Mary Katherine Nelson

Shareholder/attorney, Nyemaster Goode PC

Age: 31

Husband: Lucas Nelson

Children: Charlotte (7 months)

Reasons she is a Forty: Mary Katherine is a shareholder at Nyemaster Goode. She serves on the CREW Iowa board, where she helps champion sponsorship efforts to support the advancement of women in commercial real estate. She was recognized as the only Up and Coming Lawyer for Real Estate across Iowa by Chambers USA in 2022. She was a board member for Goodwill of Central Iowa, assisting with governing, financial and strategic planning initiatives.

What are your goals in your role at your company? To be a great colleague to my partners and to utilize our collective expertise to support our clients in achieving their business goals. To be viewed as a trusted adviser to our clients as they navigate not only complex legal issues, but also the practical risks and rewards of various business decisions.

What are your goals for your community involvement? To intentionally connect CREW Iowa members for professional and personal advancement. Whether that’s a group of new moms meeting for lunch to talk about nap schedules or connecting a member to a potential employer or mentor, I want to help build CREW’s reputation as a powerhouse network of commercial real estate professionals.

What's your biggest passion, and why? Connecting people. I was anxious to pick up my career and move here six years ago, but found the people of Des Moines to be extremely welcoming as I established roots in the community. As a way to pay that kindness forward, I really enjoy introducing professional connections to potential clients and friends to friends.  

What is it that drives you? I want my daughter’s generation to grow up without as many barriers and divisions as the generations before them. I’m eager to remain engaged in business and community organizations that work to narrow those gaps, particularly organizations that elevate and empower women and girls.

What are your future aspirations? I’m passionate about helping organizations that provide educational opportunities to students in our community and important job skills for our neighbors. I want to support nonprofits that are doing this vital work.

Three hobbies: Kentucky Derby fanatic, wine enthusiast, cycling (finding the balance, right?).

Fun fact: She is a native Kentuckian. Mary Katherine and her husband, Lucas, host an annual Kentucky Derby party to share the traditions (and bourbon) of Kentucky with their Iowa friends.

One word to describe you: Content.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? Let’s prioritize checking on each other, whether that is a personal friend, colleague or business acquaintance. Let’s normalize asking for and accepting help. Small acts of kindness to let someone know you see them and care are meaningful.

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Don’t wait – find a cause you are passionate about and jump right in on a committee, event or initiative. There are limitless opportunities for young professionals to truly engage and drive positive change in the Des Moines business and nonprofit community. 

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? Access to affordable, quality and reliable child care. Becoming a parent has opened my eyes to the realities working parents face managing their paid workload in addition to the daily unpaid obligations of parents. Employees cannot show up for work, much less function at a high level, unless their children are in safe environments with trusted caregivers. 

Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? I would be remiss without mentioning the constant support of my husband, Lucas, and our daughter, Charlotte. She brings true joy to all aspects of our lives (and less sleep)!