Twenty-two Indianapolis-area individuals have been selected for RISE INDY’s Circle City Leaders Cohort III. Launched in 2020, Circle City Leaders is RISE INDY’s flagship program focused on the development of education champions in Indianapolis who will learn the tools and knowledge to build long-term community impact.
“We are excited to see the number of community leaders in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas who applied this year,” said Jasmin Shaheed-Young, RISE INDY President and CEO, “For too long, leadership in education has not reflected the communities they represent, building barriers to the changes that communities want to see in their schools.”
RISE INDY said it’s important that all members of the community are engaged in the decision-making process of the education system and they are so proud to continue to build a network of a diverse group of leaders who will be better equipped to advocate for students.
Circle City Leaders Cohort III fellows will join its 57 alumni which includes rising executive level leaders at Eli Lilly, Cummins, Ivy Tech, Martin University, as well as school principals and teachers who, since completing the program, now serve on public- and private-sector boards or hold an active leadership role in public education.
“Circle City Leaders fellows come from diverse backgrounds and are reflective of the communities they serve,” said Duane Ingram, RISE INDY Vice President, Community Affair and CCL.
The program will allow fellows to continue to grow in their personal and professional leadership journey and learn about the history of K-12 education in the city and state, how our students have been effected — specifically our Black and Brown students — and explore solutions that will ensure that all students receive in equitable education that prepares them for graduation and beyond.
Below are the 22 individuals who will participate in the eight-month Circle City Leaders program, which will begin in May:
Ayriane Bailey, Director of Client Services and Retention, BU Wellness Network
Shawnta Barnes, CEO & Founder, Blazing Brilliance
Tyfany Bouie, Customer Success Manager, Goalbook
Javaris Carrion, Principal, Phalen Leadership Academy
Valerie Davis, Community Ambassador, Indianapolis Foundation
Kyle Gavin, Teacher, Emma Donnan Elementary and Middle School
Chunia Graves, Behavioral Health Therapist – School Based, Community Health Network
JaVaughn Hardaway, Teacher, Liberty Groves Schools – Indianapolis Public Schools
Rachael Heger, Director of Shipping and Logistics, I Support the Girls
Nikki Henson, Lead Consultant & Founder, Sharpened Minds, LLC
Charity Hurst, Executive Director, Youth Empowered, Inc.
Camike Jones, Editor-in-Chief, Indianapolis Recorder
Jillian Lain, Director City Connects Midwest, Marian University
Lauren Lopez, Director of Racial Equity, The Mind Trust
Charles McKinney, Program Manager – Skills First Initiative, Eli Lilly and Company
Cassa Moore, Behavior Consultant, Damar Services, Inc.
Cristen Moore, Associate Principal/Director of Equity and Change, HCM Strategies
Juanita Price, MTSS Coach, Arsenal Tech High School – Indianapolis Public Schools
Edward Rogers, Director of Events, Indiana Black Expo, Inc.
Alonzo Ross, Executive Director of K-14 Initiatives, Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis
Darius Sawyers, Chief Strategy Officer, Teach for America – Indianapolis
Emily Tornquist, Founder, Embodied Teams
Learn more about CCL at circlecityleaders.org.