Women Helping Women

PANELIST

Dr. Heidi Bowden (she/her) is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and a clinically trained Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist. She specializes in working with adult individuals facing various emotional and relational challenges. She focuses on guiding clients through their unique needs and collaborating to develop customized plans that foster hope, healing, and life aligned with their personal goals.

Heidi’s career in clinical work began as a substance abuse counselor at an independently owned-outpatient treatment center in rural Iowa. While pursuing her master’s degree in Social Work, she provided essential mental health and substance abuse education, counseling, and crisis intervention to incarcerated individuals in a correctional facility. After obtaining her temporary social work license in 2014, Heidi worked with individuals in community mental health settings, making significant contributions to client care until she joined the Center as a Clinical Social Worker in 2018.

In August 2024, Heidi earned a Doctorate of Social Work from Simmons University. She focused on social justice principles, including diversity, equity, inclusion, intersectionality, power analysis, and anti-racism. This advanced training underscores her commitment to advancing leadership, education, and clinical practice within the field. Recently appointed as the Clinical Training Director in August, she continues to integrate her extensive clinical experience and academic insights to enhance training programs and support the professional development of others in the field.

PANELIST

Gabby Guerra, a proud immigrant from Santa Ana, El Salvador, moved to Iowa with her family in 2002 due to violence and poverty. She grew up in Des Moines, graduating from North High School and the University of Iowa.

Gabby’s career began at Al Éxito, where she quickly rose to Assistant Director. She later served as Director of Youth Engagement and Interim Executive Director at Please Pass the Love, advancing school mental health support. Returning to Al Éxito in 2023, she continues serving Latino families and growing Al Éxito’s impact.

She is a board member for Iowa Safe Schools and recently completed the Health Connect Fellowship with the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation.

Gabby is a 2023 Forty Under 40 Honoree, the 2021 Passport for Prosperity Awardee, and the 2021 Governor’s Volunteer Awardee. She is passionate about amplifying youth voices and creating a more inclusive and supportive community in Iowa for BIPOC, the LGBTQIA+ community, and immigrants.

PANELIST

Hannah Koch is a student at Urbandale High School who has spent her entire life in the Des Moines area. She is a social and friendly individual who enjoys spending time with her friends and family. While social media plays a role in her daily life, as is common in her generation, she prioritizes her education and personal relationships over her online presence. 

PANELIST

Rob Randazzo has worked in education for 25 years. He has spent the majority of this time as a middle and high school math teacher. 

In 2023, Rob made the switch to administration and is now an associate principal at Hoover High School. Whether in the classroom or in administration, Rob wants to be the kindest leader with the highest expectations. 

This school year, he has had the honor of leading the Hoover High School Mental Health Movement, a school-wide effort to address concerns and provide greater supports for the health and well-being of their students. It reflects a national discussion about the mental health of young people, including the impact of social media and the addiction to cell phones.

MODERATOR

Jackie Schmillen is a seasoned communicator with nearly two decades of experience as a broadcast journalist. Now serving as the Director of Public Affairs for the Iowa National Guard—the first civilian to hold this role—she brings her passion for storytelling and community engagement to a new level.

Deeply connected to central Iowa, Jackie loves performing, volunteering, and championing the incredible people and events that make the region thrive.