Hoosier Women Forward Announces Ninth Class
Twenty-two Democratic women from across Indiana chosen to participate in leadership program
Indianapolis, Ind. — Hoosier Women Forward is excited to announce its Class Nine participants.
Each year, Hoosier Women Forward (HWF) selects a diverse group of women to participate in a political and civic leadership training program designed to empower Democratic women to become more active participants in politics and leaders in their communities.
“This year’s class of outstanding women continues the tradition of Hoosier Women Forward gathering leaders who look like Indiana,” said Amy Levander, executive director of HWF. “These 22 women are standout leaders in their fields and each of them demonstrates the level of initiative and vision that Indiana needs more of at every level of government, every boardroom, and every seat where decisions are made.”
Many of these women are already breaking new ground in spaces where women haven’t traditionally led, expanding what leadership looks like across industries, elected office, and community institutions alike. All of them exhibit a deep dedication to building stronger civic infrastructure, whether through mentoring the next generation of leaders, making local government more transparent and accessible, or forging coalitions that expand opportunity in housing, education, healthcare, and economic development.
Founded in 2017, HWF is the premier leadership development program for Democratic women wanting to make a difference in Indiana. With 179 alumnae, HWF is a growing network for women supporting women leaders statewide. Since its inaugural class, 74 percent of alumnae who stepped up to run for office won their elections.
“The selection process for class members continues to be highly competitive,” said Cynthia Johnson, chair of the HWF Board of Directors. “These women are on the forefront of changing Indiana for the better. They represent leaders who refuse to accept the status quo and are instead building the kind of state where every Hoosier has the opportunity to thrive.”
HWF’s incoming Class Nine participants are:
- Gabrielle Alford, Indianapolis (Marion County)
- Danielle Bash, Fort Wayne (Allen County)
- Meg Biallas, Indianapolis (Marion County)
- Lakisha Bradley, Terre Haute (Vigo County)
- Whitney Carter, Indianapolis (Marion County)
- Ebonee Doblasse, Indianapolis (Marion County)
- Däsha Donald, Terre Haute (Vigo County)
- Shaunna Finley, Portage (Porter County)
- Cori Graham, Indianapolis (Marion County)
- Anna Lamberti Holmes, Bloomington (Monroe County)
- Dawn Hughes, Indianapolis (Marion County)
- Megan Huntzinger, Indianapolis (Marion County)
- Leigh Anne Jessop, North Webster (Kosciusko County)
- Sarah Lund, Indianapolis (Marion County)
- Sabae Martin, Indianapolis (Marion County)
- Maggie Marystone, Jasper (Dubois County)
- Emily Murray, Terre Haute (Vigo County)
- Emilee Roberts, Terre Haute (Vigo County)
- Tawanna Scruggs-Cottrell, New Haven (Allen County)
- Carla Simon, Indianapolis (Marion County)
- Jenifer Van Schuyver, West Lafayette (Tippecanoe County)
- Rachel Walker, Crown Point (Lake County)
A Section 527 nonprofit political organization, Hoosier Women Forward raises funds through private donations and fundraising events. To learn more about the nonprofit, please visit www.hoosierwomenforward.org, or visit us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.