Meet the finalists: 2023 ELEVATE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advocate of the Year, presented by Eli Lilly and Company

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advocate of the Year award, presented by Eli Lilly and Company, will be given to a young professional or small group (either through an employer or as a volunteer) who has committed to raising awareness and advocating for a more diverse, equitable and inclusive Central Indiana community.  

This year’s finalists create spaces and initiatives across Central Indiana where everyone knows they belong and are supported. We’re so excited for you to do brunch with them in a few weeks. 

Now, let’s get to know our five finalists. Spreading the most inclusive, totally groovy vibes across our communities, you can advocate with: 

Malina Simone Bacon, co-founder at GANGGANG: 

Through her organization, GANGGANG, Malina (Mali) doesn’t mince words when it comes to advocating for equity. GANGGANG isn’t bogged down in superficial discussion about diversity, equity and inclusion. They invest in the creative community directly, “paying the culture back with an intentional reparational slant,” according to GANGGANG. She has been a champion for creatives of color before her time with GANGGANG and the BUTTER fine art fair, supporting organizations such as The Madam Walker Legacy Center, Arts Council of Indianapolis, and leading projects such as the “Love Indy” campaign. Her work and advocacy unite culture with equity in new, equitable, revenue-generating ways.  

Connect with her on LinkedIn and vote Malina for People’s Choice. 

Stacia Murphy, senior vice president of enterprise development at the Indy Chamber: 

A lifelong champion of advocacy, Stacia has contributed to the sustainability of countless equitable programs and initiatives across her career. A few notable examples include: an engagement plan for equity in public transit, an economic stability program for previously incarcerated individuals, and organizing an assembly to tackle gentrification across Indianapolis. In her current role, she leads the Business Equity for Indy Procurement Roundtable. She works with corporations to increase their supplier diversity programs and spend with Black-owned businesses by facilitating best-practice sharing and providing small, Black-owned businesses the opportunity to speak and network with corporate buyers.  

Connect with her on LinkedIn and vote Stacia for People’s Choice.  

Elijah Reid, project engineer, and Aaron Lott, intern, at Pepper Construction Group: 

Noticing a gap in opportunities for minority engineers, Elijah and Aaron created SAME (Society of Aspiring Minority Engineers). SAME’s mission is to mentor minority high school seniors and college students from neighborhoods that statistically have seen higher rates of poverty. The organization connects students with professional mentors who offer support with resume building, interview preparation, networking and more. SAME offers a support system for students as they navigate demanding academic programs. SAME hosts galas to raise money for scholarships and awards two students with funds to help with tuition, school supplies and professional attire. The organization plans to partner with BELIEVE High School in March to help with literacy gaps.  

Connect with them on LinkedIn (Elijah and Aaron) and vote them for People’s Choice.  

Peter Schlifke, principal at Metropolitan School District of Washington Township: 

Peter believes a school can be a shelter, source of food, community and a constant presence for children who may otherwise not be guaranteed any of those things. As a principal, he leads 89 other adults as they lead classrooms full of students. He’s improved and empowered his team to use new data practices to help teachers understand the needs of students, share best practices and build targeted – but flexible – lessons. It has become his goal to createlearning opportunities and environments that would’ve helped him when he was younger. His most practical lesson in equity for his team:“loving them like a boss.” And he ensures his office is a place to comfortably yell, wiggle, laugh, talk and cry.  

Connect with him on LinkedIn and vote Peter for People’s Choice. 

Britt Sutton, president and CEO at ArtMix: 

In college, Britt was diagnosed with a genetic form of epilepsy. On the recommendation of a counselor, she took an internship with the epilepsy foundation. She believes this decision changed her life. Starting her career as a behavioral therapist, Britt felt connected to children with sound sensitivity, usually on the autism spectrum. Now, leading ArtMix, she is committed to transforming the lives of people with disabilities through art. While pursuing her juris doctorate, she focused on health care law, nonprofit law and policy, so now she can combine her passion and her education to better advocate for people living with a disability. 

Connect with her on LinkedIn and vote Britt for People’s Choice.