |
| Job / Employer Description: | Orchestrate Hospitality, located in downtown Des Moines, is a leading hospitality management and development company with an impressive client portfolio of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment companies. We specialize in the business of hospitality where the quality of the customer’s experience is the focus of our attention and the mission behind everything that we do. As marketing coordinator I manage specific marketing projects, customer relations, website content and in-store promotion and design. |
| Activities / Involvement in the Community: |
I served on the YPC Impact Downtown Committee. I oversee the "Impact Challenge", which is a Downtown Community Alliance Board of Directors iniated challenge aimed to motivatate young professionals to truly make an impact in their community. Currently the project is collaborating with Children and Families of Iowa's Elevate Program, assisting foster care youth in preparing them for life after aging out of the system. The Des Moines Social Club is another project I am involved with. I serve as the Marketing Director as well as a Capital Campaign committee member. The group is working towards a financial goal enabling us to buy and reconstruct a cultural center in downtown Des Moines, which will include a black box theatre, restaurant/pub, banquet/convention hall, and educational space allowing all demographics a space to learn just about anything they desire. For the past two years I have volunteered as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) on three separate juvenile cases. In this role, I am responsible for meeting with the youth I represent, their caretakers, attorneys, case workers, social workers, doctors, and teachers to collect all information vital in the judge's decision on placement. At each hearing I provide a detailed report to the judge, as well as testify if necessary, on my observations and recommendations for the children's best interest. |
| Favorite Things to Do in Des Moines: | I absolutely love riding my bike on the Neil Smith Trail out to Saylorville and Big Creek. Not only is it an awesome work-out, but the view is relaxing and gorgeous! My second favorite place is Java Joe's Coffeehouse. It's perfect for homework, meetings, or just hanging out. When it's not under water, Gray's Lake is the perfect chill spot to layout, run, or take a walk. As far as the nightlife scene, I have to give props (in order of preference) to Raccoon River Brewing Company, The Continental, and The Lift. Centro, Joseph's Steakhouse, and the new Django at Hotel Fort Des Moines are also my top 3 favorite restaurants! |
| Something People Don't Know About Me: |
The latest project I am involved with is the marketing of a Christian hip-hop group called the "Band of Christians". The members, Travis Lloyd and Dante Marcellous, travel the country performing for youth who are currently or have grown up in the foster system, as well as social workers and others involved in these situations. Their mission is to empower youth to rise above negative experiences and be determined to fulfill their passions. |
| Anything Else You Want Us to Know: |
I am studying for a Masters of Public Administration at Drake University. I will begin my second year this fall and look forward to the opportunies this program will provide. |
Would you like to be in a future member spotlight? If so please click here to express interest.