We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Fabiola Schirrmeister a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Fabiola thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Des Moines Film / The Varsity Cinema:

During the pandemic, I was contacted by a close friend that was part of a local non profit, here in Des Moines, Iowa called Des Moines Film. They were looking for Latino board members that could help represent the community but also help fundraise to restore a historic cinema.
I was accepted to be part of the board and help raised 5 million dollars in total for cinema renovation.

The Varsity Cinema opened successfully in December 2022.
As a non-profit, the programming at Varsity Cinema will always remain arts-driven, with a focus on showcasing diverse voices and community partnerships.

For me its an honor to be serving on the Varsity Board and help uplift latino talent and bring diverse film in the midwest.

Fabiola, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born and raised in Cd. Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. At the age of 18, I moved to the United States to learn English and begin a career in communications.

In 2011, I graduated with honors in Telecommunications from the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, in Santurce, Puerto Rico.

Thanks to my studies and dedication, I was able to be part of a variety of television and and radio projects in Puerto Rico, such as: Working for WIPR television and radio. I also had the opportunity to do local production for Telemundo Puerto Rico.

Some of my expertise are to create a personalized market strategy throughout different communications platforms such as TV spots, radio, social media and special events. I Developed and coordinated the customer campaign (Production, Directing, animating and editing). I Coordinated and developed events to increase sales and brand awareness in the Hispanic community

After several years working in the communications industry in the United States, a job opportunity came up for my husband and we decided to move to Iowa in the summer of 2014.

Beginning in 2015, I started working for the local radio station with La ley 105.5 fm.
I had the opportunity to not only host and produce my radio show on the air for 3 years, but also collaborate with different non-profit organizations, mostly pro-immigrants.

In 2018, I tried new things and left the radio to dedicate full time as an Executive Director for LLI Latina Leadership Initiative of Greater Des Moines, where leadership workshops are given to Latinas who want to continue growing within the community.

In my time away from radio I was able to be part of various community projects, interview political candidates, promote civic duty such as the Caucus with collaborations with CNN in Spanish, among others, also dedicated my time serving on Boards.

I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Varsity Des Moines / Des Moines Film.

After several years, I decided it to get back to the radio, I love to be on the radio. I love to inform and use this platform to empower the latino community. I currently work for La Ley 105.5 fm and for the first time on La Reina 1260 am and 96.5 fm.

I”m on the air from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 11am on La Reina 1260 am and 96.5 fm.

And Monday to Friday from 12pm to 2pm on La Ley 105.5 fm.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes, there are many resources out there, such as Leadership programs, mentors, serving on boards. I think connecting with your community and find a way to give back should be part of our mission in life.

Sometimes as Latinos living in the USA, we tend to think or have the false idea,that we don’t fit in leadership positions, but representation matters and will open doors for others,

Make sure to leave space for the next generation.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I would say that as a mom, wife and professional, sometimes is hard to find a balance, However my mission in life is to continue being able to see my family happy and continue to create amazing memories.

Another goal/ mission in life as a professional:is to continue to inform, educate and uplift our community through out radio, social media and any other platforms I’m involved,

Currently with Des Moines film / Varsity Cinema one of my goals is to help growing a vibrant local film culture and diverse voices in our community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: fabyschirrmeister
• Facebook: Fabiola Schirrmeister
• Linkedin: Fabiola Schirrmeister
• Twitter: Fabyschirrmeister
• Youtube: Fabiola Schirrmeister
• Tiktok: Fabiola Schirrmeister