ABOUT ONE CEDAR VALLEY
The people and purpose behind ONE Cedar Valley.
ONE Cedar Valley is a community-led workforce development organization serving Waterloo, Cedar Falls and the surrounding Cedar Valley. Our story began with a shared belief that local talent deserves greater access to employment resources, support and meaningful opportunities.
PURPOSE THAT GUIDES WORK
PURPOSE THAT GUIDES THE WORK
One mission. One vision. A stronger Cedar Valley.
Our Mission
Empowering individuals and employers in the Cedar Valley to overcome barriers to employment through workforce readiness, inclusive opportunities, ecosystem development, and community engagement.
Our Vision
A Cedar Valley where every person can access meaningful opportunities, employers can connect with the talent they need and the entire community grows stronger together.
SUPPORT AT EVERY STEP
Support for Every Stage of the Workforce Journey
From just starting out to long-term advancement, ONE Cedar Valley helps people move toward what comes next.
Explore possibilities
Helping youth discover career and education pathways.
Enter the workforce
Preparing people for their first meaningful employment opportunities.
Return to the workforce
Helping people address barriers and reconnect with employment.
Grow in the workforce
Supporting skill development, advancement and long-term success.
THE PEOPLE LEADING THE WORK
Meet the ONE Cedar Valley team.
Each leader brings direct experience, trusted relationships and a deep commitment to helping people move forward.
Angela Weekley
Executive Director
Guiding the organization’s strategy, partnerships and community impact.
Marcia Jones
The HUB Director
Connecting individuals and families with support that addresses immediate needs and employment barriers.
Lori Dale
SHIPHT Director
Helping youth explore careers, build professional skills and imagine new possibilities.
Sherman Wise
Road Home Director
Supporting justice-impacted individuals as they overcome barriers and rebuild pathways to stability.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors
Leaders from across the Cedar Valley helping guide the organization’s work and community impact.
Executive Officers
Sherman Wise
Chair
Patrick Moran
Vice-Chair
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Karin Rowe
Treasurer
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Molly Burdess
Secretary
Board Members
Barb Grant
Dr. Robert Welch
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Stephanie Detweiler
Nickole Dillard
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William Burt
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Board Members
Debra Hodges-Harmon
Kenny Cooper
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Danny Laudick
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Shelly Frein
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OUR HISTORY
A call to action became a community commitment.
In 2018, a 24/7 Wall St. report ranked Waterloo-Cedar Falls as the worst metro area in the country for Black Americans. The report drew national attention to racial disparities and barriers limiting access to employment, resources and economic opportunity within the Cedar Valley.
Community leaders came together at the 2019 Future Ready Cedar Valley Summit with a shared belief that local talent should not be held back by those barriers. Their collaboration led to the creation of ONE Cedar Valley in 2021. The organization was established to connect people with support and opportunities, help employers access local talent and strengthen economic vitality throughout the Cedar Valley community.
ONE Cedar Valley gratefully acknowledges founding board members Debra Hodges-Harmon, Todd Holcomb, Kaye Englin, Felicia Smith-Nalls, Kyle Roed, Rob Green and Quentin Hart. Their leadership, collaboration and commitment laid the foundation for the organization and the work it continues today.
