Jen C

Creator | 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 the 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

Co-Producer | Front of House Manager

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 the 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!

Chanelle Rosé

Back of House Manager

Born and raised in Des Moines, IA and she has taken on the drag scene like no other in just a few years. Chanelle began her drag journey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then she has produced multiple drag shows, brunches, bingos and more across the state. In 2021 Chanelle was named Capital City Prides Person of the Year after serving two years on the CCPride board as communications and PR. Each year in June Chanelle makes it her goal to collaborate with local and national establishments to raise money for LGBTQ youth education. She was also formally apart of The Garden Showcast and has since joined Spectrum Hospitality as a performing artist after relocating to the Iowa City area. 

Chanelle has been featured in brand deals with local establishments such as Lacheles Fine Foods, Echos Cookies, and National Sodas of America. 

In 2021, Chanelle founded the Iowa Drag Awards originally referred to as the East Village Drag Awards. The community feedback to have something similar statewide was overwhelming and Chanelle made it happen. Since then the award show has grown to reaching max capacity at local establishments. Chanelle is excited to welcome everyone to this years ceremony in celebration on the Iowa Drag scene.

Joelle blanchard

In-house Photography Director

She is a photographer based out of Des Moines. 

Joelle’s sun is in cancer, moon in leo, libra rising. 

Quirky, free spirited lover of all things beautiful. 

Spends her free time being a bed dweller , dancing, playing video + board games, eating delicious food, taking photos of pretty much everything, snuggling her kitty + getting the heck out of dodge as often as possible.