Coffee with Chrysalis is a series of free, informal events designed to educate and engage the community on timely issues affecting women and girls in Greater Des Moines. Led by local experts, these discussions provide valuable insights and foster dialogue on topics ranging from education and health to social justice and leadership. By attending Coffee with Chrysalis, you'll gain knowledge and connect with others who share a passion for empowering women and girls. Join us for future conversations, and help us shape the discussion on important topics that affect us all. We invite you to suggest topics or speakers for future Coffee with Chrysalis programs; please email us. 

2025 coffee with chrysalis

Mark your calendar for future Coffee with Chrysalis events: 

• FRIDAY MAY 16, 8:30-9:30 AM 

• FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 8:30-9:30 AM 

• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 8:30-9:30 AM

Past Coffee with Chrysalis Events

Eating Disorder Recovery Story: A Message of Hope and Inspiration with Oxana Hammes

Friday, March 7, 2025, 8:30 to 9:30 am

We live in a time where eating disorders are the second deadliest mental health condition, yet recovery options remain limited - especially in Iowa, where no recovery centers exist. Join us at Coffee with Chrysalis as Oxana Hammes shares her recovery story and offers recommendations for those who know someone struggling with an eating disorder. 

Oxana Hammes has dedicated the last decade to reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and empowering women to reclaim their lives. Drawing on her personal experience overcoming a decade-long battle with an eating disorder, Oxana is passionate about spreading the message that full recovery is possible.  

A Conversation for Suicide Prevention

Friday, November 8, 8:30 to 9:30 am

Join us for Coffee with Chrysalis as we focus on how talking about suicide can be one of the most effective ways to prevent it. Our conversation will be led by local experts at Mindspring Mental Health Alliance. Did you know research shows that open conversations around mental health and suicide can help save lives. Together, we’ll explore ways to create supportive, open environments where people feel safe to share and seek help when they need it most.

What school children are struggling with and how to help

SPONSORSED BY CHRYSALIS INSPIRED MEN

Monday, March 18, 2024 - 8:30-9:30 am

Join us for Coffee with Chrysalis we share insights on what is happening in the lives of school children. We'll strategize about how we can help young girls work through the many challenges that boys typically don't face.

Pelvic Health and Patient Advocacy

Friday, October 20, 2023 - 8:30-9:30 am
Dr. Kari Smith, Associate Professor, Des Moines University
Department of Physical Therapy and Manager of the DMU Physical Therapy Clinic

Join us for Coffee with Chrysalis where we will focus on understanding clinically approved pelvic floor dysfunction treatment modalities and the importance of transparency and self-advocacy in medical settings.

Stresses of Today's Teens and Young Adults

Friday, July 14, 2023 - 8:30-9:30 am
Julie Larson, LCSW, therapist and keynote speaker 

Join us as we learn about the unique stresses of today's teens and young adults, as well as, the strategies for managing, reframing, and healing our own stress to allow us to continue caring for the teens/young adults in our lives. No cost to attend; complimentary coffee/water.

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More information: 
Teens and emerging adults were among the most stressed people during the COVID-19 pandemic and now, while they may appear to be doing fine, they are struggling. 

Julie Larson, therapist and keynote speaker, who specializes in working with teens and young adults will discuss the issues that are surfacing now for young people acclimating to a post-pandemic society. She will share effective and unique engagement strategies that we can all use to manage stress, re-frame challenges, and set a path to healing for ourselves and those for whom we care.  

What You Need to Know About SANEs

Friday, December 9, 2022 - 8:30-9:30 am 
Sara Hulen, Sexual Assault Forensic Response Coordinator

Join us as we learn about the importance of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, how to access Iowa’s SANE services when needed, and the positive impact this program has had on Iowa's response to sexual assault and abuse. Coffee will be provided and there is no cost to attend. 

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In 2010, the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reported:

• 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will experience rape, and
• 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men will experience sexual violence other than rape at some time during their life

These rates are significantly higher for American Indian and Alaska Native women as well as persons with disabilities. Often, these incidents are not reported or appropriately addressed.

The 2021 Iowa Legislature created the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program to tackle this critical problem, and Sara Hulen was hired last January to head the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program across the state.

What is a SANE? it is a registered nurse who completed additional education and training to provide timely, comprehensive, and trauma-informed care to survivors of sexual assault. SANEs collect evidence (known as “rape kits”) for possible use in investigation or court, evaluate and treat patients appropriately and accordingly, and may testify in court as a fact or expert witness.

juneteenth - what it means to me

Friday, June 17, 2022 - 8:30-9:30 am 
Dwana Bradley

Learn about Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States, and Iowa's observation of this important holiday. Dwana Bradley, Iowa Juneteenth General Chairperson, will provide information and lead our discussion. Coffee will be provided and there is no cost to attend. 

the experience of afghan women and other refugees in iowa

Friday, January 21, 2022 - 8:30-9:30 am 

Learn about the refugee crisis resettlement of refugees in Iowa and the particular challenges faced by the rapid resettlement of Afghan women and their families. Stephanie Moris, Executive Director, Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa, will provide information and lead discussion on this important topic. No cost to attend; masks are required.

thank you to those who were able to join us for coffee with chrysalis.

We encourage you to share what you learned with your family, friends, and colleagues. 

We will continue to hold the supply drive specifically collecting undergarments and sanitary pads for the Afghan women refugees and gently used winter gear for ALL family members (see associated links). 

Additional resource: Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa