Carmel’s own Jessica Irvine among Hoosier Women Forward’s Class Seven participants

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Hoosier Women Forward (HWF) has announced its participants in Class Seven.

Each year, HWF selects a diverse group to participate in a political and civic leadership training program designed to empower Democratic women to become more active participants in politics and leaders in their communities.

Founded in 2018, and now boasting 133 alumnae, HWF is a growing network of women helping women. Since its inaugural class, 77 percent of HWF graduates who stepped up to run for office won their elections. Alumnae say they look forward to supporting the 12 HWF graduates who are on the ballot in November.

In addition to being active participants in the political arena, HWF alumnae hold leadership positions in the corporate and non-profit sectors, ensuring decision-making that is more reflective of their communities.

“We are proud of the numerous accomplishments of this organization and our alumnae,” HWF Executive Director Amy Levander. “The selection process for our class members is increasingly competitive each year, as women from across the state are eager to join this growing network of women supporting women. We can’t wait to induct our incoming class this September during our annual luncheon, where we’ll celebrate by building on the accomplishments this diverse group of women has already achieved.”

“This program is a shining example of what can happen when stakeholders in local communities are given the opportunity to fine-tune their political acumen and lock into a network of alumnae who are elevating how leadership looks in our state,” HWF Board Chair Elise Shrock said. “I can’t wait to see what our program will unlock within the women of Class Seven, and the change will follow in their wake.”

HWF’s 22 incoming Class Seven members are below:

• Bri Andrews, Fort Wayne
• Christina Crist, Terre Haute
• Maricel Driscoll, Muncie
• Tamesha Fikes, Fort Wayne
• Gloria Howell, Bloomington
• Jessica Irvine, Carmel
• Michelle Daniel Jones, Indianapolis
• Regenia Frison Jones, Fort Wayne
• Carey LaBella, Terre Haute
• Samantha Lozano, Indianapolis
• Nohemi Lugo, Lafayette
• Caz Margenau, South Bend
• Katie Miller, Jeffersonville
• DeShong Perry-Smitherman, Indianapolis
• Ashley Polomchak, Valparaiso
• Blythe Potter, Bargersville
• Rebecca Reazer, Mooresville
• Ellise Smith, Indianapolis
• Angel Suttle, Fort Wayne
• Catherine Torzewski, Indianapolis
• Kristina Wheeler, Indianapolis
• Yulonda Winfield, Indianapolis

A Section 527 nonprofit political organization, Hoosier Women Forward raises funds through private donations and fundraising events. To read more about the members of Class Seven and past classes, or to learn more about the nonprofit, please visit HoosierWomenForward.org.