When Tina Carstensen graduated from Newton High School in 1993 and packed her bags for Central College in Pella, she had one thing in mind: pursuing her love of art.

While a career as a potter or painter wasn’t necessarily in the cards for Carstensen, the resulting endeavors could not have come together in a better fashion.

After graduating with a degree in communications studies, Carstensen launched her career in the marketing department at Shive-Hattery architecture firm in West Des Moines, joined a local leadership academy and dove headfirst into volunteer efforts – all things that led to her being honored as a part of the Des Moines Business Record’s 2013 “40 Under 40” class.