Ivonne Simmonds-Fals sees the community as fertile soil — an environment in which she has been able to plant roots, grow and continue to thrive in a plethora of creative ways.

“Dubuque is a small community, but it’s one where you can make an impact,” said the 36-year-old. “You can see the things that you do, and you can see that they matter.”

Simmonds-Fals is a senior graphic designer at Gigantic Design Co. in Dubuque, a position she has held for the past four years.

But in addition to tapping into her creative side professionally, she also is a passionate advocate for the arts.

While still a college student, she became the co-founder of Dubuque Area Arts Collective. Now located within the Smokestack, it’s an organization that has carried the mission of creating a space for younger, diverse artists to express and display their artwork for more than a decade.

Additionally, Simmonds-Fals serves on the board of directors for Dubuque Unidos, representing the area’s Latinx community; as well as being involved with the newly founded Bluff Strokes Art Center; the First Fridays committee; and Dubuque Forward, creating connections between arts and artists within the community.

A native of Colombia, Simmonds-Fals came to the United States with her mother.

“My grandmother was from Iowa, and my grandfather was from Colombia and came to University of Dubuque as an exchange student,” Simmonds-Fals said. “There used to be a little café across the street. They met there and fell in love.”

The couple relocated to Colombia to be closer to family, soon having a family of their own.

Simmonds-Fals’ mother, who eventually found herself as a single parent speaking no English and with little education, decided to return to Dubuque in 2005 for a fresh start.

“She was in her 50s and had to work hard, cleaning dishes and doing other physically hard jobs,” Simmonds-Fals said. “But she found good groups and positive people within the community who were willing to help. People here are very willing to do that.”

Simmonds-Fals would go on to attend Clarke University, double majoring in graphic design and painting, before working for a three-year stint in Colorado, from 2016 to 2019.

However, she found she missed Dubuque.

“I just missed the vibe of the community,” Simmonds-Fals said.

Upon landing at Gigantic Design Co., she said she found a place where she could have a platform as a graphic design artist.

“It’s a growing business,” Simmonds-Fals said. “We serve clients of all kinds, nationally and internationally. My favorite thing is being able to help other businesses get started and find their branding. You get to see the results from the work you do. That’s exciting to be a part of.”

Tom Culbertson, owner and partner of Gigantic Design Co., described Simmonds-Fals as an individual with passionate dedication who has made use of her creative talents to advocate for and support the arts.

“She celebrates and helps to promote the city’s vibrant artistic community,” he said. “She is fluent in Spanish and brings a rich cultural perspective to her work. Her extensive marketing knowledge and keen sense of design elevate every project she touches, ensuring that each initiative is not only visually appealing, but also effectively communicates its message. Her empathy and intelligence shine through in her interactions with colleagues and community members, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. She goes beyond her professional responsibilities by dedicating time and resources to support and uplift others. Her helpful nature and eagerness to contribute to the betterment of Dubuque are evident in her involvement in community initiatives. And her commitment to making Dubuque a better place reflects her deep sense of responsibility and dedication as a leader.”

That quality has enabled Simmonds-Fals to serve as a mentor, particularly for young women in the Latinx community and the arts.

“She has been instrumental in helping these women find resources and assisting them in relocating to Dubuque ensuring they feel welcomed and supported in their new community,” Culbertson said. “That mentorship extends to her active encouragement of women artists, urging them to submit their work to art shows and exhibitions. Her eagerness to help others succeed demonstrates her commitment to fostering personal and professional growth among women in Dubuque. And her dedication to community service is further demonstrated by her efforts to provide care and resources to those in need.”

Additionally, Simmonds-Fals has been involved in formal mentorship programs through Dubuque Area Arts Collective. She initiated a free program for high school students interested in art and design, providing them with an opportunity to work alongside local professionals, culminating in an art show in which students were able to showcase their work.

Simmonds-Fals further serves as a mentor for junior designers at Gigantic Design Co.

“She shares her extensive expertise in design and marketing, offering guidance and support to young employees as they navigate their careers,” Culbertson said. “Her approachable demeanor and willingness to invest time in others have made her a trusted adviser and role model professionally and personally. Through her mentorship, she has played a key role in helping shape the next generation of creative professionals in Dubuque.”

Simmonds-Fals sees such involvement as a necessity to contribute to building a healthy and vibrant community.

“It’s an important thing to get involved and to give back,” she said. “It’s what makes a community thrive. And Dubuque is a community of innovators and people who create space to do that.”

Megan Gloss writes for the Telegraph Herald.