Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation

On Friday, the MDLF Year 2 Fellows gathered at the Indiana Statehouse for their "First Steps to: Running and Serving in Public Office" class day! State Senator and President Pro Tempore Rod Bray welcomed the group by sharing his journey to public office and setting the foundation of how the General Assembly operates. The Fellows learned tangible steps to running for office from Tim Phelps, explored advocacy and grassroots efforts with Caryl Berman Auslander and Savannah Kerstiens, and discussed the state of public service and politics in Indiana with MDLF Alumni Laura Merrifield Wilson. They also heard firsthand accounts of what it's like to be a public servant from State Senator Andrea Hunley, Mayor Chris Jensen, Comptroller Elise Nieshalla, and City-County Council President Vop Osili. This session is always a highlight—being at the heart of where change happens and learning from inspiring Hoosier leaders who are shaping our state's future.

Recently our Caryl Berman Auslander spoke to the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation class on advocacy and coalition building. Thank you for the opportunity!

Thankful to the leadership at Purdue Polytechnic High School and MDLF for hosting our class this past Friday. Learned a lot about the school, got the opportunity to interact with some amazing students, and tour the campus. If you are interested in learning more about PPHS or becoming a MDLF fellow, don’t hesitate to reach out. Would love to connect you with the right people.

On Friday, November 15, MDLF Class VII Fellows wrapped up their “State of Education” module with an inspiring case study on the creation of Purdue Polytechnic High Schools (PPHS). The panel from their leadership team shared the compelling story behind PPHS’s launch and its evolution over the past seven years, showcasing the innovation and dedication driving their success. A special thank you to Keeanna Warren, Ph.D., Shatoya Ward, Krista Primrose, PhD and Maria Quintana. A highlight of the day was having a group of PPHS students join the session to give Fellows a behind-the-scenes tour and actively engage in case study prompt projects. Their energy and perspective added incredible value to the experience!

Another busy Friday with the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation in Indianapolis. We were at Purdue Polytechnic High Schools and got to talk more about education in Indiana. Many wonderful ideas shared from our MDLF Class VII Fellows! The best part of the day was the PPHS students joining us for our presentations. They were impressive! Our social committee did a great job after our day wrapped up with an outing to Ash & Elm Cider Co. ?

Fellowship at its finest!! Class VI Fellows serving their communities together????

Help give clean water, goats, meals, toys, and more to those in need through a vending machine! Say What??? Learn more at https://lnkd.in/e2QU_a4j For those in the Indianapolis area, mark your calendars for Giving Tuesday, Dec 3 for the Community Kick-Off for the Light the World Giving Machine Indy at Clay Terrace in Carmel...a fun, unique way to raise awareness and funds for deserving non-profit organizations both locally and globally. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, HVAF - Helping Veterans And Families, Second Helpings, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, Right To Play, Horizon House, CARE, Daniel Elliott, Sue Finkam, Elise Nieshalla, Dave Kinard, Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation, #GivingMachineIndy

We are gearing up for Class VIII Fellowship recruitment season and want to ensure you feel prepared to apply! Join MDLF Membership Director Kelsey Cook at one of our upcoming webinars to learn about the application process and curriculum and have your questions answered. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eUXTM-K7

Yesterday I had one of the most professionally and personally rewarding experiences of my career(s). I am still pinching myself - I was so nervous, so honored, and just quite overwhelmed with emotion at being asked by Judge Terry Crone to sing the national anthem at his retirement ceremony in the Indiana Supreme Court - America’s oldest courtroom, located here in Indianapolis. Talk about an intimidating audience - Court of Appeals judges, Supreme Court justices, legislators, and federal and trial judges from around the state were gathered in this celebration of a 40-year judicial career by one of Indiana’s finest judges. Judge Crone hails from South Bend, Indiana. He is one of those people who cares so much, it hurts. He grew up in a housing project in South Bend and knows that life can be tough. He has never stopped being tough. He makes you tougher - and funnier - just being around him. Our shared South Bend connections have meant a lot to the both of us during our years working together. I can say with sincerity that I love - yes, love - all of the 15 judges of the Court of Appeals of Indiana. They have welcomed me into their lives - their family - with trust and kindness. They are wildly strong people with a moral compass and tenacity that humbles you, because they are so real and so fun. And so very loving. I am so grateful for their support and trust in the courtroom and in the opera house. This opportunity, though, was next level. I will be thinking of this special moment for the rest of my life. You can see my now-most-treasured memory here at minute 1:14. (https://lnkd.in/geKcu6DC). Listen to Chief Judge Altice’s quip at the end of the song for a laugh!

Indiana State University is pleased to welcome Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr., former Governor of Indiana and President Emeritus of Purdue University, for an engaging discussion on the future of higher education. The event, part of the University Speaker Series, will take place at Tilson Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025. Daniels, known for his transformative leadership in public service and higher education, brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. As governor of Indiana from 2004 to 2012, he made a lasting impact on the state’s political and economic landscape. His tenure as the 12th president of Purdue University, from 2013 to 2022, was marked by his commitment to student affordability, including a groundbreaking tuition freeze that has kept the cost of attendance lower today than in 2012, even when adjusted for inflation. “We are honored to welcome such a distinguished leader in both government and education,” said President Mike Godard of Indiana State University. “Daniels’ proven record of improving accessibility and affordability in higher education closely aligns with our mission at Indiana State.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gvaE5JsZ