Job: Iowa Columnist and senior writer
Years at the Register: Almost a decade.
I grew up in: Glenview, Illinois — or if you go to the University of Iowa, “Chicago”
I live in: West Des Moines. I traded in my “downtown cool” aesthetic for a puffy vest that I wear to Costco and, honestly, I’ve never loved life more.
I graduated from: New York University in Manhattan. But my football loyalty lies with my sister’s alma mater: Roll Tide, Roll.
Family: After a lengthy and emotional battle with infertility, I had my son, Clark, in May. So 2024 has been filled with all the excitement and exhaustion of new parent life for me and my husband, Scott. Can we please talk about pacifier technology? My kingdom to the engineer who finally designs one that STAYS IN.
Email: ccrowder@dmreg.com
Clark Graca learning to like selfies with his mother, Courtney Crowder. He remains unsure.
Why journalism? In college, I took the 101 level of nearly every major. I found journalism after asking myself: What job combines my two deepest loves, cocktail conversation and writing? Seriously, I just love talking to people. My elementary school report cards always said I was a “social butterfly” and “chatty” and “speaks loudly during sustained silent reading time.” Yeah, pretty much nothing’s changed.
I like my job because: Being invited into people’s homes and hearts to hear about their triumphs and tragedies is an honor as well as a responsibility. Stand with people long enough, marinate in their emotions, fears and joys, and you realize that our fates are intertwined and our experiences are our superpowers. Sharing stories will always knit us closer together — getting to be a small part of that is awe inspiring.
Some columns I’ve worked on recently: My work ranges widely in topic matter, but always features the unvarnished lives of real Iowans. Just before the caucuses — remember those? — I was able to visit Denison and see how a family of immigrants was reopening a beloved local diner, with a new twist. I ventured to the northwestern corner of the state to figure out why Sioux City’s Twin Bing drives candy lovers crazy. I went to my first wrestling meet to chat with University of Iowa Coach Clarissa Chun for a behind-the-scenes look at the sweat that has gone into building the first Division 1 women’s wrestling program. (Go for the amazing athleticism of these women, stay for the pyrotechnics!) And I spoke with a University of Iowa nurse about the “loving embrace” she gave to a dying infant and how that singular moment has resonated through her own motherhood journey.
Some columns I’m working on next: I just got back from maternity leave, so my inbox is open to ideas! I’m especially interested in maternal health care in Iowa as well as elder abuse and conservatorship mismanagement.
When I’m not working, I like to: I’m addicted to Peloton, so I’m probably on a ride. This summer, I started running and am working my way up to entering a 5K. And I love a good suspense ― book or series, I’m not picky.
My favorite Iowa haunt: The Iowa State Fair. My party trick is knowing how to get from anywhere to anywhere on the grounds. I’ll also always have a soft spot for Tasty Tacos. They took a taco and then they fried it. Geniuses amongst mortals.
Fun fact about me: I once appeared on the “Today” show and I can confirm that Al Roker really is that nice. A hug like chamomile tea, I tell ya.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Meet the Des Moines Register staff: Iowa Columnist Courtney Crowder
