Featuring Appearances by
Marlu Abarca
Marlu Abarca is a first generation college graduate, with a bachelor's in psychology from Grinnell College. Her five-year plan includes becoming a college admissions counselor, returning to school for her master's degree and becoming a foster parent. Originally from Los Angeles, Marlu lives in Des Moines with her roommate, Monse, and her cat, Monkey.
Phillip Harder
Phillip Harder doesn't like bios or speaking about himself. He’s been known to stay up late, make mistakes and forget to comb his hair. When he isn't working on a project, he can be found playing pinball. Born into a rambling man's family in Harrisburg, Penn., he currently resides in Des Moines as a photographer who dabbles in writing, video and bad decisions.
Ron Riggins
Ron Riggins is an accountant at Principal in Des Moines. He and his wife have two grown children. In their 37-year marriage they’ve lived in seven states, and moved to Iowa in 2001. Ron enjoys listening to the blues, spending time with family and telling stories. He hopes to one day put his adventures in a book.
Clemencia Spizzirri
Clemencia Spizzirri is a language acquisition teacher, and is passionate about humanizing education through cultural awareness. In 2015 she became Iowa’s Teacher of the Year, the first Latina to achieve the honor. She enjoys traveling, learning and spending time with family. Originally from Quito, Ecuador, Clemencia’s enthusiasm to promote equity and quality in education started at a young age.
Aaron Vermeer
Aaron Vermeer is a stay-at-home dad who loves naps. He was born in Alton and grew up in Sioux Center. After graduating Central College, he lived in Arizona for nine years before settling in Des Moines in 2002. He lives near the Des Moines Art Center with his wife, Jennifer, and his three children ages 14, 10 and 9.
Agenda
June 1, 2016
Growing Up: Marlu Abarca - 'Lost And Gained In Translation'
As a child, Marlu Abarca would often interpret for her mother. But what she lost she also gained in translation. Marlu is now a first generation college graduate with a bachelor's in psychology from Grinnell College.
June 1, 2016
Growing Up: Phillip Harder - 'Of Baseball And Brotherhood'
Phillip Harder was drafted to his brother's baseball team. But that season changed everything. Phillip now resides in Des Moines and is a photographer who dabbles in writing and video.
June 1, 2016
Growing Up: Ron Riggins - 'The Catastrophe Of Tractors'
As a teen, Ron Riggins was hired as a farm hand. It proved an exercise in humility. Ron is now an accountant at Principal who enjoys listening to the blues and spending time with family.
June 1, 2016
Growing Up: Clemencia Spizzirri - 'Teaching The Dandelion Children'
Growing up in Ecuador, Clemencia Spizzirri recounts how poverty was not far from view. And she shares an encounter changed everything. Clemencia is now a language acquisition teacher, and in 2015 she became Iowa’s Teacher of the Year.
June 1, 2016
Growing Up: Aaron Vermeer - 'A Childhood, Protected'
As a child, Aaron Vermeer wore protective glasses for health reasons. And then he began to question why. Aaron is now a stay-at-home dad. After graduating from Central College, he lived in Arizona before settling in Des Moines in 2002.