Torch Talk

On June 16th, 2022, Pass the Torch for Women Foundation hosted a virtual celebration to honor and celebrate the incredible work community members who have achieved success through connecting, mentoring, and empowering women to reach their full potential in their lives!  The organization honored their Project Grow graduates as they embarked on their new chapter and heard their inspiring testimonials, with a special keynote from Ashley Nora.   Listen to the recording and be inspired!

  Julie Kratz is a highly-acclaimed TEDx speaker and inclusive leadership trainer who led teams and produced results in corporate America. After experiencing many career “pivot points” of her own, she started her own speaking business with the goal of helping leaders be more inclusive. Promoting diversity, inclusion, and allyship in the workplace, Julie helps organizations foster more inclusive environments. She is a frequent keynote speaker, podcast host, and executive coach. She holds an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, is a Certified Master Coach, and is a certified unconscious bias trainer.    Her books include Pivot Point: How to Build a Winning Career Game Plan, ONE: How Male Allies Support Women for Gender Equality, and Lead Like an Ally:  A Journey Through Corporate America with Strategies to Facilitate Inclusion, and her children's books The Little Allies and Charlotte Wants a BFF.     Find Julie at NextPivotPoint.com, @NextPivotPoint, or on LinkedIn

Ashley Butler, Founder & CEO Dreamer, Disrupter, and Creator. Ashley is on a mission to create a company that gives busy women valuable time back in their day for the people and projects that matter most. She has built MySherri to be a premium, boutique in-home management company that employs and deploys an excellent in-home workforce. She helps women normalize getting support in the home while reducing the guilt and shame associated with asking for help. Ashley's experience with food and housing insecurity as a child propels her to ensure that her team is empowered to achieve their own balance by offering a true living wage, paid time off, extensive training, and professional development opportunities. Prior to founding MySherri, Ashley was a physician that gained a profound understanding of what it means to need balance. Whether it be in medicine or business, Ashley has changed the lives of many by bringing authenticity and passion to every conversation. A huge fan of real conversation and connection, she is always interested in engaging in meaningful relationships built on the foundation of making the world around us better.

As the Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Specialist for SPARK Learning Lab, I serve as an advocate, catalyst for change, and institutional resource focused on infusing DEI practices into all services provided by the SPARK Indiana team, tracking progress toward these goals, and communicating progress to an engaged community.

Amy Evans founded AlignWomen® because she wanted something different than traditional networking, something that was more intentional and was focused on increasing revenue for her health insurance agency. She also wanted a place where she and her female colleagues felt like they fit in, held a seat at the table and had a voice. She started the first Networking Mastermind in 2019 and began hosting The AlignWomen® Podcast later that year. Amy is passionate about empowering professional women to network more effectively.   Amy has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry simplifying employee benefits for employers and their employees. In October 2021, her insurance agency was acquired by Shorepoint Insurance Services, an Acrisure Agency partner, and is now operating under the Shorepoint name. As an Associate Vice President with Shorepoint, Amy continues to work with employers to help them navigate the complex world of employee benefits, business insurance and risk management.   Amy is a frequent speaker, writer, podcast guest and social media participant and you can find her engaging regularly on a variety of topics including health insurance issues, entrepreneurship, social media strategies, women's empowerment and networking with intention.

