New Nonprofit Announces Inaugural Class For An Initiative Aimed At Preparing Women For influential Roles In Public And Private Sectors
INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 20, 2018 – Twenty-two (22) Democratic women from across Indiana – a diverse group with impressive and varied backgrounds – have been selected to become Hoosier Women Forward’s inaugural class.
Launched earlier this year, the Hoosier Women Forward leadership program is aimed at preparing and propelling Democratic women into influential roles in the public and private sectors. More than 100 women applied to be part of the first HWF class, and all applicants demonstrated an interest in public policy, political advocacy and advancing Indiana forward with progressive policies and ideas.
“Selecting this class was no easy task for our board of directors,†said HWF Board Chair Liane Hulka. We’re so grateful to everyone who applied and humbled by their desire to make a positive impact on Indiana’s communities.â€
Following are the twenty-two (22) women who will be participating in the HWF leadership program, which will get underway later this month:
Cara Berg-Raunick Indianapolis Nurse Practitioner
Nicole Bolden Bloomington City Clerk
Arielle Brandy Mishawaka Voter Registration Board Member
Michelle Chambers Fort Wayne Business Owner
Katherin Chi Indianapolis Communications Director
Allyson Claybourn Newburgh Attorney
Amber Collins-Gebrehiwet Indianapolis County Prosecutor
Stephanie Crandall Fort Wayne City Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
Katie Culp Zionsville Site Selection Consultant
Molly Dodge Madison University Chancellor
Leigh Evans Indianapolis Neighborhood Development Corp. CEO
Heather Garay Hammond City Controller
Mackenzie Higgins Indianapolis City Policy Advisor
Emily Hodson Indianapolis High-ability Teacher
Cynthia Johnson Carmel Community Activist
LaMicra Martin New Albany Healthcare Systems Analyst
Thonja Nicholson Anderson Facilities and Administration Manager
Laura O’Sullivan South Bend Mayoral Chief of Staff
Courtney Roberts Indianapolis Country Director, Global Health
Kristen Schunk Moreland Indianapolis College Vice President
Shaunestte TerrellIndianapolisAttorney
Julie Thomas Bloomington County Commissioner
“This tremendous group of women will be learning about everything from how to launch effective advocacy campaigns to analyzing their own leadership styles,†Hulka said. “Once they’ve wrapped up the program, we’re certain the result will be the start of a powerful network of engaged Democratic women.â€
Although women represent more than 50% of the voting public in Indiana, only two of the state’s 11-member Congressional delegation are women. And neither are Democrats. Women make up just 20% of the 150 seats in the Indiana legislature.
A Section 527 nonprofit political organization, Hoosier Women Forward raises funds through private donations and fundraising events.Â
On September 28, HWF will honor its first class during a fundraising luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis. The featured speaker for this event will be Jennifer Palmieri, who served as both communications director for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign and White House communications director for President Barack Obama. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please go to https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hwf.Â
To learn more about HWF, you can go to www.hoosierwomenforward.org, or visit the organization on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
FOOTNOTE:  Gail Riecken, former State Representative and CCO Editor of the Statehouse news, is a founding member with 12 other women of the new group, Hoosier Women Forward. The group’s purpose is to train women who have a demonstrated interest in public policy, advancing Indiana forward with progressive ideas, and increasing women’s influence in the political process. Riecken is a member of the Development and Program Committees.
