For Black History Month, CICF and its philanthropic collaborative partners, The Indianapolis Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, are highlighting the Black staff members who support communities and not-for-profit organizations throughout Central Indiana.
Janeen Butler
What organizations and/or activities are you involved in outside of work?
Activities I am involved in are CLD (Center for Leadership Development) have facilitated the following programs- Collep Prep, Self Discovery, Precious Miss, and SAT Prep. Mentor for young girls (Daughters of Imani self discovery mentorship program).
If you could sponsor any philanthropy, what would it be?
I would use my resources to support any initiatives supporting students attending HBCU’s. Supporting orgs such as the Indianapolis Black Alumni Council, UNCF, local Alumni chapters such as my very own alma mater Tennessee State University, and those within the community helping our young people to acheive their hopes and dreams of becoming an HBCU graduate.
Reiya Davis
What organizations and/or activities are you involved in outside of work?
I am involved in AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) and I love to connect with friends and family.
If you could sponsor any philanthropy, what would it be?
I’d like sponsor initiatives around accessible mental health care particularly for people of color, increased support systems for young adults who are nontraditional students whether thats a 4 year degree or a trade/certification particularly regarding affordable housing and connectivity within the field they aspire to work in, and lastly, I’d love to see more black giving circles within our communities. We are so philanthropic and I’d like to see more structure around our philanthropy but structure built by US, not always at the hands of outside entities or institutions.
Breone Dupree
What organizations and/or activities are you involved in outside of work?
I am a business owner in real estate, massage therapy, and accounting. I work part-time for TurboTax during tax season. I volunteer my time for 100 Black Men of Indy, Center for Leadership Development, and Indy’s Inner-City Chess Club.
If you could sponsor any philanthropy, what would it be?
I would sponsor Indy’s Chess Club.
Julian Edwards
What organizations and/or activities are you involved in outside of work?
I am involved at St. Timothy Tabernacle Church as a youth pastor, church administrator and choir member. I am also president of District Youth, co-chair of Leadership Conference for the State, vice chair of Clergy of Pastors/ Elders, member of Youth Advisory Board for the State, and I play basketball at LA Fitness.
If you could sponsor any philanthropy, what would it be?
I’d sponsor any philanthropy that is centered around youth mentorship, leadership development, community development, financial stability for adults and any ministry related philanthropies.
Dr. Lorenzo Esters
What organizations and/or activities are you involved in outside of work?
I am involved with Fifth Third Bank, Indy Chamber of Commerce, University United Methodist Church, and Apha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
If you could sponsor any philanthropy, what would it be?
If I could sponsor any philanthropy it would be anything centered around young black men and their development.
Allissa Impink
What organizations and/or activities are you involved in outside of work?
I am involved in Hoosier Women Forward which is a political and civic leadership training program designed to empower Democratic women to become more active participants in politics and leaders in their communities, I volunteer on the annual planning committee for United Negro College Fund and I am a member and past Civic Engagement co-Chair of The Exchange at the Indianapolis Urban League..
If you could sponsor any philanthropy, what would it be?
I would fund the The new Indianapolis “Housing Hub” this facility aims to better serve people experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis. The space for the hub is located near the downtown core, just east of the interstate split. A few parcels of land will be redeveloped for the new facility, which will provide a place for people who are unhoused to stay and connect with services.
Imani McClendon-Hinkle
What organizations and/or activities are you involved in outside of work?
I am a co-founder of a non-profit organization called Play It 4ward Sports and Entertainment Company Inc. where we use sports as a tool to cater to our youth’s needs in the underprivileged/ underserved communities in the Indianapolis areas from 2007 to the present. I am a proud member of Iota Sweetheart Inc. following my mother’s footsteps who has been involved since the 80s. I am involved in my church at ITown in Fishers, Indiana. I enjoy working out, music and dancing, painting my nails, volunteering my time where I am needed and hosting game nights with my friends and family.
If you could sponsor any philanthropy, what would it be?
If I could sponsor any philanthropy, it would be homelessness in general, but child homelessness, anti-bullying, and anything supporting women and girls surviving abuse, self-esteem and anxiety/depression.
Jennifer McCloud
What organizations and/or activities are you involved in outside of work?
I am involved with Beacon of Hope Crisis Center Indy, Seat at theTable, Indygo Foundation, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., active in Solid Word Bible Church and I regularly take Kagaroo Bounce classes. I love to garden and I love volunteering my time to organizations who support women and girls, as well as youth.
If you could sponsor any philanthropy, what would it be?
I would sponsor any philanthropy that is centered around youth, women and domestic violence/sexual assault, and anything educational and health based philanthropies.
Josette Robinson
What organizations and/or activities are you involved in outside of work?
I am a co-founder of Kunika Circle, an informal international giving circle dedicated to supporting a school and local village in South Africa by providing basic needs and educational resources. She is an alumna of the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program, as well as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa and Nu Lambda Mu International Honor Societies. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, Josette’ is set to pursue a Global Executive MBA at Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business starting in August. She has further contributed to civic engagement by being elected as a Democratic Party State Convention Delegate and actively participating in the Indiana Democratic African American Caucus.
If you could sponsor any philanthropy, what would it be?
I am a fervent advocate for philanthropy and am deeply committed to directing resources toward initiatives that address and eliminate racial disparities while enhancing the overall quality of life for underserved communities. My philanthropic focus extends to funding essential needs, providing support for justice-involved individuals and victims of crime, promoting education, advancing workforce development, and ensuring access to affordable healthcare. I believe in the transformative power of strategic giving to create a lasting positive impact and contribute to the well-being of communities that have been underresourced.
Pamela Ross
What organizations and/or activities are you involved in outside of work?
I spend a lot of time with family and friends on various occasions and events. I enjoy R&B music and spaces of black art and artists. Most things I’m associated with or do are not tied to organizations but people with common values, interests and FUN!!!!
If you could sponsor any philanthropy, what would it be?
I would fully fund community organizing to increase the capacity and power of the people systemically oppressed due to a multitude of issues rooted in social injustice and racism.
Lacy Wooden
What organizations and/or activities are you involved in outside of work?
I am involved in Purposeful Living is a nonprofit designed to heal, grow, inspire, and empower women. AGAPE Couple’s Ministry, IMPACT Ministries, Feeding and Clothing those that are homeless every 2nd Saturday. I am a mentor and coach for women and girls. I love to cook, for people who love to eat My husband and I sponsor many church organizations with their back-to-school initiatives.
If you could sponsor any philanthropy, what would it be?
To sponsor any philanthropy, I would Feed and clothe people and assist in their areas of need. I believe it is important to ask people what they need and not just assume, I would hope to be intentional.
Shelly Woods
What organizations and/or activities are you involved in outside of work?
I am involved in National Association of Women Business Owners; DEI Committee; Government Affairs.
If you could sponsor any philanthropy, what would it be?
I am involved in National Association of Women Business Owners; DEI Committee; Government Affairs.
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