Shannon Cohen is the founder and CEO of Shannon Cohen, Inc. -- a boutique firm with a mighty imprint and reputation for excellence. Shannon specializes in developing customized emotional intelligence, equity, and wellness colloqui for organizations across diverse sectors and industries. Her clients include: Electronic Arts [EA], The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Steelcase, Henry Ford Health System, United Way, The American Heart Association, Steelcase, The University of Michigan, The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Gentex Corporation, Grace Hopper -- AnitaB.org; The Urban Core Collective, and Bissell. Using a head+heart approach, Shannon excels in engaging change agents in transparent conversations about the unspoken truths of leadership and self-care to nurture longevity in leadership. Shannon doesn't just ‘speak' to leaders; she speaks ‘into' the lives of leaders. Shannon is an author, podcaster, and owner of an inspirational product line called Tough Skin, Soft Heart. Her Tough Skin, Soft Heart products are available at retailers across the country. Her #ToughSkinSoftHeart podcast is in its 2nd season and reaches subscribers in 12 countries with weekly grab-and-go inspiration + strategy for difference makers. Her 2nd book, “It's Normal to Shake as You Soar” was released in October 2020. In February 2021, Shannon's signature brand of greeting cards debuted at 1750+ Target stores nationwide via a partnership with American Greetings. In June 2021, Shannon's products expanded into 200+ Meijer stores nationwide. Shannon is respected and renowned for empowering organizations to integrate innovation, research, emerging trends, and creativity to cultivate continuous improvement and spur ongoing learning. Shannon is the Founder of the global Rockstar Woman Brunch Experience, serving 600 women throughout the U.S and Canada annually. In November 2020, Shannon was named one of the 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan. Shannon is the 2020 YWCA Tribute Award recipient and was named one of the 2020 and 2018 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. Shannon is an alumnus of the prestigious W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellowship and adjunct professor in the Grand Valley State University College of Community and Public Service. Shannon has authored two books, “It's Normal to Shake as You Soar” [2020] and “Tough Skin, Soft Heart: A Leadership Guide to Growing Stronger, Better, and Wiser” [2018]. Shannon is also co-founder of Sisters Who Lead, [sisterswholead.com] a regional talent and wellness affinity movement designed to advance the well-being and career mobility of women of color to executive leadership. Shannon has co-authored two regional workplace climate studies entitled: “Invisible Walls, Ceilings, and Floors: Championing the Voices and Inclusion of Female Leaders of Color in West Michigan” and “From Knowing Better to Doing Better: Closing the Opportunity Gap for Women of Color in the Workplace through Transformed Systems Behavior”. Learn more about Shannon at: www.shannoncohen.com

Mrs. Evelyn Shaw Corley (Mrs. Evelyn Educates) is a visionary leader in the world of international education. She is an advocate for diversity, mental health, and equity in education. She is changing the face of education through 1:1 and small group teaching in which every learner is guided by a compassionate teacher mentor. She believes that all humans are beautifully designed and created with gifts and talents to share with the world.    Currently, she serves as the CEO and Founder for both Mrs. Evelyn International Academy and Evelyn Educates Tutoring.   She began teaching in 2005 after attending The University of Georgia and obtaining a degree in Middle School Education. Her teaching experiences span from elementary school through high school, and she has stories of immense joy and tremendous pain. Her Masters of Education is from LaGrange College where she studied Curriculum and Instruction. After teaching for over ten years, Evelyn felt emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually drained. She began changing her life and coming into her own through starting small through tutoring and homeschooling her friends' children and teens 1:1 and in small groups. Her passion turned into an empire, and she now leads a team of loving, diverse teachers throughout the United States.      Mrs. Evelyn has strong opinions about growing up, real feelings, embracing diversity, advocating for youth and mental health, and she also has a passion for music and the arts.   She is a believer that if what you wish to be does not exist, create it. Let us not complain; let us build our visions into reality.   Mrs. Evelyn appreciates and embraces your thoughts and opinions and looks forward to connecting with you. She believes the world is our beautiful, magical home filled with glorious, varying feelings and perspectives, and she serves with open arms and love in her heart.

Rachel Druckenmiller, MS - Founder, Speaker & Facilitator at UNMUTED   Rachel is on a mission to humanize the workplace by igniting resilience, connection, engagement and compassion in organizations, associations and their leaders and teams. Recognized as the #1 Health Promotion Professional in the U.S. in 2015, a 40 Under 40 Game Changer in 2019, and one of The Daily Record's Leading Women of 2020, Rachel is a national thought leader in the field of wellbeing and employee engagement.    Known for her refreshing, dynamic and relatable approach, she has reached tens of thousands of people through her in-person and virtual learning experiences as a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator and leadership trainer. Rachel has worked with organizations like Citizens Bank, Adventist Health, Deloitte, Sherwin-Williams, and the American Heart Association. Her work has been published on Thrive Global and mindbodygreen.   Rachel has a Master's degree in Health Science and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is a Licensed Thriving Workplace Culture Coach and Health Coach. She is also a Founding Member of the international nonprofit, Global Women 4 Wellbeing (GW4W).

