Class 3 of Democratic women chosen to propel ‘Hoosier Women Forward’
Leadership training program announces third class to take part in initiative aimed at preparing women for influential roles in public and private sectors
INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 3, 2020 – Twenty (20) Democratic women from across Indiana – a diverse group with impressive and varied backgrounds – have been selected for Hoosier Women Forward’s (HWF) third class. Launched in 2018, the Hoosier Women Forward leadership program is aimed at preparing and propelling Democratic women into influential roles in the public and private sectors.
“We are so pleased with how many distinguished and determined women from across our state applied this year,” said HWF Board Chair Shannon Mears. “It’s exciting to see the level of interest in our program, and that we are truly building a network of active Democratic women in Indiana.”
The new class will join the 46 women who have completed the HWF program and gone on to more active involvement in their communities. Of the past participants in just two years, 12 have run for office and 5 have been successfully elected. While having class members run for office is not the only goal of the program, increasing the number of Democratic women involved in and seeking political roles in Indiana is a long-term objective for HWF.
“Our third class of women leaders continue to reflect the diversity of our community that makes our state and nation so strong,” said Amy Levander, Hoosier Women Forward Executive Director. “It is imperative that our leadership structures reflect the values, experiences and perspectives of all Hoosiers. HWF will provide an opportunity for these women to not only learn from one another but hear from speakers on topics and experiences that will shape their personal and professional lives going forward.”
Following are the 20 women who will be participating in the nine-month HWF leadership program, which will start later this month:
Hiba Alalami – Carmel
Amy Blaker – Crown Point
Linda Broadfoot – Indianapolis
Caitlin Byczko – Indianapolis
Tanisha Carothers – Evansville
Dayna Colbert – Fishers
Jennifer Crossley – Bloomington
NaTrina DeBow – Indianapolis
Pamela Dechert – Indianapolis
Sally Dixon – Granger
Natalia Galvan – Bloomington
Ruth Hook – Hartford City
Dawn Jones – South Bend
Melissa Rinehart – Fort Wayne
Lauren Suriel – Indianapolis
Jennifer Todd – Terre Haute
Kimberly Townsend – Anderson
Sarah Vitale – Muncie
Destiny Wells – Indianapolis
Amy Word – Evansville
Hoosier Women Forward is a Section 527 nonprofit political organization and raises funds through private donations and fundraising events.
To learn more about HWF, visit http://hoosierwomenforward.org/, or visit the organization on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.