In the past, HFL has partnered with Indiana University Executive Education at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs to bring best-in-class leadership training for nonprofit organizations to La Porte County by offering the Nonprofit Leadership Academy. Participants who fulfilled all requirements received a certificate from Indiana University. The program included six practical training modules. The 2018 and 2019 Academy graduates participated in Nonprofit Management in the 21st Century, Strategic and Operational Planning, Financial Management, Marketing and Communication, Planning for Fundraising Success, and Results-Based Accountability™. The 2024 graduates participated in the same courses as those previously did, with the addition of Program Evaluation in place of Results-Based Accountability™. Courses were taught by seasoned practitioners.
2023-24 Graduates:
- Erica Boyd – E Marie Project
- Jackie Dermody – Family Advocates
- Amanda Fowler – La Porte County Meals on Wheels
- Stacey Garcelon – Anam Cara
- Abby Hinch – Social and Learning Institute
- Bill Harmon – SHARE Foundation
- Steve Hobby – Paladin
- Harry Holtkamp – Nest Community Shelter
- Julia Kanestrom – Arts in the Park
- Erica Kanney – Health Foundation of La Porte
- Sally Riffer – Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County
- Tammy Rosebaum – Citizens Concerned for the Homeless
- Emily Yiannias – La Porte County Symphony Orchestra
Nonprofit Leadership Academy Graduates, along with IU’s Sara Johnson (top left) and HFL CEO Maria Fruth (top right), 2024.
2019 Graduates:
- Christopher Taelman – Hospice Foundation
- Jim Musial – Citizens Concerned for the Homeless
- Gabrielle Ginther – Dunebrook
- Edward Seal – Home Team La Porte County
- Shannon Walker – La Porte County YMCA
- Cheryl Dauer – La Porte County Meals on Wheels
- Jeremy Sobecki – La Porte County Park Foundation
- Monica Komasinki – Leadership La Porte County
- Ashley Robbins – New Prairie Education Foundation
- Erin Mooneyhan – Paladin, Inc.
- Dorota Janik – Reins of Life
- Ephphatha Malden – Swanson Center
- Debbie Sellers – The Social and Learning Institute
- Maria Galka – Visiting Nurse Association of NWI
- Brandi Lewis – Boys and Girls Club of Michigan City
- Karen Biernacki – Family Advocates
- Connor Podkul – Friendship Botanic Gardens
- Mario Rosa – La Porte Community Schools
Nonprofit Leadership Academy Graduates, 2019
2018 Class Graduates:
- Lisa Smithson – Arts in the Park
- Jeanne Ann Cannon – Dunebrook
- Jennifer Olson – Healthy Communities of La Porte County
- Amber Poff – Indiana Guardianship Services
- Nanda Danitschek – La Porte County Symphony Orchestra
- Janet Bloch – Lubeznik Center for the Arts
- Michelle Shirk – Lubeznik Center for the Arts
- Diane Wilczewski – Meals on Wheels
- Casaundra “Kay” Hill – Stepping Stone Shelter for Women
- Larry Smith – The Intrepid Phoenix
- Nathan Loucks – The Pax Center
- Kris Pate – United Way of La Porte County
- Debra S. Varnak – Unity Foundation of La Porte County
- Steven Bernth – Youth Service Bureau
- Sandy Cogswell – Anam Cara Stables
