Des Moines Mom Movers & Shakers is an annual series celebrating local moms who are thinking outside the box and making a difference in the community through the businesses they own, organizations they are involved in, and the work they do. Check out the rest of the series and read profiles from previous years here.
Eva Morales is an Iowa native, having grown up in Storm Lake and spent most of my adult life in central Iowa after attending Iowa State University (Go Cyclones!). I am a first-generation Latina, military wife, mom of two girls, and a prosecutor.
Tell us a little bit about your work
My work focuses primarily on child welfare and juvenile law, which means I spend much of my time working with children and families in the court system during some of the hardest moments in their lives. It is challenging work, but it is also deeply meaningful, and I feel incredibly lucky to do work that I care so much about. I grew up believing deeply in the power of education, service, and community – values that continue to guide both my professional and personal life today. Outside of the courtroom, you’ll usually find me listening to a podcast, drinking iced coffee, cheering on my girls, or trying to navigate the beautiful chaos of solo parenting while my husband is deployed right now.
What do you consider the biggest challenge of motherhood to be? Biggest joy?
The biggest challenge has been realizing that the “balance” I was always chasing doesn’t really exist. As working moms, we’re constantly juggling responsibilities and wondering if we’re giving enough to our children, our partners, our careers, and ourselves. There never seems to be enough hours in the day. I have had to learn that some seasons require more of me at work, some seasons require more of me at home, and some seasons require me to admit I need support too.
The biggest joy is watching my daughters become their own people. Seeing their personalities develop, hearing their perspectives on the world, and witnessing their kindness, humor, and confidence grow is an incredible privilege. I love having this front-row seat to their lives and I try to treasure the everyday, ordinary moments.
Tell us about your job and what motivates you.
I represent the State in juvenile court proceedings. While the legal issues can be complex, at its core, my work is about protecting children and helping families move toward stability and healing. What motivates me is the belief that every child deserves love, safety, and the opportunity to grow up with stability and support. As a mom, that mission feels especially personal. My work constantly reminds me how much children depend on the adults and systems around them to make careful, compassionate, and courageous decisions. I am also motivated by the people I get to work alongside and learn from — the colleagues who continue to show up for children and families, even when the work is hard and the hope that even in really hard circumstances, we are helping to create meaningful change.
What’s the best part about what you do?
The best part of my job is knowing that the work matters. I get to be part of a community of people who are trying to protect children, support families, and make thoughtful decisions in complicated situations. I also love getting to work alongside people who are deeply committed, smart, compassionate, and willing to keep doing hard things because kids and families are worth it.
What’s the hardest part about what you do?
The hardest part is that the work is heavy. I see families in crisis, children who have experienced trauma, and situations where there are no easy answers. Those things stay with you long after the work day is done.
What do you wish you knew when you started?
I wish I knew that you do not have to have everything figured out to still be good at what you do. Early on in my career — and honestly, in motherhood too — I thought success meant always being prepared, polished, and certain. I have learned that growth comes from asking questions, building relationships, and being willing to keep learning. I also wish I knew how important it is to protect your own well-being in work that asks so much of your heart.
What do you love about raising a family in Des Moines?
Des Moines offers the best of both worlds. It has the opportunities, amenities, and culture of a larger city while maintaining a wonderful sense of community. It feels big enough to offer incredible opportunities and experiences, but small enough that people still show up for one another. It’s a great place to build a career and raise a family. I love that my girls get to grow up in a place where we can build roots, be involved, and feel supported.
Quick Takes:
Favorite local restaurant: Fire Creek Grill
Describe yourself in 4 words: Compassionate, grateful, ambitious, resilient
What’s the most random thing in your purse? An opalite crystal for calmness, emotional balance, and clear communication. It only seems random if you don’t know me, but those who do know I can be a little woo-woo.
How/where do you relax? My ultimate relaxation involves a pool in Mexico, but I have to try to find relaxing moments in the day to day: a quiet cup of coffee before everyone wakes up or a good podcast after the girls have gone to bed.
If your life had a hashtag, what would it be? #PurposeAndPonytails
Know a Des Moines mom we should feature? Let us know! Email [email protected] with details and we will be in touch.
