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Gretchen Lembcke Pena

Gretchen Lembcke Peña is a multimedia bilingual journalist originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She holds a B.A in Multimedia Journalism from Lynn University and recently earned her M.A in Bilingual Journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Her reporting centers on community and cross-cultural storytelling with a focus on representation. Gretchen has long been passionate about writing surrounding social issues, arts, culture, and entertainment, which led her to pursue journalism. Outside the newsroom, she spends her time tackling her reading goal for the week.

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Gretchen's Latest Articles

Read to Succeed Luncheon, featuring author Don Tate, celebrates literacy and student achievement at King Elementary School in Des Moines

BCDI of Iowa and Reach Out and Read-Midwest partnered to foster a special event for King Elementary School families.

National panel says sentences based on prior criminal records can increase both prison terms and racial injustice

A national organization gathered experts together to discuss the problems with mandatory minimum sentencing.

Inaugural Black Women’s Conference, promoting healing, awareness, empowerment, to be held in October in Chicago

The nonprofit Courageous Access, founded in Iowa, will host a conference for Black women, held in Chicago. Register today.

Polk County to launch its first warrant resolution clinic

The CJCC joined forces with various organizations to help Polk County residents resolve their non-violent warrants.

Black Iowans hit hardest in Iowa’s soaring cancer rates

Advocates explain how policy choices and legislative choices affect cancer rates for Black Iowans.

Iowa ‘3-strikes’ bill could disproportionately impact Black Iowans

Lawmakers debated costs, prison space and racial disparities before passing a bill requiring controversial 20-year sentences for repeat offenders.

IOWA CAPITOL
Iowa lawmakers suggest bill to ensure health safety in schools

A proposed bill would require school districts to develop emergency response plans, including CPR and other health-related training for staff.

Black Tech town hall examines AI’s impact on Black communities

Safer and conscious use of AI technologies is necessary, advocates say. The concerns are present even in places like West Des Moines, Iowa.

College-educated Black women faced largest employment losses in 2025

Employment data show college-educated Black women were hit hardest by 2025 job losses, especially those who worked in government roles.

The Power of Art: Sioux City NAACP commemorates Coretta Scott King during Black History Month

Sioux City NAACP hosts free Coretta Scott King program with live narration, music and Civil Rights storytelling at Morningside University.