EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR + CO-FOUNDER

Dr. Abbie Mork is the current Executive Director and co-founder of Raise the Bar Initiative. She has extensive training in human anatomy, soft tissue techniques and strength training, and has a chiropractic practice in West Des Moines. Her passion lies in educating and empowering women to develop strength physically, mentally and emotionally to improve their quality of life. She channels that passion into creating and leading RBI programs, and helping to steer the organization in its mission of empowering girls and women in her community to develop strength in all areas of their lives.

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Rachelle Little has decades of experience in project management, leadership, product development and delivery - skills that she is combining with her deep desire for fulfillment and passion for uplifiting women as Executive Director of Raise the Bar Initiative. Rachelle's skills and experience are helping RBI transition into a new era of growth and expansion by formalizing and streamlining existing RBI operations, as well as leverage new opportunities that will help RBI expand its mission of building strong women and strong communities. In addition to her work with RBI, Rachelle keeps her connections to the software engineering world strong by serving as treasurer for dsmHack - a central Iowa group focused on connecting nonprofit organizations with technologists to cultivate organizational and individual growth.

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Melissa Veenstra joined our Board of Directors in June 2023 as Secretary and stepped into the role of President in January 2025. After becoming deeply involved in the operations of RBI, she jumped at the opportunity to join our staff as Chief Marketing Officer in May 2025. An avid participant and sponsor of RBI events, Melissa has given many hours of her time and talents behind the scenes to help further our mission and support the organization’s growth in recent years. A graduate of the Industrial Design program at Iowa State University, Melissa maintains her Project Management Professional certification through the Project Management Institute and recently completed the Creative Business Leadership Master’s program through Savannah College of Art and Design. In her free time, she enjoys staying active in the Iowa powerlifting community.

PRESIDENT

Helen C. Adams has served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Iowa since Feb. 13, 2014. Prior to that, she was a lawyer both in private practice and a corporate in-house position from 1990 to 2014. Helen has served as a board member and officer on several non-profit boards in the Des Moines area, including Chrysalis Foundation and Childrens and Family of Iowa. She also is a member of the Mama Tram, a transport rescue for dogs and puppies needing a ride to a rescue where they can find loving homes. Helen is passionate about fitness, healthy living, joy, kindness, her family, including her husband and her fur babies, Charlie, Zip and MIlo, and helping young women find and keep their voice and strength. Helen is a masters 3 powerlifter, runner, and bike and travel fanatic.

VICE PRESIDENT

Kari Stone has a diverse background in communications, public relations, relationship building, marketing, event production, and music. Kari is not only a successful REALTOR but also a dedicated wife, stepmom, and loving dog mom to Keesha and Stella. Beyond real estate, Kari is deeply committed to giving back to her community and is actively involved with The Barbell Club and the Young Women's Resource Center.

SECRETARY

Mandi Swanson is a passionate advocate for student chiropractors with over a decade of experience in the insurance industry. As the Student Engagement Coordinator at NCMIC in Des Moines, IA, she fosters inclusive relationships with NCMIC Student Ambassadors, chiropractic college faculty, and industry professionals, providing resources to support chiropractic students' success. Mandi values the Raise the Bar Initiative for its empowering environment that celebrates women's courage and builds confidence. She appreciates the outreach programs focusing on strength and confidence and is eager to see them grow. In her free time, Mandi enjoys reading, watching movies, baking, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Chicago Cubs.

TREASURER

Yashoda Gould's journey in the United States began in 2009 when she earned her accounting degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Her fitness journey began in 2012 with a Groupon offer for a local gym, and since then she has competed in obstacle races, triathalons, and powerlifting competitions. A passionate fitness enthusiast and dedicated advocate for women's empowerment, Yashoda aims to break down barriers and provide resources to empower women to challenge societal norms - a cause that holds great personal significance to her as she comes from an Asian country where the concept of strong women is not widely embraced. Yashoda is currently pursuing her MBA from the University of Iowa, with a concentration in leadership.

BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE

DeMarco Lowery is the District Coordinator for Community Schools within the Des Moines Public School District for K-12 schools. A product of the Des Moines schools, DeMarco holds a bachelor's degree in criminology and a minor in family studies from the University of Northern Iowa. DeMaro is the proud father of two young boys, Amari and Taylen, and is passionate about helping youth around the metro feel empowered to reach their true potential no matter how many times they face challenges.

BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE

Merenciana "Meddy" Paulus has spent the past decade coaching in the fitness industry, including several years of owning her own gym. She is passionate about helping women and girls find their true potential in fitness, especially for her fellow women of color. Meddy truly believes in the power of sisterhood and radical love. She enjoys Olympic weightlifting, reading, traveling, getting caught up in a binge-watching Netflix, and learning about new foods and cultures.

BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE

As a lifelong advocate for wellness, movement, and equity, Britta McSparen joined Raise the Bar Initiative to help create pathways for all people to access fitness and community. By day, she leads as a Vice President of Sales in the construction industry; outside of work, she is a certified yoga instructor dedicated to making wellness approachable and inclusive. Britta believes deeply in the power of movement—not just to strengthen the body, but to build confidence, connection, and opportunity. As a mother, mentor, and leader, she is proud to support the Raise the Bar Initiative’s mission and champion its vision for a more active, empowered future. 

BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE

George LaCava is the owner of Nevada Barbell.  He has been coaching Powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting since 2016.  George has a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Ohio State University, an MBA from the University of Iowa, and a B.S. in Kinesiology from Iowa State.  He teaches Business and Computer Science at Ballard High School.  He is passionate about acting locally and improving the lives around him through fitness and nutrition.  He believes fitness needs to first be approachable and fun in order to have the broadest reach.

BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE

MaKennah Little is an attorney whose practice is focused on the real estate aspect of renewable energy project development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Grinnell College and a JD from the University of Iowa. She enjoys reading, going to concerts, and being a cat mom. MaKennah is a firm believer in the mental and physical benefits of strength training, especially for women and girls, and is proud to contribute to RBI’s mission.

BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE

Alicia’s love of strength training started in high school.  She became aware of Raise the Bar Initiative’s Barbell Club program when her daughter, Avery, was in junior high and starting to lift weights.  She saw firsthand Avery’s confidence improve in the gym.  Alicia began lifting at a local gym that organized a Women’s Barbell Classic team in 2025.  Watching women ages 7 to 70 compete was inspiring and solidified Alicia’s interest in becoming more involved with RBI.  Personally, Alicia has been at Principal Financial Group for 32 years and is currently Assistant Director – Engineering.   Alicia believes in giving back to the community.  She is a blood donor with LifeServe Blood Center.  She has been a volunteer with the West Des Moines Community School District and Secretary of the Valley Tiger Booster Club.  She held various positions with the Des Moines Mothers of Multiples organization, including President.  Alicia, her husband, Brad, son, Aidan and twins, Avery and Austin enjoy packaging meals with Meals from the Heartland and volunteering at Lutheran Church of Hope.  She and her husband recently went on a mission trip to Robin’s Nest Children’s Home in Jamaica.   Alicia enjoys spending time with her family at the lake and watching football.

BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE

Kayla Burkett serves as Vice President of Public Affairs at Metro Waste Authority. She is passionate about building strong communities, developing people, and creating meaningful connections through public service.

Over time, Kayla’s own view of fitness has shifted from focusing on appearance to prioritizing mental health, resilience, and overall well-being. Her involvement with the Raise the Bar Initiative reflects her passion for helping create spaces where others feel supported and empowered through movement and community. Outside of work and volunteering, she enjoys spending time outdoors, visiting Major League Baseball stadiums with her husband, being a proud stepmom to two amazing young women, and dog mom to Remi Lou and Rizzo too.

BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE

Jade Dilliner is a mental health counselor who works with clients across a wide range of age groups. She is passionate about the connection between physical and mental well-being and strongly believes in the benefits of integrating both into a healthy lifestyle. Jade holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Jade began strength training in 2016 as a personal outlet and quickly developed a passion for lifting. In 2023, she competed in the Women’s Barbell Classic after receiving encouragement from female friends at her local gym. Since then, she has volunteered with the organization and, in 2025, became involved in coaching groups through the HERoic program.

Through lifting, Jade discovered a strong sense of community and connection, which she now hopes to foster in other girls and women by helping build confidence, empowerment, and support through fitness. She is currently pursuing bodybuilding and plans to compete in the future.

Outside of work and training, Jade enjoys spending time with friends, reading, caring for her cat, and volunteering as a hot air balloon crew member.

BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE

Mary Koger brings more than 20 years of experience in leadership, strategy development, and continuous process improvement within the healthcare and financial services industry. Throughout her career, she has led teams and enterprise initiatives focused on operational excellence, innovation, and helping organizations and people grow through meaningful change.

Mary is passionate about empowering others to build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills both personally and professionally. Her work has increasingly focused on helping teams and leaders embrace innovation, collaboration, and growth while creating environments where people feel supported and valued.

Outside of work, Mary enjoys spending time with her family, supporting community initiatives, and encouraging others to recognize their own strength and potential. She is honored to serve on the Raise the Bar Initiative Board of Directors and support RBI’s mission of helping girls and women develop physical, mental, and emotional strength through community and connection.