22 Democratic women chosen to propel ‘Hoosier Women Forward’

by | Aug 17, 2018 | News, Uncategorized

For Immediate Release

Contact: Tina Noel, 317.709.3103

22 Democratic women chosen to propel ‘Hoosier Women Forward’  

New nonprofit announces inaugural class for initiative aimed at preparing women for influential roles in public and private sectors

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 17, 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.”

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        CEO, Neighborhood Development Corp.

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

Kristen Schunk Moreland                Indianapolis         College Vice President

Thonja Nicholson                            Anderson             Facilities and Administration Manager

Laura O’Sullivan                               South Bend        Mayoral Chief of Staff

Courtney Roberts                            Indianapolis        Country Director, Global Health                     

Shaunestte Terrell                           Indianapolis        Attorney             

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.”

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.

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.

To learn more about HWF, you can go to www.hoosierwomenforward.org, or visit the organization on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

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