Heather Monahan is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur and founder of Boss In Heels. Having successfully climbed the corporate ladder for nearly 20 years, Heather Monahan is one of the few women to break the glass ceiling and claim her spot in the C-suite. As a Chief Revenue Officer in Media, Heather Monahan is a Glass Ceiling Award winner, named one of the most Influential Women in Radio in 2017 and Thrive Global named her a Limit Breaking Female Founder in 2018.     Heather's new book Confidence Creator shot to #1 on Amazon's Business Biographies and Business Motivation lists the first week it debuted on Amazon. Heather is a confidence expert and is currently working with Fortune 500 companies and professional sports to develop confidence in the workplace and on the court. She's also a member of Florida International University's Advisory Council to further serve as a mentor and leader in the South Florida Community.  Heather and her son Dylan reside in Miami. 

Cindy Solomon is an internationally recognized speaker, author and consultant who helps organizations build courageous leaders and employees. As the Founder of the Courageous Leadership Institute, Cindy and her team of global facilitators arm organizations with the skills they need to meet any disruption. You can learn more about Cindy and her programs at www.courageousleadershipinstitute.com.

Robin Edgar shares how her journey as a financial advisor started as a single mother and how she used that experience to build a company that helps people from where they are right now in their overall wealth strategy process. She discusses the importance of financial preparation in every family and business to overcome the "T- Moments" and the most important thing in the process: Confidence. “If we can create the confidence people need to make the next right decision, it changes everything.” Robin Edgar is a Financial Advisor and owner of the Wealth Progression Group, a full-service brokerage office. She's been an independent financial advisor for over 30 years and specializes in helping individuals and companies with all of their financial goals and needs. The Wealth Progression Group uses a wide variety of financial investments to help individuals, families and business owners to set goals and pursue financial security in every stage of their life. “I have significant experience in working with all types of clients and advanced planning tools. I focus on helping you build a trusted advisor team to allow you the confidence to know you are prepared for today, tomorrow and your legacy.” 

Meredith Bell is co-founder and President of Performance Support Systems, a global software company providing assessment and development tools for the workplace. Their award-winning software and books guide leaders and team members to make the shift from KNOWING to DOING. The result is permanent improvements in the way people interact with each other at work. Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of two books, and the host of the Strong for Performance podcast. She has worked with thousands of business leaders, Human Resources professionals, and Learning & Development executives to successfully implement her company's tools. Meredith co-authored her latest book, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, with her business partner, Dr. Dennis Coates. In it, Meredith and Denny provide a step-by-step how-to guide for improving communication at work.

For more than a decade, Lauren Moffatt has been providing executive coaching, human resources consulting and leadership development programs for individuals and organizations in Central Indiana.    Through her leadership as Vice President of Human Resources at Public Safety Medical in Indianapolis, Lauren developed diverse teams, guided strategic planning and helped cultivate a strong, award winning corporate culture. She also earned extensive HR certifications while in that role, including PHR, SHRM-CP and a PCC in Executive Coaching through the Townsend Institute.   Now, Lauren is the President of Spark HR. She holds multiple certifications including PHR, SHRM-CP and a PCC in Executive Coaching through the Townsend Institute. Lauren is also certified in the EQi 2.0, an Emotional Intelligence assessment. Her work focuses on executives in career transition and HR professionals to support their growth as leaders in their field.    Lauren is a sought-after expert on topics related to leadership, Emotional Intelligence, human resources and personal development. She is also a TLP (Townsend Leadership Program) Director.

