Annis is a proud native of Waterloo, Iowa. Raised in the city with two brothers and a sister, they attended Antioch Baptist Church with their parents Eli and Marthenya (Barnett) Austin. The Austins instilled faith and service in their children. Annis credits that upbringing for her continued work in the NAACP. 

 

A graduate of Waterloo East High School, Annis pursued higher education at Upper Iowa University. She obtained a Business and Marketing Degree from Upper Iowa University and moved to Des Moines, to build a life and for herself and her two children. Since her move to the Metro Area, Annis has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of the Black population in Des Moines through faith, professional, and community service.

 

Professionally, a successful tenure at Principal Financial Group led to a position at Heartland AEA. This agency works with families and school districts in Central Iowa to meet the needs of children who learn differently. Annis furthered her outreach to Des Moines Youth serving several terms as co-advisor to the Des Moines Youth Council and ACT-SO competition. Additionally, Annis continues to serve on the Des Moines NAACP Executive Committee as Branch Treasurer; a position she has held for several years.

 

As a member of Faith M. B. Church, Annis is passionate about Christian Education. She has graduated from Phase 4 of the COPP program, through the SSPB. Annis enjoys her work as Church Treasurer, Vice President of the Woman’s Mission, and as Vice President of East Side Union Missionary Society.

 

Annis is currently married to her husband, Brad Woods. In their spare time, Annis and Brad enjoy cooking and spending time with their three grandchildren, that are the loves of their lives.