Client: Indiana Black Expo
Service Area: Leadership Development | Strategic Program Design | Project Management
Challenge
The Indiana Black Expo sought to cultivate a pipeline of emerging leaders in Indianapolis equipped to engage in policymaking, advocacy, and public service. They needed a partner who could design and manage a comprehensive civic leadership program that prepared participants to step into influential community and political spaces.
Our Approach
Impacto Strategies served as the lead design and implementation partner for TYSLI’s inaugural cohort. Our team:
- Designed an 8-session civic leadership curriculum centered on policy engagement, advocacy, and civic responsibility.
- Developed orientation and training materials tailored to participants’ professional growth.
- Recruited and coordinated speakers and panelists, including elected officials and community leaders.
- Facilitated assessments to measure participant learning and leadership growth.
- Managed program logistics and fellow engagement to ensure a seamless experience.
- Created intentional connections between fellows and key community stakeholders.
Results
- 16 Fellows completed the first TYSLI cohort.
- Fellows gained practical skills in policymaking, advocacy, and civic leadership.
- The program fostered meaningful relationships between emerging leaders and decision-makers.
- TYSLI successfully established itself as a pipeline of civic leaders in Indianapolis.
Impact
By combining curriculum design, facilitation, and relationship-building, Ascentra Strategies helped Indiana Black Expo launch a program that not only develops civic knowledge but also builds long-term capacity for leadership in public service and advocacy.