Mary Poppell is the Team Leader & CEO at Keller Williams Indy Metro North in Indiana. Mary is a licensed Realtor and majority Franchise Owner, is a Certified Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), a Continuing Education Instructor for real estate in Indiana, and is DISC certified. She is also a KW University Worldwide instructor. In the 7 years since joining Keller Williams as Team Leader in 2014, Mary has recruited 460 agents to the market center and sustains an average of 17% annual increase in closed units and an average of 26% annual increase in closed volume year over year. Mary is passionate about mindset, inspiring and leading agents to grow their businesses with leverage, and creating millionaires through real estate businesses, investment portfolios, adding joint ventures, and profit share. Mary is grateful for her mentors, both multi-millionaires who lead with servant hearts, and her ability in turn to mentor others to discover their true potential and effectively be a catalyst of positive change and love, with JOY.

Ariel D. Smith, M.Ed is the founder of The Food Truck Scholar, LLC, and the executive producer of its podcast, which was recently ranked as the number 1 food truck podcast of 2020 and 2019 by FeedSpot. Her podcast invites guests from various backgrounds, identities, regions, and fields to discuss their role in the food truck movement. The podcast has now reached over 70 countries worldwide and counting.   The Food Truck Scholar Podcast is where food, business, and stories collide. Each episode Ariel  peels back the cultural, social, economic, and political layers of the food truck industry. From Food Network contestants and former bank executives to self-trained and formally trained chefs- The Food Truck Scholar Podcast introduces you to entrepreneurs from all walks life that are ready to feed your mind with tips to start your own food truck, stories that fill your heart, and tempting meal options to fill your stomach.   Ariel earned a BS in Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Collat School of Business, Master of Education from Vanderbilt University and is an American Studies PhD Candidate at Purdue University, where she has been an instructor of American Studies, African American Studies, and Scholar-in-Residence for the Black Thought Collective at the Purdue Black Cultural Center

LaChelle Adkins also known as “America's SuperMom “ has created a movement to empower women to overcome stress, depression and limiting beliefs.    LaChelle believes that everyone should begin each day with a SMILE check in #smile4wellness. SMILE (sleep, mood, Innervoice, laughter and energy) these 5 pillars she believes are important to monitor daily for mental health and wellness.    LaChelle and her husband Jerome have 15 children (13 of which they had together) and 2 sons from husband's other relationships. LaChelle has experience with juggling motherhood, military family life, career and life in the ministry all of which led to a search for perfection which was unobtainable. This quest to acquire something not possible led to a downward spiral of depression which resulted in 3 hospitalizations.   After the last hospitalization in 2016, LaChelle decided to walk away from the victim mindset and embrace a victory mindset in order to teach others to successfully overcome these obstacles in their lives. She created a strategy she coined as “Fresh” start  https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/113419/a-fresh-start that allowed her to overcome stress, depression and limiting beliefs.   LaChelle serves as a lifestyle designer coach teaching clients how to implement this strategy to overcome similar obstacles in their lives. She believes her success is due to her ability to be transparent with her clients which builds trust and helps them to be comfortable removing masks and  emotional walls.   She currently has programs for group coaching and is an inspirational speaker. Her platform has extended beyond her business to include community outreach with such organizations as Haven House, Children's Hospital of Atlanta, Communities in Schools https://www.facebook.com/219607174805973/posts/1799491383484203?s=686535310&sfns=xmwa Henry County Schools and a National 30 day organizational campaign alongside Rachael Ray and organizing guru Peter Walsh. https://youtu.be/7gmUn44mpV4 https://youtu.be/S6rICMz7iNk https://youtu.be/lRaqH8Xam8c     LaChelle feels grateful for her challenges because it has allowed her to serve and add value in the lives of others. Her experiences have helped her to be focused, empathetic and comfortable being herself without seeking validation from others.

