The Women’s Fund of Central Indiana has announced the inaugural cohort of The Next Chapter, a new pilot program designed for women ages 45–75+ navigating transition, reinvention and legacy building.
The program intends to fill a gap for women entering what organizers describe as a pivotal stage of life. Rather than a traditional leadership program, The Next Chapter focuses on growth, impact and reinvention through reflection, skill-building and community engagement. Participants are encouraged to explore who they are now and what they want to contribute next, personally, professionally and philanthropically.
The initiative was inspired and made possible by philanthropist Marianne Glick.
“Many women reach a moment when they have built full, meaningful lives and careers, yet still feel a quiet pull toward what comes next,” said Glick. “The Next Chapter creates space to pause, reflect, and intentionally shape that next season with clarity and purpose.”
The program was developed in partnership with Glick and the Women’s Fund and shaped by Kelly Young, president of Baise Collective, who will serve as consultant and program manager.
The inaugural class includes:
· Akilah Darden, Founder and President, The Darden Group LLC
· Caroline Dutkanych, Vice President of Philanthropy, Women’s Fund of Central Indiana
· Jennifer Dzwonar, Partner, Borshoff
· Shannon Forsell, CEO & Artistic Director, The Cabaret
· Amber Garcia, Licensed Medical Social Worker, St.Vincent Health
· Kim Gattle, Retired, Vice President of Advancement, Newfields
· Jennifer James Gause, Registered Nurse, Gennesaret Free Clinics
· Hon. Christina Hale, President & CEO, Hale Strategies LLC
· Hon. Carey Hamilton, State Representative – District 87, Indiana House Democratic Caucus Chair
· Holli Harrington, Senior Director, Strategic Alliance, Indianapolis Airport Authority
· Tavonna Harris Askew, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Suburban Health Organization
· Charlotte Hawthorne, Retired, Senior Director, Social Impact & Vice President, Lilly Foundation
· Denise Herd, President, Herd Strategies
· Abby Hunt, CEO, Health Care Education & Training (HCET)
· Kristen Matha, Consultant, Ice Miller
· Ann Merkel, Retired, Vice President of Market Development, National Bank of Indianapolis
· Nikki Myers, Director, CITYOGA Schol of Yoga & Health; Founder, Y12SR
· Chris Paulsen, CEO, IYG
· Beth Perdue Outland, Vice President, Leadership Indianapolis
· Ellen Saul, Vice President, Premium Services, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
· Kari Strolberg, Partner, Detail + Design
· Dr. River Sturdivant, CEO, Arthur Dean Family Foundation
· Karin Veatch, Private Wealth Management, UBS
· Erin Weesner, Director of Accounting, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
· Tamara Winfrey-Harris, President, Women’s Fund of Central Indiana
· Lacy Wooden, Owner/Vice President, New Phase Comfort Heating and Cooling
“The Women’s Fund is deeply committed to supporting women across their full life journey,” said Tamara Winfrey-Harris, President and CEO of the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana. “The Next Chapter reflects our belief in the extraordinary wisdom and influence women bring to this stage of life, and we’re excited to learn alongside this inaugural group of accomplished leaders.”
For more information, visit www.womensfund.org.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
