5 (or so) Questions with Mattia Wells

Since joining Grinnell College's Office of Communications and Marketing in 2020, Mattia Wells has helped tell the stories that connect the College with audiences on campus, across the country, and right here in the Grinnell community. As director of communications, she leads strategic communications and media relations, oversees the College's social media strategy, and enjoys highlighting partnerships that strengthen the relationship between the College and the community. Away from work, you'll usually find her at her family's cabin in northern Minnesota, traveling, shopping or chasing after Summer, her energetic chocolate Lab. We caught up with Mattia to learn more about her life on and off campus.

Q: What can you tell us about your family and where you grew up?

I grew up in Altoona, Iowa, I was incredibly fortunate to have amazing parents. My dad retired from the Des Moines Police Department but still calls Altoona home. My mom spent her entire career in education as an elementary and middle school principal. She passed away from ALS in 2025, but her love of people, education, and community continues to inspire me every day.

I'm an only child, but my lifelong friendships have always felt like having sisters. One of my favorite fun facts is that I'm still incredibly close with six of my friends from elementary and high school. We've remained best friends through every stage of life, and one of them even became my sister-in-law after introducing me to my husband, Justin.

Q: How did you find your way to Grinnell College?

I graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in communication and later earned my master's degree in communication leadership from Drake University. Before coming to Grinnell, I worked in communications for Southeast Polk Community School District.

After Justin and I got married and made Grinnell our home, I started looking for communications opportunities closer to where we lived. When the Media Relations Coordinator position opened at the College, it felt like the perfect fit.

I started on March 17, 2020 — right in the middle of the COVID-19 shutdowns. It was certainly an unforgettable way to begin a new job, but it also showed me just how important clear, timely, and compassionate communication can be during challenging times.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?

I love helping tell Grinnell College's story in meaningful ways and creating communications that support the College's priorities while building strong relationships across campus and throughout the Grinnell community.

One of my favorite parts of my role is partnering with the Office of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research. I enjoy highlighting collaborative initiatives, celebrating community partnerships, and telling the stories of people making a difference together. Seeing the impact that can happen when the College and community work side by side is incredibly rewarding.

No two days are ever the same. I really enjoy the variety and the opportunity to connect people with ideas and stories. 

Q: Your family cabin in northern Minnesota seems to be a special place. What makes it so meaningful to you?

Northern Minnesota is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places.

Ever since I was little, my family spent two weeks every summer there, and in the mid-1990s my parents bought a cabin on Long Lake in Park Rapids. 

The cabin was always my parents' happy place, and after my mom passed away, I've taken on more responsibility for caring for it. It was their dream, and now it's become mine, too. I'm grateful to continue that tradition and create new memories there with family and friends.

I enjoy coffee on the deck, boat rides, paddle boarding, floating, fishing, swimming, ice cream runs, long walks, lake chats, campfires, and pink sunsets! There is just something about the simple joys of lake life, making memories with family and friends and soaking up every minute together.

Q: What do you enjoy when you're not working?

I'm also happiest when I'm outside. I love going for walks, spending time on the boat, relaxing at the beach or by the pool, and just being in nature. This summer I bought my first paddle board and have been working on staying upright for longer than 20 minutes. It's going pretty well...as long as the lake is calm! 

My husband and I love to travel. We make it a point to head to Florida at least twice a year, and every January we escape somewhere tropical for some sunshine. This year we're headed to Jamaica. Give me warm weather, sunshine, and a beach, and I'm happy! 

In the fall, our weekends revolve around college football. If Iowa State is playing at home, we're usually in Ames tailgating and cheering on the Cyclones. That said, our house is definitely divided! I graduated from the University of Iowa and will always be a loyal Hawkeye, while Justin is a Cyclone through and through.

I also love fashion and shopping!

Q: What can you tell us about the newest member of your family?

Our 6-month-old chocolate Lab, Summer, has been keeping us busy ever since we brought her home in March.

I named her Summer because some of my very best memories live in the summer — fun, sun-soaked days at the lake in Minnesota with my mom, dad, our Labradors, family, friends, and neighbors. It's the kind of feeling you never want to end.

It just felt right to give her a name that holds all of that. She loves the lake just as much as we do.