About

Hello,

I’m Mary Lee Woods and my avid interest in creativity has sparked a lifelong quest to learn more about it. I believe creativity is a part of all of us.

However, I also believe it’s a “use-it-or-lose it” proposition so we need to work to stay creative. I work in the public sector as the Deputy CIO of the City of Des Moines and teach creativity as a part of the Certified Public Manager Program at Drake University. I also present creativity workshops for writers and other creatives. On the fiction side of publishing, I write mysteries under two pen names,  Mary Lee Ashford & Sparkle Abbey.

While I know that creativity is important in business (95% give hiring preference to those with skills to innovate) I also believe that no matter what field we’re in – whether it’s business, government, technology, teaching, or the arts – we all need to exercise our mental muscles and unleash our creativity!