Lilly Scholars Network Academy Announces Inaugural Class

The Lilly Scholars Network (LSN) is pleased to announce the inaugural class of the LSN Academy, a comprehensive statewide leadership development program designed exclusively for alumni of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP).

LSN, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. and oversight from Indiana Humanities (IH), engages Lilly Endowment Community Scholars and alumni in discussions and projects focused on advancing Indiana’s future prosperity. The network aims to inspire and equip scholars to be active leaders in their communities and cultivate meaningful connections among scholars and other Indiana leaders.

The LSN Academy was created in response to scholars' interest in establishing a statewide program to inform participants on key issues facing Indiana and provide deeper engagement. The Academy’s exclusive focus on LECSP alumni fosters a unique camaraderie and shared understanding among participants, building a strong foundation for collaborative learning and networking.

Beyond the LSN Academy, LSN offers a variety of programs and events designed to provide ongoing opportunities for personal and professional growth. These initiatives foster a vibrant, supportive community of individuals committed to making a positive impact in Indiana.

The inaugural class of the LSN Academy includes 23 outstanding individuals from various LECSP graduating classes, representing counties across Indiana. These participants have demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service in their communities, with diverse backgrounds and professions, including healthcare, education, business, and the nonprofit sector.

2024-2025 Inaugural LSN Academy Class:

• Danielle Alums (2001 Marion County scholar) – Licensing Manager, Hoosier Lottery
• Joshua Belcher (2001 Crawford County scholar) – Application Developer, Kimball Electronics
• Cassandra Book (2006 Clark County scholar) – Higher Education Professional
• Va Cun (2000 Vanderburgh County scholar) – Director of Philanthropy, Community Action Program of Evansville and Vanderburgh County
• Nicole DeCriscio Bowe (2012 Allen County scholar) – Founder & Board President, The Owen News
• Rateira Dodds-Simmons (2002 Delaware County scholar) – Project Administrator, LabCorp
• Ben Fouch (2013 Hendricks County scholar) – Vice President, LDI, Ltd.
• Katherine Gordon (2010 Wells County scholar) – Associate Attorney, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
• Htayni Hmung (2016 Marion County scholar) – Healthcare Consultant, Blue & Co., LLC
• Katie Jordan (2014 Jefferson County scholar) – Community Engagement Manager, Copado
• Jennifer Juszkiewicz (2002 LaPorte County scholar) – Writing Program Director, Saint Mary's College
• Staci Kaczmarek (2007 LaGrange County scholar) – Clinical Manager, Super Shot, Inc.
• Heather Larr (2003 Huntington County scholar) – Senior Business Analyst, Lincoln Financial Group
• Michelle Love (2003 Whitley County scholar) – Partner, Operations & Account Manager, One Lucky Guitar, Inc.
• Terran Marks (2003 Brown County scholar) – Owner, Brown County Forge
• Samantha Miller (2011 Huntington County scholar) – Instructional Design Specialist, Gene B. Glick Company
• Brittany Mitchell (2004 Greene County scholar) – Human Resources Director, NSWC Crane
• Amy Parsons (2008 Marion County scholar) – Fitness Coach, Orange Theory Fitness
• Shawna Shaffer (2007 Jefferson County scholar) – Instructor of Nursing, Ivy Tech Community College
• Morgan May Sparks (2001 Greene County scholar) – Owner/Director, Senior Music Therapist, Rhythm Garden Music LLC
• Michael Tetrault (2003 Howard County scholar) – Executive Director, Wabash & Erie Canal Park
• Chris Weller (2002 Marion County scholar) – Senior Project Manager, Pivot
• Dana Yang (2015 St. Joseph County scholar) – Clinical Account Specialist, Biosense Webster

Over the course of eight months (October 2024 through May 2025), the LSN Academy will offer participants opportunities to enhance their leadership skills, expand their networks, and engage with critical issues facing Indiana. The program will focus on five key themes: Economy and Innovation, Education, Environment, Public Health, and Quality of Life. The inaugural class will explore these topics from urban, suburban, and rural perspectives across the state.

“The LSN Academy complements other LSN programs and events by providing a deeper dive into the challenges and opportunities in our state while offering a unique leadership development opportunity for our alumni scholars,” said Bryana Schreiber, LSN Program Director. “This program will not only enhance the skills of these alumni scholars but also empower them to create positive change in Indiana. We believe the LSN Academy will significantly expand the reach and impact of our work across the state.”

"We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to the inaugural LSN Academy," said Molly Chavers, LSN Academy Moderator. "These individuals have already made significant contributions to their communities, and we are confident that they will emerge from this program as even stronger and more effective leaders."

“Receiving the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship has had the most profound impact on my life and professional career,” said Chris Weller, a member of the inaugural class. “Engaging with Hoosier leaders and peers from varied backgrounds will foster a richer understanding of what shapes our state.”