Announcing the Keynote Speaker for the Together We Can Conference 2024: Lisa Heddens
March 8, 2024
Lisa Heddens is a mom with two kids who received a Bachelor of Science Degree in elementary education from Iowa State University. Her career choice changed after the birth of her second child, Paul, who has Down Syndrome. Thirsty for information she got involved on the local boards of directors for The Arc of Story County and Mainstream Living.
It didn’t take long before her advocacy efforts expanded. She began working for Disability Rights Iowa and then ASK Resource Center, as well as serving on several state boards and commissions. Lisa saw the need to provide support and opportunities for people with disabilities on a larger scale. She ran for the Iowa Legislature in 2002, won, and served 17-1/2 years. Lisa left the legislature in 2019 to become a County Supervisor in Story County.
Today, she continues her disability policy advocacy through work, Rotary, and as a mom. She also continues serving on boards and committees in her free time.