Priscilla Thomas Keith has extensive experience in government, pharmaceutical research and clinical trials, health care and public health law and policy, and academia.  She started her career as a research scientist studying Alzheimer's disease and Ischemia at Lilly.  While at Lilly, she also had corporate assignments in Environmental Affairs and Medical Affairs managing diabetes clinical trials.  Upon receiving her law degree, Ms. Keith served as Deputy Attorney General in litigation and Section Chief of Advisory with responsibility for advisory opinions and contracts during her tenure at the Indiana Attorney General's Office.  She was also Assistant Counsel to Governor O'Bannon as well as executive assistant for the Women's Commission, Department of Insurance, Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, and State Board of Accounts.  Following her passion for public health and health care law, Ms. Keith became General Counsel for Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County and the Marion County Public Health Department.  Ms. Keith was recruited by the late Professor Eleanor Kinney to serve as Executive Director for the Hall Center for Law and Research and Adjunct Faculty at IU McKinney School of law where she taught Public Health Law, Finance and Health Care Law, Health care Compliance and Secured Transactions. Ms. Keith also has extensive experience in Community Benefit/Corporate Social Responsibility issues.  Ms. Keith has received numerous awards, including Indiana's highest award, the Sagamore of the Wabash; a tribute bestowed by the governor to those who have rendered distinguished service to the state.  She has participated in various leadership programs and served on several Boards and Commissions such as Indiana State Ethics Commission, Indianapolis Board of Public Works, and the Fort Benjamin Harrison YMCA, to name a few.  She is a graduate of Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University with a BS and MS in Biology, respectively.  She is also a graduate of IU McKinney School of Law. Ms. Keith currently serves as RIP Medical Debt's Director of Program Management, a position in which she ensures smooth coordination between RIP's functional departments in delivering program results. A primary focus is leading cross-functional teams from the time of medical debt procurement to its abolishment. Her areas of focus are Public Health and Health Equity, Health Care Law and Policy, and Corporate Governance and Risk. She enjoys reading, solving puzzles, running and cooking.

Madolyn Howe serves as the director of community affairs for OneAmerica and as a board member of the for The OneAmerica Foundation, Inc.  In her role, she manages grants, sponsorships and employee engagement to create maximum impact for the community.  Before joining OneAmerica, Howe held several roles at United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI), focusing on corporate partnerships and engagement. She is a former legislative assistant for the Indiana House, and later served as a fundraiser for the House Republican Campaign Committee (HRCC). Howe received her bachelor's degree in Political Science from IUPUI and currently serves on the board for Ace Preparatory Academy charter school.

Deseri Garcia works with top-level executives, directors, managers, and business owners to provide transformational coaching, team building support, and leadership development. Her goal is to genuinely connect with people and identify with them in an effort to improve both team and personal effectiveness. Deseri is an accredited facilitator of 5 Behaviors of a Cohesive Team, certified in ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology) certified and holds a certificate from the Coaching Clinic–Corporate Coach U. She has a bachelor's degree in small business and entrepreneurship. Deseri began coaching and leadership development work in 2004. Prior to launching Vida Aventura in Indianapolis, Deseri spent nearly 20 years in Corporate America, where she gained invaluable insight into the value of building relationships in the business world

