KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE: LORRAINE WILLIAMS

As the incumbent trustee for District 4 on the Kirkwood Community College board of directors, I would appreciate your vote on Sept. 8. The nine-member Kirkwood board of directors unanimously appointed me to fill this position earlier this year. I represent all of Washington County and southeastern Johnson County.

Last month, I attended a three-day workshop in Washington, D.C. for new trustees where I learned about Kirkwood's national role in the community college movement. The Iowa meeting of trustees in July taught me how community colleges work together to provide programming and to inform legislators of CC needs.

At a time when colleges are promoting entrepreneurship, I bring a unique world perspective to Kirkwood. I have hands-on experience with success in starting new businesses in two different parts of the world.

My goal as a KCC trustee is to empower students to live and work successfully in a global economy. I have skills and experience as an innovator, an entrepreneur, an independent small business owner, and have developed a business in a foreign country. I bring those talents, as well as marketing skills and work experience, to the table.

As a Kirkwood Trustee, I will bring out the best in others through the promotion of student success and economic development in this corner of the world while keeping in mind the bigger picture.

Born and raised in Washington Iowa, I was educated in area schools and through extensive engagement with other cultures on three continents. For 27 years, I lived in Italy where I joined my sister in the operation of an Italian health industry company; my responsibility was to open and manage new markets in all corners of Italy. The business was sold after the passing of my sister.

Twelve years ago, I moved back to Washington with my family where we restored two buildings and opened three businesses in the heart of downtown Washington. The award winning Café Dodici, Dodici Shop and Dodici Suites have been featured often on IPTV's 'Iowa Simple Pleasures” and in numerous restaurant magazines. Dodici's was selected by the Washington Chamber of Commerce to receive 'Best Business Award in 2006” and as KCRG's 'Best Italian Restaurant in 2010.” The Corridor Business Journal selected me for a Woman of Influence award in 2012.

My purpose in life is my community. I will lead by example and strive to be the change I want to see in the world.

' More information: www.cafedodici.com