About Us

Our Story

Betters & Van Cleve Strategy Collective was built from a shared belief that stronger relationships create stronger organizations, and stronger organizations build stronger communities. We partner with businesses, nonprofits, leaders, and community groups to strengthen internal alignment, deepen community connection, and create strategies that move from conversation into practical action.

Our approach is practical, relational, and impact-driven — helping organizations not only define what they stand for, but show up in ways people can see, feel, and trust.

Meet The Team

Anthony Betters Jr.

President

Anthony Betters is a sales professional, entrepreneur, and community leader known for building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating meaningful connection across communities.

A proud Baylor University alumnus with a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications, Anthony brings a strong foundation in communication, leadership, and team-building. As a former student-athlete and football walk-on, he developed the discipline, resilience, and relational awareness that continue to shape his professional and community work.

Originally from Waco, Texas, Anthony moved to Cedar Rapids to launch a senior in-home healthcare franchise and has since become a respected leader throughout the Corridor. He currently serves as a Sales Specialist with American Family Insurance and was recognized as one of the Corridor Business Journal’s Forty Under 40.

Anthony serves as Board President of the African American Museum of Iowa and holds leadership roles within Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is also the founder of GoodFellas, a community initiative designed to bring Black men together for connection, collaboration, and support.

As Co-Founder of Betters & Van Cleve Strategy Collective, Anthony brings expertise in relationship-building, community engagement, sales strategy, and leadership presence. His work helps organizations move beyond surface-level connection and build stronger cultures, more authentic visibility, and lasting community impact.

Anthony lives in Cedar Rapids with his fiancée, Cynthia, and is the proud father of four children. His work is rooted in service, representation, and the belief that strong relationships are the foundation for stronger communities.

Sarah Van Cleve

Vice President

Sarah Van Cleve is a facilitator, trainer, entrepreneur, and strategy partner with nearly 20 years of experience helping small businesses, teams, and community-centered organizations build stronger systems, clearer communication, and more trust-centered cultures.

With a background rooted in family-owned business, training, facilitation, teaching, wellness, and community leadership, Sarah brings a rare ability to see both the people and the process. She understands how organizations function from the inside out — where communication breaks down, where systems get unclear, where leadership gaps emerge, and where stronger relationships can create more sustainable results.

Sarah has created and led training programs, facilitated workshops and community conversations, built businesses, taught across diverse settings, and supported leaders in turning ideas into practical action. Her work blends strategic thinking with relational intelligence, helping organizations clarify priorities, strengthen team dynamics, and create cultures people can actually experience — not just talk about.

As Co-Founder of Betters & Van Cleve Strategy Collective, Sarah helps leaders and organizations move from intention to implementation. Her work focuses on communication, culture, accessibility, leadership development, and practical strategy that supports both people and performance.

Sarah is known for creating spaces where people feel challenged, supported, and able to engage honestly. She brings clarity, warmth, directness, and depth to her work, helping teams name what matters, navigate what is hard, and build what is next.