CHELSI CORNELIUS
Executive Director, United Way of Clinton County
Age: 34 City of Residence: Clinton, IA Highest Level of Education: I studied psychology and business management at both Graceland University and Southwestern Community College
Family: I’ m a proud single mother to a spirited 5-year-old son with spina bifida, who attends Jefferson Elementary. He has the kindest heart and a hilarious personality that lights up every room.
Volunteering / Community Service: I’ m an active member of Kiwanis, where I’ m partnering with the president to address literacy in Clinton. I also belong to Living Peace 365 and have participated in MLK readings and spoken before City Council in recognition of Juneteenth. In addition, I remain deeply connected with all 16 nonprofit partner agencies supported by United Way, collaborating wherever possible to uplift and unify our community.
Best career advice you have to give: It’ s not about the title you have or the awards on your shelf. What really makes you stand out is your empathy, your ability to truly listen and care. It’ s the way you show up for people, even when no one’ s watching. The energy you bring into a room matters. The comfort you offer when someone’ s having a tough day matters. The impact you make doesn’ t come from your résumé.. it comes from your heart. That’ s what people remember, and that’ s what opens doors you never even knocked on.
What is something people might be surprised to know about you: At the start of 2025, I set some big personal goals for myself: one of which was to write and publish my own book. I’ m proud to share that I’ ve since completed a poetry collection that explores grief, love, and mental health. Writing has always been a healing outlet for me, and this book became a space to process my own journey while hopefully connecting with others through shared emotions and experiences. My hope is to have it published within the year and continue using storytelling as a way to foster empathy and understanding.
Biggest issue facing Clinton: One of the biggest issues facing Clinton is financial instability. When individuals and families are struggling to make ends meet, it creates a ripple effect across every other area of life: housing becomes unaffordable, access to healthy food becomes limited, and basic needs go unmet. Poverty isn’ t just one issue, it’ s at the root of so many others, like mental health challenges, substance abuse, and the feeling of hopelessness that can settle into a community. Until we address the financial burdens our neighbors are carrying, we’ ll continue to see these other issues grow. Real change starts with building stability, one household at a time.
DANIEL CORONADO
Store Director, Hy-Vee
Age: 37 City of Residence: Camanche, IA Highest Level of Education: Bachelor ' s Degree in Psychology / Minor in Human Development and Family Studies
Family: My wife Maggie Coronado
Volunteering / Community service: I derive immense satisfaction from volunteering my time and contributing to the community I serve. Currently, I hold board a position at Sarah Harding Senior Living and am a member of the Kiwanis Club in Fulton. Through these roles, I am dedicated to fostering individual growth and nurturing the collective development of our community. It is a privilege to support and witness the positive impact that collaborative efforts can achieve.
Favorite place in Clinton: My favorite place in Clinton is the riverfront. My wife and I love taking walks with our two dogs along the scenic paths. We also enjoy dining at the Candlelight Inn Restaurant, which offers a fantastic setting for a meal by the water. It ' s the perfect spot to relax and savor a delicious dinner with a view. We are also very excited for the upcoming play season at the Showboat Theatre.
Best career advice you received: The best career advice I have received is to surround yourself with people you admire and aspire to emulate. By doing so, you create an environment that fosters growth and inspiration. Additionally, speaking less and listening more allows you to gain valuable insights and perspectives. Finally, helping everyone you can along the way not only strengthens your network but also contributes to a supportive and collaborative community.
How you define leadership: To me, leadership is about prioritizing the needs of others before your own. It involves uniting a team to achieve common goals and fostering growth both within the team and beyond. True leadership means taking responsibility and ownership of actions and outcomes, ensuring that everyone feels supported and empowered to contribute their best.
2025 | RISING STARS 7