Urban League of Northwest Indiana spotlights Region’s professional leadership pipeline

Since 1945, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana has focused on three pillars: Education, Community Outreach and Leadership Development. Under Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud’s leadership for the past 15 years, the ULNWI has emphasized education and combined ethical practices with professional development to ensure the Region is prepared for the future. By focusing on Community Outreach, the ULNWI strives to see Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties become economically self-sufficient amid the changing social landscape.

“Motivation and passion for leading a non-profit is essential in servant leadership,” said Allen-McCloud, president and CEO of Urban League of Northwest Indiana. “We are all different people with different talents, but leadership is essential to the mission and vision of most organizations.”

ULNWI’s strategy centers on the belief that community progress requires a constant influx of prepared and passionate individuals. By focusing on youth and emerging leaders, the ULNWI seeks to remove barriers to entry and provides the resources necessary for career advancement to create the next generation of leaders. ULNWI also helps organizations develop new and existing leaders to work collaboratively to meet the organization’s mission, goals, and values through leadership and professional development training.

“We know that professional development is critical to career growth and job satisfaction, which leads to organizational success and enables individuals to enhance their skills and adapt to an evolving work environment,” said Dr. Linda Gunn, lead consultant for Urban League of Northwest Indiana and president and CEO of AGS Consulting, Inc. “The goal is to provide training, examine processes, and develop skills that promote innovation and long term success.”

The shared drive is the catalyst behind Urban League’s various symposiums and training programs. Investing in professional development leads to a more skilled workforce, which can improve overall productivity and efficiency in the organization. These offerings are a requirement for economic self-sufficiency.

“The link between developing leaders and economic self-sufficiency for a broader community is the cornerstone of authentic and passionate leadership,” Allen-McCloud said. “We have to determine ways that we can navigate change while providing staff and the community encouragement and hope.”

As the social and political landscape of our country evolves, the ULNWI remains committed to initiatives that help organizations in Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties prosper. While many programs have been dismantled across the nation, the ULNWI’s leadership maintains its mission to provide vital services, like utility assistance, educational scholarships, and free tax assistance for those who make $69,000 or less. This is a collaboration with CoAction.

“Ethical professional development is crucial in America’s social and political environment,” Gunn said. “This encourages accountability and addresses moral dilemmas, promoting social justice and building trust.”

As a primary resource center for Northwest Indiana, Urban League addresses immediate community needs through strategic partnerships that build a foundation for leadership. Programs include energy assistance via Northwest Indiana Alliance and free tax preparedness for eligible households through the VITA program and CoAction for Lake, Porter, and LaPorte county customers  By providing for the “whole person,” including housing, education and civil rights, the organization removes barriers of  stability so individuals can reach their full leadership potential.

“The organization identifies that a leader cannot thrive without basic stability,” Allen-McCloud said. “When people call the Urban League affiliate, they call because they have a need. Whether it’s energy assistance or income tax assistance, we are doing so much in the community because leadership programs fall under the umbrella of education and stability.” 

Located on 3101 Broadway in Gary, the nonprofit remains open to  empower communities and change lives through programs that advance education, workforce readiness, leadership development, and economic opportunity. 

This commitment to social equity continues with upcoming events, including the Leadership Symposium at Purdue University Northwest on May 19 at 8:30 a.m., and the Leadership Awards Luncheon at Hard Rock Casino of Northern Indiana on November 19 at 11:00 a.m. Residents seeking more information on these programs or general assistance can call 219-887-9621.

To join the movement and help shape the future of the Region, explore upcoming leadership symposiums and community resources online at urbanleagueofnwi.org.