Episode 218 – Going Above and Beyond for Iowans with Disabilities
Four businesses in Iowa are being recognized for going above and beyond in their efforts to hire Iowans with disabilities. Tyler Hansen, Business Engagement Resource Manager for Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) joins the show to not only highlight these four companies but also talk about how IVRS is working to employ more Iowans with disabilities in 2026. Find out what made these four companies successful, and how other companies can copy their winning strategies.
--------
21:56
--------
21:56
Mission: Employable Ep. 217 – Moms on a Mission
Molly Gil and Tracy May are both mom’s on a mission. The two are managers at John Deere Financial and know firsthand how challenging it can be for Iowans with disabilities to find rewarding employment. Both are mothers to children with disabilities, and the two have made it their mission to make their company a place where people like their own kids can find a career. Learn how the two connected John Deere Financial with Iowa Workforce Development’s Vocational Rehabilitation team to fill important positions by using the often-overlooked talent pool.
--------
21:11
--------
21:11
Episode 216 - Getting Schooled on Entrepreneurship
Iowans who own their own businesses are vital to the workforce. But, for those interested in entrepreneurship, the path ahead might be overwhelming. For Iowans looking to own their own business, many wonder: where do you start? One place might be Entrepreneurship Professor Malinda Shultice’s classroom at Iowa State University. Mission: Employable podcast hosts Ben Oldach and Kathy Leggett as they learn what it takes to launch your own business from Professor Shultice. Learn from Shultice how the experience of running her own business helps keep the class practical and relevant to new students.
--------
24:06
--------
24:06
Episode 215 - A Tax-Protected Savings Plan for Iowans with Disabilities
The Mission: Employable podcast is dedicated to telling the stories of all Iowans in the workforce. These stories often include sharing real world experiences of Iowans with disabilities as they overcome workforce barriers and find meaningful employment. In this episode, the Mission: Employable team sits down with the Iowa State Treasurer’s Office to highlight Iowa’s Achieving a Better Life Experience (IABLE) savings plan. This federal savings program allows Iowans with disabilities to save money without the risk of losing benefits. In January of 2026, nearly 130,000 Iowans will qualify for one of these plans. Learn more about this program with an open discussion from Mission: Employable host Ben Oldach and Deputy State Treasurer, Alicia Callanan
--------
18:12
--------
18:12
Episode 214 - On the Road with the IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center
IowaWORKS has offices all across the state, but sometimes it's easier for workforce services to come to you; enter the IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center. This one-stop shop on wheels travels across Iowa making it easy for job seekers to learn about unemployment benefits, openings, and how to navigate through Iowa's largest online job bank. Hear from Driver and Career Planner Edgar Ramirez about what the mobile center has to offer, and the stories of Iowans he's served on the road.
USA