Helping Others Become the “Best They Can Be”

Alumna Amanda Wanke ’99, GS’06 worked in various leadership roles at the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) for seven years before she was asked to become CEO. Her journey from Bethel to the head of a major transit organization serves as an inspiring story of how faith and education can fuel dedication to service and leadership. In her career, Wanke has not only combined her passions and interests but has also discovered her calling—making a meaningful impact wherever she goes.

Wanke’s connection to Bethel University runs deep, rooted in her upbringing in a faith-filled family. For her, faith and education were inseparable, and she sought to further her education at an institution that shared her values. “Bethel had a really good reputation, and I knew it growing up. I wanted to be at a place that shared the same values I held, and let me think about how my faith and work come together,” she says. At Bethel, Wanke chose to major in political science and minor in communication studies, bringing together both her natural skills and interests.

While at Bethel, Wanke’s academic pursuits took her across the country. Participating in a study program in Washington, D.C., she gained valuable insights into the overlap of government and communication. She recognized the significance of transparent and open communication and how actions can directly impact individuals. “The experience really solidified my commitment to merging my interests in government and writing, channeling them into work that creates a tangible impact on people’s lives,” she says. “Government influences people's lives daily, and transparent communication is crucial to make clear the ‘why’ behind every action and its impact on a community.”

Wanke fondly remembers her time at Bethel, where professors played a pivotal role in her understanding of integrating faith into daily work. “There were a lot of professors that guided me on how to weave my beliefs into my work and professional endeavors.” During this period, Wanke recalls engaging in important conversations centered around finding one’s true calling.

As a student, Wanke came across a quote by Frederick Buechner, one that continues to resonate within her to this day: “The place God calls you is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” To Wanke, this philosophy has been her guiding light throughout her career and beyond, helping to align her natural skills and talents with the world’s pressing needs. 

Throughout her career, Wanke has embraced a diverse array of roles—from nonprofits and government entities to the agricultural research field. Each role allowed her to leverage her communication and leadership skills to effect positive change. “I love trying to communicate the value of something, to try and help people understand the difference something makes in people's lives.” Wanke later returned to Bethel for further education, pursuing a master’s degree in organizational leadership. “It was here that I discovered my passion for leading people. I delved into the philosophies and implementation of leadership, which helped broaden my understanding of this passion,” she says. 

After seven years serving in various leadership roles, Wanke’s career took a turn when she received a call to consider coming back to lead DART. Less than a year prior, she’d left DART for a different organization. Despite initial reservations, she decided to explore the opportunity. “As I started to talk about it, pray, and have conversations with mentors and friends, I felt called that I had to give it a shot,” she says.

In her new role as CEO of the transit organization, Wanke is keenly focused on the people she serves. With nearly 300 employees and millions of rides provided annually, she’s driven to mentor and support her colleagues, ensuring the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness. “Within our operations, we have a multitude of unique perspectives, experiences, and stories. Nothing brings me more joy than guiding someone to be the best they can be—whether as a mentor, a leader or simply being a listening ear for a customer in need. I love trying to make someone's life a little better every day,” she says.

Leading an organization as dynamic as DART is an immense undertaking, with operations running 20 hours a day, seven days a week. Wanke stresses the importance of four core values that help guide her in leadership: good communication, trust, cooperation, and a commitment to holding individuals accountable.

Inevitably, there are days that leave Wanke drained, both, personally and professionally. “I try to be the best I can for everyone in my life, but I’ve learned that I can't do it all. I often disappoint myself,” she says. Through these challenges, she has come to understand the concept of grace, learning to accept the unique way in which God has wired her.

Throughout her career, Wanke has mastered the art of navigating difficult conversations, even when they don’t yield benefits for everyone. “The most difficult moments for me are when we have to make decisions that don’t offer a win for everyone, or when someone else’s decision adversely affects other people within the organization,” she says. “Unfortunately, these situations are not uncommon in our world today, and we have to learn how to confront them.”

Nevertheless, Wanke remains passionate about problem-solving, process improvement, and community impact. Her dedication to improving lives extends beyond work life, as she has gained a profound understanding of mental health challenges because of her family’s experiences, prompting her to become an advocate for mental health support and awareness. “I’ve become really passionate about it. Obviously, it’s not my job, but I’ve learned a lot about the challenges and how you get help for loved ones,” she shares. “It’s also about understanding what you can and can’t control, and that’s hard. You never like to see loved ones going through that, but there are some things you can’t fix for other people, and all you can do is help find the resources and support they need and love them fiercely through the tough moments.”

For young women aspiring to follow a similar path in their careers, Wanke offers valuable advice: embrace the different periods in your life and recognize that you can pursue your passions, even if not all at once. “Accept that there are seasons in life and really lean into whatever season you are in, so that you can do the things you want to do, and the things you're passionate about. You might not be able to do it all at once, and there are different times for different reasons, but things come together—even if it looks different than you initially thought you wanted. When I graduated from Bethel, I never would have thought leading a public transit organization would be my goal," she says.

As Wanke continues to lead with dedication, DART can expect a CEO who brings compassion, leadership, and a profound sense of purpose to her work. Her journey from Bethel to the helm of a major transit authority shows us that you can shape a successful career while making a meaningful impact. Beyond her career, Wanke finds fulfillment in outdoor activities, spending time with her husband and family, caring for their three dogs, and exploring the country through travel.

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