A rich, earthy aroma drifts through the halls of the student center. After many busy hours spent in class or slouching over homework, the alluring smell of coffee beckons students to Cafe X, offering a much-needed pick-me-up.

Sara Volkmann stands behind the counter, guiding the young baristas through the sudden slew of coffeeholic scholars.

From hauling food and drinks to an experimental pop-up shop neatly tucked away in the Technology Center to now owning the de facto DMACC coffee spot, Sara spent the past ten years building a community around the brilliantly bitter beverage, serving familiar faces of students, staff, and faculty every day, eager for their daily cup of joe with a side of witty jokes.

She assumed the unofficial role of DMACC mom, as the baristas call her, and is more than happy to share her wisdom with new students.

“I've been in their shoes; I understand the struggles,” she says. It’s unclear if she’s referring to the students or the baristas, as she was once both.

On this same campus more than ten years ago, Sara was diligently completing her Associate of Science (AS) transfer degree, which she earned in 2013, and working part-time at Cafe Diem across the street – a job she started around 2011 while still a student.

At the time, the thought of owning that very coffee shop couldn’t have crossed Sara’s mind, let alone been a legitimate consideration, she said.

She was marching towards a future as an engineer, securing a seat in ISU’s construction engineering program and landing an internship before completing her two-year program at DMACC.

Years later, Sara is now CEO of Cafe Diem’s Ankeny location and of both cafes on DMACC’s Ankeny campus – Café X in Building 5 and Campus Grounds next to the library.

Next year, 2026, will mark their 10-year anniversary on the Ankeny Campus.

"I'm really proud of this," she says, motioning towards the coffee shop behind us. "It's something that we've put a lot of sweat and equity into."

Sara knows navigating college is tough. Just on the Ankeny campus, the corkboards are overflowing with flyers advertising upcoming events, clubs, and student resources. Many can’t spare a second to take a look, consumed by thoughts of assignments and exams, but as they approach Sara’s cafe, looking for fuel to keep going, she is more than happy to offer words of wisdom.

That’s her favorite part: the opportunity to offer much-needed guidance to dazed and confused students in the DMACC community.

“I just interviewed a gal who wants to transfer for a criminal justice degree,” Sara started, “but DMACC offers a terrific two-year certification program she didn't even know about,” she finished, spreading her arms to drive the point home.

Again, Sara understands the struggle of choosing the right path.

When she was managing Café Diem’s Ames location and working as a mechanical technician for an engineering consulting firm in the college town, Sara was forced to confront the possibility that the career field wasn’t right for her.

She decided to move out of Ames and seek other opportunities, letting the management at Cafe Diem know her time with the coffee spot would end with the expiration of her contract at the internship.

But in a surprising turn of events, Cafe Diem’s owner showed up the same day and asked Sara if she wanted to buy into the business.

The offer was equal parts extraordinary as it was strange.

Sara realized it was the change of direction she’d been looking for; she accepted the offer. 

Because deep down, she sensed that her purpose lived less in engineering and more in everyday human connections. A career that promised community would keep her behind an espresso machine.  

“I love, love, love people,” she confessed. 

The coffee world is defined by people; no cafe can keep its doors open without a network of faithful patrons who visit every morning, day after day. 

Community. Belonging — the simple, human spark of connection that can be shared over a hot, inviting drink; a spot for DMACC dwellers to relax and recuperate after a rough day; a place for those who need a friend, and discover it in the warmth of a cup placed gently in front of them.

That’s what Cafe X and Campus Grounds represent to Sara. 

“What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?” she asks you, the reader, and anyone passing by Café X, where the quote adorns a wall facing the main walkway in the Student Center.  

Sara asked herself the same question upon starting the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Program, a statewide program administered by DMACC which supports business goals and growth for emerging entrepreneurs.

The program helped her grow from a barista into a businesswoman, giving her new tools to expand the people-centered vision behind her cafes. It reminded her, she said; that opportunity is something you build — and something you share. 

When the expansion at DMACC’s Urban Campus didn’t work out, Sara brushed herself off and set her sights elsewhere, thankful for the opportunity, but still fearless enough to continue her business journey in a different direction.

So, when faced with the possibility of failure, challenges and lack of experience, would you dare to follow a dream of your own — whether it’s learning a new skill, starting a business, or pursuing the degree you once put on hold? 

Sara’s cafes are now staples of the DMACC experience; the drinks carry parched pupils through the day, and they help carry students through the tougher stretches of their academic journey, too. 

Made entirely possible by a woman who was unafraid to pivot and take risks despite possible failures.  

Sara’s question isn’t hypothetical. It’s an invitation. A challenge: 

How can you bring your community together? 

And will you start by inviting someone for a cup of coffee?  

Bear Trails highlights unique journeys of DMACC students, alumni, faculty, and staff, celebrating their diverse experiences and inspiring paths.

Have a story idea? Contact Savannah Eadens, Public Relations & Communications Specialist, at sjeadens@dmacc.edu or 515-675-3275.