Aloha, my name is Patricia Wistinghausen and over the past decade I have been working mostly as an Administrative Professional, and then volunteering my time as a Community Organizer and Advocate for various social justice issue areas. Through my years of public service, civic engagement, and community stewardship, I’ve been fortunate to be a founding member, board member, and leader within locally-based organizations on the island of Kaua’i, across the state, and representing Hawai’i at a national level.    Below is a list of some of the groups that I’ve been involved with, or am still actively volunteering with: Chair (2018) and Vice-Chair (2019) of the Committee on the Status of Women (CSW) with the County of Kaua’i Boards and Commissions Vice-Chair (2018-2020) and Founding Member of the statewide Veterans Caucus with the Democratic Party of Hawai’i Board of Directors for the statewide organization, Emergency Management Professionals of Hawai’i (EMP-HI) – Founding Member, Elected to the 1st Board of Directors as Charter Secretary – Executive Officer, 1st Woman on the Board, served as President-Elect (2018), President (2019), and Immediate Past President (2020). Ho’okele Coalition of Kaua’i – Prevention Committee Member – County of Kaua’i Kaua’i Community Action Team Member – Sexual Assault Violence Prevention Kaua’i State Central Committee Representative – Democratic Party of Hawai’i (2016-2020) Past Leader in Kaua’i Women’s Caucus and Kaua’i Young Democrats Founding Member and Past Coordinator of the Kaua’i Violence Prevention Coalition (KVPC) Past Board Member of the Kaua’i Rural Health Association (KRHA) Am also an advocate in groups fighting for a Living Wage, for Prison Reform, for LGBTQ+ rights, for increasing access to Veterans’ Services (especially for disabled veterans), access to Healthcare as a Human Right, along with Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice.   For the past 7 years, I have also been most actively involved in the Prevent Suicide Kaua’i Task Force (PSKTF). I’m a Steering Committee Member, Suicide Prevention Educator, and safeTALK Trainer for our island; going on 4 years now. Out of the different community issues that I’ve dedicated my time to, in addition to being passionate about Women’s Advocacy and Gender Equity Rights, I dedicate the most time to my work in Suicide Prevention.   As is the case with nearly every person that has ever been in one of my Suicide Prevention Trainings, I am connected in the form of family members and friends who died by suicide, who are attempt survivors, who have had or are having thoughts of suicide, and because I’ve had personal struggles of my own. When you lose a loved one, a classmate, an acquaintance, or even a celebrity you admired to suicide, no matter how distant the relation may have been, the pain is still felt in your heart and throughout your community with each life lost.  My goal in having started this Consulting company in the midst of this coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, was to focus my efforts on reaching out to my community via suicide prevention education. By sharing information and delivering trainings, I aim to continue empowering individuals to recognize signs that someone may be thinking about suicide and to have the tools to engage that person and start having those difficult conversations. When it comes to suicide prevention, we know that the more we talk about suicide the less likely someone will be to take their own life. By bringing it up first, and asking the question ‘Are you thinking about suicide?’ we create a safe space and give the person struggling permission to speak about their thoughts with someone who is willing to listen without judgement and is there to support them as they recognize for themselves their reasons for wanting to die, and more importantly, talking through their reasons for wanting to KeepSafe and live.  All of the issues I have worked on and continue to work on are tied together in the shared experience of humanity. It all comes back to equity and prioritizing our mental health and well-being (#SelfCare) along with that of others. I am still learning this, but through teaching and talking with others I hope to continue understanding and finding that balance. When we talk about difficult things and allow ourselves to lean into that discomfort and be vulnerable – as Dr. Brene Brown says – we can then lean on each other for the strength we need to keep going; or we can better recognize when we need to be still, recognize and listen to how we are really feeling (happy, sad, angry, joyous) and in the moments that we feel them. In those ways we’ll be able to honor our mental health by not putting on a brave face or wearing a figurative mask, but we can work towards destigmatizing the act of being ourselves.    We’re all a work in progress, as is this website, but for now here’s also some information on my Professional Work Experience for your reference: In addition to volunteering with these groups and others, Patricia has over a decade of experience in the Administrative Professional field having served in the roles of Office Manager, Receptionist, Program Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Administrative Coordinator, and Sales Manager while working with for-profit companies, non-profit organizations, and in local and state government. She was also the founding departmental head and served as the Campus Public Safety Manager (Security Director, Safety Officer, Emergency Manager) for Kaua’i Community College, and the Transit Security Grant Planner and TheBus Safety Outreach Coordinator and Educator for the City & County of Honolulu; delivering anti-terrorism, transit-related outreach education, particularly to limited English proficiency populations. Patricia specializes in: – Prevention Education and Outreach; especially on Suicide Prevention – Public Speaking on the topics of Mental Health and Suicide, and Gender Equity as a Woman of Color – Administrative Assistant Services – both Virtual and In-Person on the island of Kaua’i  – Social Media Marketing, Website, and Content Creation Patricia is a graduate of the University of Hawai`i – West O`ahu where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration (Government Management) with Concentrations in Disaster Preparedness Emergency Management and Justice Administration. Patricia is from Kaua’i, grew up in Wailua, and now resides in Kapa’a with her husband Justin. Feel free to reach out to me! I’m a friendly person and would love to collaborate with you on helping our communities. Mahalo for taking the time to read this and looking forward to talking with you soon! With Love & Aloha,    Patricia  patricia@patriciawistinghausen.com

