Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership

Travel with us into the visionary world of Leonard Hoops, the president, and CEO of Visit Indy, and the driving force behind transforming Indianapolis into America’s top convention destination. From his Trinidadian roots to his rise in Indianapolis’ growing tourism industry, Leonard’s creative leadership and strategic vision have not only elevated the city on the convention map but have also cultivated a vibrant ecosystem, contribu...

Embark on an intimate exploration of leadership and perseverance with Mario Rodriguez, the visionary leader at the Indianapolis Airport Authority. His tale, a tapestry woven from his parents' daring escape from Cuba and their indomitable spirit to triumph in a foreign land, is nothing short of cinematic. As we chat with Mario, you'll experience the vibrant streets of Miami, where his family's dreams were recast amids...

How does the central Indiana arts community navigate and survive during challenging times?  Learn how as Julie Goodman, the tenacious and inspiring President and CEO of the Indianapolis Arts Council explains. Follow along as she underlines why the arts are vital to mental well-being and how they can fortify communal bonds. But the power of art extends beyond inspiration.  Hear Julie share about a transformative project from her tim...

A seasoned architect known for his creative leadership and dedication to his craft, Steve Alspaugh, FAIA, LEED AP, B+C shares his journey from a childhood fascination with The Brady Bunch to his current role as a Design Architect|Associate. Listen to his experience working on the Franklin Township Middle School project, where he used state code as a creative tool, and learn how a devastating tornado in his hometown led him to becom...

Meet Angela Britain-Smith, fondly known as ABS, the director of operations at the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township (MSD Washington Township). In our enlightening conversation with Guest Hostess and K-12 Studio Leader Anna Marie Burrell, ABS shares her journey, starting as a librarian and transitioning into a leader handling facilities management, food services, and safety. Her experiences emphasize the power of m...

Imagine leading a diverse cultural, racial, and socio-economic school district serving over 16,000 students and 2,500 employees and being responsible for equal and equitable opportunities for all. When he became Superintendent for the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township in Indianapolis, Dr. Shawn Smith found himself in such a position. This episode provides a fascinating journey through Dr. Smith's storied career...

As the founding dean of the Marian University Klipsch Educators College, the University’s former senior vice president of strategic growth and innovation, and now as Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Ken Britt has made a significant difference on-campus through faith, fortitude, leadership, and determination. With humbleness and through hard work, he draws inspiration to find solutions from the world around him while serving as a source...

An innovative leader with a passion for conservation and animal wellness, Louisville Zoo director Dan Maloney believes that strong and effective leadership encourages inclusiveness and increased engagement among internal teams and the community. By pushing the envelope of what accredited zoos can accomplish and driving his teams toward strategic thinking, he’s become widely respected and influential. In this episode of Luminate: Na...

With a background in law, city government, land use, and community development, Deborah Bilitski joined Louisville’s Waterfront Park in 2018 to continue its transformation into a city treasure. While developing a premiere destination for more than 2.2M visitors and over 150 events and celebrations annually, she and her team are set to expand the park even further. In this episode, Bilitski shares her leadership journey and how she ...

As the Founder and CEO of the Felege Hiywot Center in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood of Indianapolis, Aster Bekele emigrated to the United States from Ethiopia and brought with her a sense of community and love. A retired chemist, Bekele started the Youth Farm Initiative, established a food production space, and continues to engage partners and inner-city youth in her work. With a focus on urban farming and cultural express...

For over nine years, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations for La Porte Community School Corporation, Greg Hunt has overseen district building projects that have positively contributed to the student experience, increased faculty collaboration, and led to a more consistent curriculum. Known for his resourcefulness and strategic vision, Hunt has been recognized by the Association of School Business Officials Internatio...

As the superintendent of Metropolitan School District of Washington Township, Dr. Nikki Woodson is the face and voice many have come to know and trust. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she and other leaders worked with students, parents, and community members to pass the state’s largest referendum, resulting in $470M to enhance student learning environments, solidify a commitment to supplier diversity, and establish part...

While serving as Board President for the Maple Road Development Association in 2007, Michael McKillip helped establish Midtown Inc. and became its first full-time Executive Director in 2012. Since then, he’s worked on Indianapolis’s Plan 2020 ‘Connect Indy’ Committee, and today, he’s serving as a member of Indy’s CEOs for Cities Cluster while continuing to lead Midtown Indy, a community services organization committed to positively...

As the third Head of School for the International School of Indiana (ISI) and the first female to hold the position, Elizabeth Head is a trailblazing leader with a breadth of International Baccalaureate curriculum, language immersion, and strategic growth experience. Under her leadership and with a vision of creating a unified campus, ISI opened the doors to the new Chen Family Lower School in 2022. Located steps away from the exis...

Since 2013, Dr. Robert Garrett has been educating future business leaders at the University of Louisville where he serves as the director of Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship, the Brown and Williamson Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, the Department Chair for Management and Entrepreneurship, and the Dean of Faculty for the College of Business. As a premiere voice and thought leader in entrepreneurship, he’s grown the Center...

After spending 21 years helping central Indiana communities preserve historic structures and enhance natural landscapes, Schmidt Associates Client Liaison, Joseph Jarzen is looking forward to continuing to positively impact change through good design, responsible stewardship, and servant leadership for the firm’s community, lifestyle, and workplace studio. As the former vice president of program strategy for Keep Indianapolis Beaut...

With a focus on expanding multiple programs, including increased medical care, the Damien Pharmacy, harm reduction services, youth homelessness programs, and the Center’s HIV prevention strategies, President and CEO Alan Witchey  embodies servant leadership while seeking to empower others. In this month’s edition of Luminate – Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership, hear how Witchey’s unique understanding of community a...

As President and CEO of the Waterfront Botanical Gardens in Louisville, Ky., Kasey Maier and her team turned a former city landfill into one of the strongest examples of sustainability and education by developing a landscape architectural paradise. After a little more than nine years, she has not only taken the organization’s vision from a paper concept to a community asset with over 1,200 members and 20,000 visitors annually, she’...