ABOUT AMBER

Mother Teresa once said: “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” I have always said that I believe the difference makers are the ones to whom are with the School System. Now I want to become a difference maker and quit just talking and doing something about it. I believe that education is the foundation that will not just make Ankeny succeed today but also we must plan and embrace tomorrow. I want not just my sons to have a great education at Ankeny but also my Grandkids. I want my sons to want to stay in Ankeny to ensure a great education for their children. 

My Name is Amber Romans. I was born in St Charles Missouri. I grew up with supportive parents and 5 brothers and sisters. We were a Navy family and I am proud of the service my Father did in the military and I am proud of the support he got from my mother. These two were my first role models. Mom taught me to read, write and tie my shoes. My father taught me to speak up, educate myself and give back to others. Being a Military family, I moved a lot in my early years, my mom was a community leader with other families when they had family members out to sea. I saw how different cultures from other parts of the country and the world came together and embraced and celebrated those differences. I was able to see my best friends also known as my siblings face new challenges and new schools alongside me and we knew the importance of that education and the blessing we had as Americans to get a quality education.

There was a short stent we had living in Iowa, I remember how behind I was compared to my Iowa native peers. Due to unforeseen circumstances had to move to Missouri. I saw my father retire and then go back to college to become a school teacher in Missouri. Education was always important to me. I worked full time and went to college in Missouri getting my undergrad from Lindenwood University in Business Administration. I knew I wanted to return to Iowa. I loved being here when visiting family and friends so I focused on Iowa Jobs. I was able to get on and work at Wells Fargo for the last 17 years. In that time, I have worked through multiple advancements in my career, now focusing on business execution. I also was able to work while obtaining my MBA from Drake University. Go Bulldogs!!

I have 2 sons, one in Ankeny who is a Band kid. You will find me in the fall at all the marching band performances. You can see how well-behaved Ankeny students are take them on a band trip, fill them up with performance stress, and new situations, and see how well they perform. Not only have I seen how great these students are in the band just with the interactions with them all. I remember once meeting with the teachers, I have a student with accommodations. I said: “ I don’t know if it’s the School or the Parents but it is a direct reflection on this community and how much care I see in these students.” Under no circumstances have all these students been perfect but the quality is reflected in this community. I also have another son that has graduated high school and is now working in a trade. He will soon be a father, and I cannot wait to see what great things this community with be for them.

I have been involved in different aspects of the community. I have led middle school girls at church for several years. I lead women’s events and studies at my church and am starting a Christian Women’s Business organization in the Des Moines area. My husband and I both have a Photography business that not only allows us to meet all kinds of seniors in the area and spend time talking to their parents while also allowing us to spend time together over our love of photography.

When elected to the school board my focus is on the students. While also balancing trust with parents and educators. I feel we as a town have grown and I have a personal interest in preserving what we have done while also improving the process to ensure we are a high-performing school district. I feel I can use not only my passion for others especially students to bring strategic direction while also using my skill sets through my work experience and education.

AMBER ROMANS

Ankeny School Board Member

“Our education community deserves a leader that is collaborative to build trust and unity”