With more than seven years of service to the Indiana University Foundation, Rebecca Resetarits began her career in nonprofit work in 2013 as an Associate Director of Regional Development and was promoted in 2016 to Director of Regional Development. She led a talented group of fundraisers who played a critical role in the successful eight yearlong “For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign” culminating in 2020 with nearly $3.9 billion raised to support students, research, and programs IU system wide.   In 2019 Rebecca was promoted to Executive Director of Women’s Philanthropy, a program of the IU Foundation that just last year celebrated a decade of growth and the collective philanthropic impact of women.  She oversees all aspects - strategic vision, fundraising, marketing, programming, and day to day operations - of Women's Philanthropy at IU, in partnership with Indiana University's First Lady and a highly engaged leadership Council of volunteers. Prior to her career at the IU Foundation, Rebecca was the Event Assistant at Lucas Oil Stadium, responsible for the coordination of high-attendance events including TV episode shoots, weddings, tradeshows, and banquets. She also assisted with the execution of the Indianapolis-hosted Super Bowl XLVI (46), Big Ten Football Championships, Colts games, the NCAA Final Four, and concerts. Included in Rebecca’s philanthropic passions is animal conservation, and she serves as Co-Chair of the Indy Zoo Council.  Rebecca earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Indiana University’s School of Public Health.

Amanda Fishburn began her career in sporting events, spending 10 years as Assistant Park Director for a recreational sports facility. Later she joined the fast paced agency environment, advancing in a number of roles. Throughout the past 8 plus years Amanda has held positions of Vice President of Operations and Business Development working in the meetings and congress space. Amanda is passionate about work and has a love for learning.  Working in the agency environment, Amanda specializes in coaching and developing teams, perfecting processes for streamlined ways of working, and leading client accounts. Over the past 14 years the primary client groups have been blue chip companies such as Lilly, Daiichi Sankyo, Medtronic, Roche Diagnostics, as well as various start up bio medical companies. Likewise Amanda led accounts and teams in tech and consumer electronics.  Amanda is a former board member for MPI Indiana, a former 3 year Chair of Taste of Diversity, and a current board member of Pass the Torch for Women Foundation. In her free time you will find Amanda long distance running, training for whichever half marathon is next on her list, or you may also find her reading. 

  Stephanie Ewing Vice President & Commercial Banker Stephanie joined JPMorgan Chase Bank in September of 2019 after over fifteen years of previous banking experience.  In her tenure as a banking advisor, Stephanie has worked in many lines of business, including: Retail Banking, Private Banking, Business Banking, and Middle Market Banking.   Stephanie serves public and privately held companies located in Central Indiana.  The middle market team offers financial advice, credit and risk management, liquidity and cash management, and investment banking products and services to our clients.  Prior to becoming a banking advisor, Stephanie received a BS in Management from Purdue University and an MBA from Anderson University. Stephanie also co-owns Honor Yoga Fishers with her husband Travis. An important aspect of her life is her family; Stephanie lives in Fishers, IN with her husband, Travis, her daughter, Amelia, and her son, Grant.  

Anna O’Nan was named CFO of the Year by Indianapolis Business Journal in 2020 in the category Private Companies with Revenues under $100 million.  For the last three years, she has been serving as a Chief Financial Officer for Baker Hill, an Indiana technology company serving financial institutions. Her career spans over 20 years leading Financial, Human Resources, Legal and Sales teams for fast growth companies serving complex regulated industries, such as Life Sciences and Banking.  She is a Board member, Legacy Leader and a mentor at Pass the Torch for Women foundation. Ingrid Arreola is an analyst who loves data visualization, projects that increase data literacy, and enjoys collaborating on civic projects. She's currently a business intelligence analyst at Salesforce. She is also a Developing Professional at Pass the Torch for Women foundation and is a mentee to incredible leaders! 

Brooke is the President of Crosley, Inc.  She has spent the last 15 years coaching leaders, sellers and teams, with her focus on the human part of business.  Brooke's straightforward style cuts through the challenges that hold people back from achieving the type of success they are capable of.  The opportunity for any business to grow, change and improve starts with the mindset of its people. Crosley, Inc. works with people in businesses nationally to get their head in a 100% present place to see their opportunities and challenges from a new perspective.  Approaching situations, behaviors, challenges from a healthy mindset is a choice.  If your head is not in it, nothing will change.

