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Author

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

Food pantries in Iowa at a loss as SNAP benefits shutdown approaches 

Millions of Americans are anxiously awaiting news about the fate of their SNAP benefits.

In the Quad Cities? Partner with an Augustana College accelerator program

Have a pressing community issue in the Quad Cities? An accelerator program could help solve it.

Polk County Housing Trust Fund offers real estate program
Detention by ICE: Timeline of former Des Moines school superintendent Ian Roberts’ detention and resignation

The Des Moines community is still reeling from the ICE detention and resignation of former school superintendent.

Celebrate with Big Brothers Big Sisters
Ike Rayford
Community leader Ike Rayford is running for a city council seat in Sioux City

Ike Rayford, a small business owner and former NAACP leader, is running for a seat on the city council in Sioux City.

Actor and playwright Roger Guenveur Smith to visit Iowa City

You will have three chances to see popular actor and playwright Roger Guenveur Smith during his upcoming appearances in Iowa City.

DMACC exploring sale of Evelyn K. Davis Center to St. Vincent de Paul

Attend community meetings about the future of the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families in Des Moines.

Black Radio Station sold in Des Moines 

American Family Radio purchased KJMC, the only radio station serving Des Moines’ Black community, according to a filing with the FCC.

Plan your trip to the Iowa State Fair with DART

The Iowa State Fair is just around the corner. Have you figured out how you're getting there yet?