Iowan of the Week Owner of Iowa Urban Media; Executive Director of Iowa Juneteenth Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dwana Bradley as Iowan of the Week. Dwana is a mother, a business owner, an educator, and a long-time community advocate. She believes education is the key to life, which speaks to her passion and career as a teacher. Dwana received a bachelor’s degree in child and family services from Iowa State University, a master’s degree in elementary education and literacy from Drake University, and a specialist’s degree in administration. She went on to graduate from the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and for almost seven years she worked as a reading interventionist with Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) to help students reach their potential. In 2019, she was elected to the Des Moines School Board and currently serves as the chair of the board. Dwana did not let the COVID-19 pandemic slow her drive to educate young Iowans. As chairwoman, she serves in an outreach role to help underserved communities attain higher education and is working to stem the negative impact of COVID-19 on students, especially those who were already struggling in school or falling behind. Dwana also owns Iowa Urban Media, a community-focused publishing company, and is the editor-in-chief for the Urban Experience Magazine, a monthly publication that shares news in the African American community and seeks to empower voices through positivity. Her journalism promotes education, an open dialogue, and a space to have important conversations about issues affecting Iowans. 23
24 Publizr Home