KW
Biography
Jamie earned bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Spanish from Creighton University, and went on to earn her master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Iowa. She taught English as a Second Language at UI for 11 years, and has also taught preschool at Indian Creek Nature Center. In her free time, Jamie enjoys gardening, painting, reading, playing outside with her family, and just relaxing on their screened porch.
Isabelle graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor of science degree in History and a bachelor of arts in Anthropology in 2021. After their undergraduate studies, Isabelle earned her juris doctor degree from Drake University Law School in 2025. During law school, Isabelle was a student attorney at the Drake Legal Clinic, where they represented children in guardianship, child in need of assistance (CINA), and juvenile justice proceedings. Isabelle grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but now lives with her wife and three cats in Ames, Iowa. She enjoys knitting, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Kendra received their bachelor of arts degree in Political Science and Spanish with Honors from Central College in 2012. She earned her juris doctor degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2016. Kendra has always been drawn to the public interest arena. Their desire to have a career in the nonprofit world was solidified when they served as an AmeriCorps VISTA after undergraduate studies. As a student attorney, she worked on family-based immigration law and post-graduation, she represented children in their parents’ custody and divorce cases. Kendra was a founding board member for the LGBTQ Youth Center (in Cedar Rapids, Iowa). It was during this time that Kendra began to look for more ways to serve the LGBTQ community. And thus, Lavender Legal Center was born to provide hope and resilience for LGBTQ Iowans. In their spare time, Kendra enjoys spending time with her dazzling wife and two beautiful kids, working on their old home, and antiquing.
Emily Lavery is an attorney at Shuttleworth & Ingersoll. Originally from the Kansas City area, she now lives in Coralville with her partner. Prior to joining the board, she partnered with Lavender Legal Center, Iowa Legal Aid and Shuttleworth & Ingersoll to run a name change and birth certificate amendment clinic in October of 2023. She is excited to join the board to continue her advocacy.
Jakob is a Paralegal in the Davenport office of Iowa Legal Aid. Iowa Legal Aid is a statewide nonprofit law firm that provides civil legal services to low-income Iowans. He is a graduate of Iowa State University with degrees in Political Science and Spanish. Jakob is excited to join the board and hopes to provide a unique perspective.