Melahni Ake, is the founder of Everyday Leaders Professional Coaching and Consulting, A Certified John Maxwell Team leadership coach, speaker and trainer, and as a Certified WHY Institute Agent she helps others Discover their own WHY, Melahni professional influence began at Walt Disney World and carried into financial services, fundraising and medical device sales and leadership.  She believes in the power of our mindset to design our life with purpose.  She is a popular Event Master of Ceremonies, Voice Actor, Leadership Podcast Host of Everyday Leaders 50in50, best selling author, motivational speaker and life strategy coach who challenges her clients to dream beyond their limiting beliefs and create better strategic ways to make sense out of the possibilities in front of them to change the world.  What she knows is that When you know your WHY, and START with WHY,  What You Do has more Impact.       Melahni M. Ake, BS, CLDC Founder: Everyday Leaders  www.everydayleaders.com www.youtube.com/user/melahniake https://www.everydayleaders.com/product-page/why-assessment Schedule your strategy call today to learn how to live your life as an Everyday Leader https://ko-fi.com/everydayleaders/shop    

Career development by decade, via education, remaining promote-able, staying authentic & age-appropriateness. Ami Hall will navigate through this regardless of where you are in your career. 

How to identify and correct your negative self-talk. Darcy Lee walks us through strategies to successfully remove our negative self talk.

Not everyone's career paths are straight-- sometimes you try out a variety of positions and opportunities, and that's ok! In fact, it can be a strength! Audrey Mydosh discusses this & more in the latest Torch Talk Podcast.

Listen as the Pass the Torch for Women's team reflects on the lessons and accomplishments of 2020 and learn how YOU can be a part of the vision for 2021! Special thank you to special guest host, Melahni Ake of Everyday Leaders. 

Sisters, Lauren Grey Flanagan & Michelle Brandriss join us to talk about how you can reinvent your spark and redefine your focus! 

Join us to discuss the importance of developing strong company cultures with special guest, Gretchen Schott. Gretchen is the Vice-President of Learning & Development of trueU, a non-profit membership-based organization that exists to create a community of leaders who learn from each other how to create a culture that attracts, retains, and grows people. 

Join us and Dr. Sue Ellspermann, President of Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, to discuss cultivating the next germination of leaders. Help guide the next generation to take more initiative and risks to reach their goals!  

For those in leadership or preparing for a leadership role, you’ll be taught useful communication techniques to help support individuals you lead from guest, Halle Simpson. Learn how to define boundaries, take a coaching approach to problem solving and empower those you’re around. In turn, these methods set the Leader up to be a resource instead of a crutch.

Learn more about situational awareness and its importance not only in everyday life, but also in the workplace. We are joined by our guest Shelley Klingerman, a highly-acclaimed executive leader with more than two decades of experience in marketing, brand awareness, and project management.

We are putting a spotlight on the importance of advancing women of color in STEM with our special guest Joy Mason. Joy Mason is a phenomenal motivational speaker, author, artist, and entrepreneur who was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. Listen today to learn more about Joy's career path, and what needs to be done to advance all women in STEM! As Joy says, companies are better and more successful when they are diverse.

Get to know more about Jennifer Magley, our Keynote Speaker, for this years International Women's Day event in partnership with the Indianapolis Colts.

Learn how to make an impact and be a person of influence within your workplace with guests Amanda Babic and Stephanie Ewing. 

Grow your negotiation skills by learning how to say 'No' and when to say 'Yes' for any opportunity that comes your way from guests Rona Howenstine and Ashley Christie.

Whether you are looking to advance within your organization or switch to a new career or industry this Torch Talk Series episode, with guests Anna O'Nan and Amanda Fishburn, can help you prepare and position yourself for the next opportunity.

Learn how to navigate the good and the bad of office politics, with guests Tera Klutz and Lauren Howard.