Urban League of Northwest Indiana hosts Leadership Awards Empowerment Luncheon

On the afternoon of Nov. 18, more than 500 individuals rallied at Avalon Manor Banquet Center to celebrate, recognize, and learn from those who have made a difference in diversity, inclusion, leadership, and empowerment within their communities at Urban League of Northwest Indiana’s Leadership and Awards Luncheon. This year’s sold out event had a theme that greeted guests as soon as they entered the building: Better Together: From Taking Sides to Creating Solutions.

The annual luncheon serves as a way for Urban League of Northwest Indiana to recognize those who advocate for diversity and belonging in Northwest Indiana. This includes leaders from nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, businesses, political and civic organizations, and so many others. Urban League of Northwest Indiana is able to provide services in the areas of education, financial literacy, health and wellness, social justice, and youth leadership throughout Northwest Indiana thanks to continued support from those who believe in the organization’s mission.

Urban League of Northwest Indiana President and CEO Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud considers this event one of the most important of the year.

“It’s up to us to lead others,” said Dr. Allen McCloud “It is up to us to be the leaders because someone out there is hurting, someone out there needs us. It’s up to us as leaders to stand together to be able to do what we can do to help them.”

“Together is better. When we are together, it’s amazing what we can do,” Urban League of Northwest Indiana Board Chair Louie Gonzalez added.

The luncheon made a serious impression on those making a difference in the lives of our youth and adults. Elected officials, community members, school chancellors, local vendors, school superintendents, and board members were in attendance.

The event opened with greeting messages, a performance from the Indiana Ballet Theatre, and keynote speaker, Douglas Sparks, eighth bishop of the Diocese of Northern Indiana. Sparks emphasized that strong leadership equals stronger success.

“Leadership today requires courage, empathy, and a commitment to integrity and taking responsibility. Leadership requires humility, along with the willingness to seek advice and counsel from others,” Sparks said. “Our hope is to focus on creating solutions that further strengthen our community, outcomes such as creating opportunities for all employees by leading with dignity and respect, building authentic relationships grounded in purpose and empathy, exploring what it means to lead with integrity and recognizing the unique gifts and values that each person brings.”

Following the delectable lunch, awards were rolled out. Many of the awards were sponsored by Urban League of Northwest Indiana such as the Moving the Needle Leadership Award sponsored by NIPSCO and Hard Rock Casino. NIPSCO’s representative, Stacey Antonopoulos was proud to support Urban League of Northwest Indiana and what the award itself represents.

“Leadership begins with courage, integrity and the humility to listen,” Antonopoulos said. “It’s never easy, especially in the face of adversity. When we lead with empathy and clarity, adversity just becomes a springboard to growth. This kind of leadership rooted in empathy is not just a principle, it is a powerful call to action. Urban League’s devotion continues to light the way toward a prosperous future in all of our communities.”

Urban League of Northwest Indiana’s Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to one individual or organization for outstanding vision, dedication and lifelong commitment to advance leadership in the community throughout Northwest Indiana. This year it was awarded to Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley, former Superintendent of Lake Ridge schools. She is a lifelong educator passionate about kids and youth in her community.

“When you are in the trenches doing the work, you are not thinking about rewards, accolades or honors, you’re just doing the best job that you can do,” Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley said. “You think about creating successful students, building great relationships that are genuine and sincere, and making a community that realizes that you are trying to contribute to a better way of life through our youth. To the young scholars, I hope that I set a great example for you to follow. Now soar to the next level without hesitation,” Shirley said.

Her words reinforced the day’s message of purpose-driven leadership, a theme echoed by other speakers throughout the luncheon and the main effort started by Dr. Allen McCloud in the first place.

“We have to continue to lead with integrity and compassion and be an advocate for those who have the most need,” Allen McCloud said.

For more information about the Urban League of Northwest Indiana or learn how you can get involved, please visit urbanleaguenwi.org.