Kayla Kovarna

City: Des Moines

Job Title: Marketing Director

I am a: Transplant

College Alma Mater: University of Iowa

Kayla lives in Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city and the urban core of the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region and works as the Marketing Director at the Baker Group. Outside of work, Kayla enjoys spending time with her family, trying new restaurants and experiencing the local arts and culture.

Get to Know DSM as a Local

Top Interests

Arts and Culture

Food and Drink

Raising Kids in DSM

DSM gives my family the best of both worlds – a safe, welcoming community and a vibrant city with great restaurants, live music and events.

One of Kayla’s favorite things about living in the DSM region is the many options for food and drink. Her family’s personal favorite is Either Or, a laid-back eatery on the west side of Des Moines. Either Or features a large outdoor space with a covered patio for dining, fire pits, a playground for the kids and an acre of grass and green space with a view of the Aliber soccer fields and bike paths. Other favorites include Eatery A, The Bartenders Handshake and takeout from Thai Flavors.  

Every year, Kayla looks forward to attending the World Food & Music Festival, a dynamic three-day event in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). The Festival features live performances, international cuisine, cultural activities and global beverages, making it an exciting and vibrant experience for all.  

When Kayla’s in need of a gift or a little something for herself, her go-to shop is She Home & Gift in the Historic East Village in Downtown DSM. She enjoys browsing the store’s selection of unique items, from trinket trays and paintings to DSM themed pillow shams and other locally inspired finds.  

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