Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity

Deanna Strable-Soethout is the first woman CEO of Principal Financial Group in the company’s 147-year history. She co-founded the first women’s leadership group at the company and has stayed actively engaged in hands-on community work through United Way of Central Iowa and Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. “As an actuary, I’m trained to think in scenarios: Ask the hard questions early, find the root causes of issues, pressure-test decisions and plan for what’s ahead,” she said. “In my 35-year career at Principal, that’s meant helping build businesses, integrating teams and keeping a steady focus on execution. Outside work, I’ve tried to lead the same way: Show up intentionally, roll up my sleeves and make it easier for others to get involved.” Meet one of our Women of Influence and read more of her reflections. https://lnkd.in/eux2BkzR

We're proud to award a $25,000 Believe in Local grant to Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity through our partnership with the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation. Since 1986, Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity has put into action the belief that everyone deserves a decent, safe, and affordable place to live. In 2025, the organization served 745 households across Polk, Dallas, and Jasper counties, creating 43 affordable homeownership opportunities, completing 186 critical home repairs and modifications, and helping 516 households clarify their path to homeownership through counseling and education. Through its homeownership program, Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity partners with families earning between 30% and 80% of area median income. Participants invest hundreds of partnership hours alongside volunteers while completing homeowner and financial education before purchasing their homes with affordable, low-interest mortgages. In neighborhoods across Greater Des Moines, where more than 10,000 low-income families are struggling with housing costs and one in four homes requires repairs to remain safe, the need for affordable housing solutions continues to grow. Trace Schmitt, Community Branch Manager, nominated Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity for this grant. "This grant helps us continue closing the gap for families who work hard, contribute to this community, and deserve a place to put down roots." — Lance Hennig, CEO of Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity "Believe in Local has been a cornerstone of who we are for five years now, and it never gets old to celebrate nonprofit organizations like Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity that are making a real difference in the places we all call home. Des Moines is better because of the work they do, and First Interstate is proud to invest in that mission." — Trace Schmitt Now in its fifth year, Believe in Local awards $1 million annually to 40 nonprofit organizations across our footprint, all nominated by employees and selected for their commitment to strengthening the communities we serve, live in, and love. #BelieveInLocal #BIL5Years #EmployeeDrivenGiving #NonprofitPartnership #CommunityFirst #CommunityBank #TeamFirstInterstate #DesMoinesIA #CentralIowa #AffordableHousing #HabitatForHumanity Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.