INDIANA – Indiana’s successful Hoosier Women Forward (HWF) initiative is seeking applicants for its 5th class. Democratic women across the state are encouraged to apply for this established leadership development program right now.
Launched in 2018, HWF is aimed at preparing and propelling Democratic women into public, private, and community service roles in Indiana.
By the end of this month, 89 women will have completed the HWF program. Since its launch, 18 alumnae or class members have run for office and 11 have won a general election or contested primary. In the 2022 Indiana primary elections, 9 HWF alumnae secured Democratic nominations for public office.
These women are seeking positions at varying levels of government, including township boards, county councils, the state legislature, and more. In addition, a number of HWF graduates are now county chairs and congressional district chairs for the Democratic Party.
HWF alumnae are also engaged in local efforts that are focused on growing clean energy, improving maternal health, raising awareness of sexual assault and sex trafficking, and supporting communities of color.
“Clearly, many of our talented and compassionate women are already making a positive impact in their communities,” said HWF Executive Director Amy Levander. “We couldn’t be more proud, and we’re looking forward to building on their success with the next HWF class.”
The deadline to apply for the HWF Class of 2022 is June 22. The nonprofit’s board will select a group of up to 24 Democratic women for this year’s class through a competitive process. Those who are chosen will participate in a nine-month leadership training program that will begin later this summer.
Women selected for HWF must demonstrate an interest in public policy, political advocacy, and advancing Indiana forward with progressive policies and ideas. The nonprofit will strive to ensure that each class has a diverse background of personal and professional life experiences reflecting the economic, geographical, ethnic, and cultural diversity in Indiana.
Below are the women who currently comprise the HWF Board of Directors:
- State Rep. Cherrish Pryor, Chair
- Ronnetta Spalding, Vice-Chair
- Shannon Mears, Secretary
- Veena Rao-Mirmira, Treasurer
- State Rep. Terri Austin
- Katie Blair
- Arielle Brandy
- Sujata Barai Chugh
- Stephanie Crandall
- Annette Craycraft
- Anne Doran
- Kaisa Goodman
- Liane Groth Hulka
- Emily Gurwitz
- Heather Harris
- Crystal Melton
- Andrea Scott
- Elise Shrock
- Former State Sen. Vi Simpson
- Destiny Wells
- Adrienne Watson
- Patricia Yount
To apply for the HWF leadership development program, please go to: http://hoosierwomenforward.org/apply/.
A Section 527 nonprofit political organization, Hoosier Women Forward raises funds through private donations and fundraising events. To learn more about the nonprofit, you can go to www.hoosierwomenforward.org, or visit the organization on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
