Shelley Horak holds a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University where her research focused on hope among single mothers. She obtained a master’s degree in Public Health from Des Moines University and a bachelor’s degree in Leisure Studies from the University of Iowa. She maintains certifications in Health Education and Public Management and has completed a fellowship with The Harkin Institute. Dr. Horak has dedicated her career to exploring solutions to the complex problems that determine economic and health outcomes. She is currently a project manager at the Iowa Department of Human Services. Her accomplishments are rooted in collaboration, and she enjoys being an active member of many groups including the Iowa Public Health Association, the United Way of Central Iowa’s Early Childhood Success Cabinet, and Creighton’s Alpha Iota Sigma Honor Society.