Team — DKDSM

Jen C

Creator | Founder | Executive Producer

For nearly fifteen years, Jen Carruthers has been at the forefront of building a more progressive, inclusive, and engaging capital city. Jen's inspiring leadership led her to co-found Dapper DSM, Des Moines' only lesbian-owned barbershop, and help shape organizations like Capital City Pride (CCP), where she lastly served as board president and sponsorship director. During her years leading the board, Jen co-led CCP's Pride Fest from a modest local event attracting 2,500 attendees in 2017 to the largest LGBTQ+ cultural gathering in the state of Iowa, welcoming over 50,000 attendees in June of 2023. In just two and half years, Jen created and executed CCP's most robust fundraising strategy since its inception in 1978, working alongside board colleagues to raise a record-breaking $1.2 million.

Her vision for spaces that celebrate Queer culture brought shows like Lez Talk to the Des Moines Social Club, and Drag King DSM, Jen's brainchild and the country's largest all-drag king show, showcasing incredible artists from multiple states to Wooly's for fourteen years (and counting!). Jen is an avid social connector and respected change maker within local business and nonprofit communities, particularly those serving the interests of LGBTQ+ Iowans and the arts. She is a Forty under 40 award recipient, Inspiring Women finalist by Girls Scouts of Greater Iowa, Amadeo Rossi Innovator of the Year award winner from the Des Moines Music Coalition and a graduate of Lead DSM. A seasoned relationship builder and exceptional leader with a stalwart sense of purpose, Jen believes embracing innovation and diversity is essential to a thriving community.

She is excited to join to Iowa Drag Awards in its 4th year and assisted in the production of Americana’s first ever drag brunch, which was sold out and beyond epic!

Vivette perry

Front of House Manager | Co-Producer

Vivette has previously worked as co-producer, creative consultant, and performer for Fresh Breath Productions. In 2023, Vivette served on the board for Capital City Pride (CCP) as the Entertainment Director and flawlessly executed the best overall entertainment the festival has ever seen in it's 45 year history. The headliners featured the queen of percussion Sheila E, RuPaul royalty Shangela and Trixie Mattel as well as Haiku Hands from the land down under and YouTube sensation Leslie and the Lys (first performance in almost 10 years!).

Vivette is in her 10th year of Drag King DSM, and she loves the togetherness and celebration that Drag King DSM and the Iowa drag scene brings. There is always an amazing electricity in the air and an overwhelming sense of community and love! She has an extensive creative performing arts background and also has a 200 hour RYT that allows her the enjoyment of teaching yoga. Vivette has been a long time passionate ally to the LGBTQ+ community and was recognized for this in 2022 as the Capital City Pride Ally of the Year. She was also honored as one of the 40 Women to Watch in the Hospitality Industry for the Iowa Restaurant Association.

She is excited to join to Iowa Drag Awards in its 4th year and assisted in the production of Americana’s first ever drag brunch, which sold out and was beyond epic!