Civic and business leader Carolene Mays recently launched Black Leadership & Legacies Inc., a business designed to develop Black leaders for organizational leadership, board governance, legacy, wealth building and purpose.
Each cohort group will learn from a curriculum designed to help increase knowledge and refine leadership skills. They will connect with key leaders and participate in community service opportunities. The training also will cover issues such as education, health and political power and the effect on Black and other underrepresented communities.
“I am fortunate to have been at the tables of leadership for business, government, non-profit, and international organizations where too often the sentiment from other leaders is that they could not find Black Americans for leadership positions,” said Mays, president. “As a Black woman this is frustrating to hear so often since there is a lot of great Black talent available. After working behind the scenes for years to help people get into leadership positions, I decided to create a platform for leadership, governance, and multi-generational wealth training.”
Mays, former president and CEO of the Indianapolis Recorder, has an extensive and diverse history in both the private and government sectors. She recently retired as executive director of White River State Park Development Commission. She was appointed to the position by Gov. Eric Holcomb. Mays also was appointed to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission by Govs. Mitch Daniel and Mike Pence.
Mays also served three terms in the Indiana House of Representatives.
In addition, Mays is president of the Indianapolis Chapter of The Links Inc. and chairman of the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy – Mays Institute of Diverse Philanthropy.
Mays will coach each cohort. Members of the inaugural class are:
- Meaghan Banks, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
- Tracy Black, Comcast
- Karen Bush, GBKB Consulting
- Porche Chisley, The Mind Trust
- Denzil (Val) Crooke, Incentus Global
- SaRita Hughes, City of Indianapolis City-County Council
- Latrece Murdock, Simply Elegant Pastries
- Lauren Peterson, The Mind Trust
- Ericka Sanders, You! Yes You Project
- Kisha Tandy, Indiana State Museum
- Rev. Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones, Witherspoon Presbyterian Church
Participation requirements: Be identified as Black or African American; 27 or older; employed and have a minimum of three years proven work experience in a full-time position in a for-profit business, not-for-profit organization, government sector or entrepreneurial venture; and a history of community involvement. The group will meet one day each month starting May 10 until December, with a wrap-up session in March 2023.
