The Champions of Diversity Winners 2025 in Indianapolis represent a remarkable group of individuals, organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity in their communities. This year’s honorees have broken barriers, amplified marginalized voices, and created opportunities that inspire collective progress. From trailblazing entrepreneurs and educators to influential civic leaders and community organizations, the winners embody the spirit of unity and the power of diversity. Their work serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the transformative impact that inclusivity has on shaping a stronger, more vibrant Indianapolis for all.

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award – Dennis E. Bland, President, Center for Leadership Development
• Rosa Parks Trailblazer Award – Shannon Williams, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President, The Mind Trust
• William G. Mays Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award – Reginald and Tracey Jones, Owner Operators, McDonald’s
• Lifetime Education Achievement Award – Andrea L. Neely, President and Chief Executive Officer, Simon Youth Foundation, Inc.
• Amos Brown Community Advocate Award – Marshawn Wolley, President & CEO, Black Onyx Management
• President’s Choice Award – Deana Haworth, Chief Executive Officer, Hirons
• Community Impact Award – Fred Payne, President & CEO, United Way of Central Indiana
• Social Innovation Mastermind Award – Tamira Chapman, CEO, Storehouse in A Box LLC
• Visionary Leader Award – Dr. Lorenzo L. Esters, President, The Indianapolis Foundation
• Sapphire Diversity Maverick Award – Sharon Barner, Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer, Cummins
• Civic Empowerment Award – Kanwal Prakash “KP” Singh, Founder & Owner, KP Singh Designs (A Partnership)
• Master of Finance Award – Clarissa Nowlin, Chief Financial Officer & Controller, Professional Management Enterprises, Inc.
• Distinguished Business Achiever Award – Daryle L. Johnson, Vice President of Strategy, Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council
• Bridge to Impact Award – Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) – Melina Kennedy (Chief Executive Officer) and Latoya Alexander Botteron (President & Chief Financial Officer)
• Rising Star of Excellence Award – Darryl Lockett, Health Equity Director, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Indiana
• Innovation in Tech Leadership Award – Dennis Trinkle, Senior Vice President, Talent, Strategy and Partnerships, TechPoint
• Changemaker Award – Tamara Cypress, Associate Director, Communications & Creative Design, Carrier Corporation
• Breaking Barriers Award – Travis Brown, Founder + CEO, Mojo Up Marketing + Media
• Golden Heart Award – Patrina Williams, CEO, Cherishing Lives Personal Care Services
• Stewardship Young Leader Award – Leon Williamson, Market President iHeart Media Multiplatform Group, iHeartMedia Indianapolis
• Beacon of Hope Award – Intend Indiana – Steven Meyer (Chief Executive Officer) and Stephanie Quick (President)
• Social Justice & Equity Award – Zachary Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, U.S. Department of Justice
• Exemplary Service Award – Katie Lucas, President, Lucas Oil
• Emerald Leadership Award – Seth Morales, Chief Executive Officer, Morales Group, Inc.
• DEI Trailblazer Award – Tracy Ellis-Ward, Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Pacers Sports & Entertainment