CHAIR Al Womble
Al Womble graduated from Drake University in 1994. He was a member of the football team and a teachers assistant for the history department. He eventually joined Laborers Local 353 where he became a Union Stewart and the political captain. Al is a very active volunteer in central Iowa area where he has served as the Chair of Iowa’s 3rd District. Al is a current member of the Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee. In addition to serving as chair of the IDBC, he is also the current Chair of the West Des Moines Democrats, Chair of the NAACP Political Action Committee and a board member of the Asian & Latino Coalition.
VICE CHAIR Michelle Elliott
Michelle’s community activism began in the late 1980’s, after canvassing for the first time. After relocating to Iowa from Missouri in 2005, Michelle attended her first-ever caucus in 2008. Michelle works to improve the quality of life in Iowa through her involvement with various community and non-profit organizations as a member, volunteer, donor and leader. She has been a member of IDBC since 2016 and has served in her current role as Secretary since 2018. Michelle resides in Polk County with her husband, Bob. They have two adult children and two grandchildren.
SECRETARY Athena Gilbraith
Athena is no stranger to Iowa Democratic politics. Serving as the Iowa Regional Organizing Coordinator for Swing Left, Athena’s commitment to organizing and campaign management has led her up and down the state, leading campaigns and groups across Iowa in the Presidential, US Senate, and Iowa state House campaigns. Athena is also the IDBC Communications Chair and an active advocate for racial justice in Scott County. Athena was recently awarded as one of ten Honorees for the Quad Cities Race Against Racism, and was given the city proclamation for Juneteenth for her advocacy in putting its official date on Davenport’s city calendar. Athena resides in Davenport with her family and plays hockey.
TREASURER Open Seat
SCC PREVISIONARY MEMBER Mary Madison
Mary Lee Madison, is a Minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, an Educator, and Counselor. She has served as the Iowa Democratic Party Affirmative Action Chair and Community Voter Education and Registration committees. Mary is a 20-year resident of Des Moines. Her passion is working to strengthen the lives of children and families in Iowa. Mary is married to L. Keith Madison; they have three adult children and one adorable grandchild, Zoe Isabella.
OUTREACH DIRECTOR Ako Abdul-Samad
State Representative District 35
Iowa State Representative Ako Abdul-Samad is the co-founder and former chair of IDBC, and currently represents District 35, in Des Moines, and is the author of “The Deeper Truth: Revelations of the Soul.” He has served as chair of American Muslim Alliance, and was elected to Des Moines Public School Board in 2003 where he served as vice president. Ako is the Co-founder and coordinator of YMCA Downtown Teen Program, founder and president of African-American Islamic Association, vice president of the Center for the Study and Application of Black Economic Development, and co-founder of the first black student union in the state of Iowa. He has established and directed business functions that include employment assistance, support services, health care management, community development, advocacy, and consultancy on culture and diversity education. Ako was awarded the National Caring Award in 2004, and was awarded for his contributions to the community by Bankers Trust in 2015.