The Freedom Forum with Angela B. Freeman

Tanuja Singh, president of the University of Indianapolis, argues that higher education remains the highest-return investment a city or country can make. A physicist turned marketer turned academic leader, she points to UIndy's growth in online education, corporate partnerships with companies like Roche, a new Women's Leadership Institute, and experiential learning baked into every program as evidence that universities can evolve without losing their core mission. She is direct about Indiana's talent retention problem, telling business leaders they need to engage students early and invest in quality-of-life basics like childcare, green space, and walkable neighborhoods if they want graduates to stick around. Singh highlights UIndy's commitment to first-generation students (roughly a third of the student body), neurodivergent learners through its BUILD program, and international students, while describing Indianapolis as a city where professional relationships turn into real friendships. Her closing challenge: as the economy shifts, higher education will matter more, not less, and making that case is not just the university's job but everyone’s.

In this Black History Month episode of The Freedom Forum, Angela B. Freeman talks with Kristian Little Stricklen, president and CEO of the Madam Walker Legacy Center, about Indiana Black history and the story behind one of Indianapolis’ most iconic landmarks on Indiana Avenue. Stricklen shares her Indianapolis roots, her HBCU experience at Jackson State University, and how a path from radio into public relations shaped her career across nonprofits, corporate communications and Indianapolis Public Schools. She explains how those roles prepared her to lead the Walker through major moments, including renewed community engagement, headline performances, expanded programming and long-term sustainability efforts. The conversation also traces the life of Sarah Breedlove, known as Madam C.J. Walker, from her early years to building a national business and philanthropic legacy, and why the Walker building was designed as a hub for entertainment, Black enterprise and community life. Stricklen closes with ways the community can support the center through time, talent and treasure as the Walker approaches its centennial.

JD Finish Line Vice President of Talent Management and HR Compliance, Jackie Gessner, joins host Angela B. Freeman on The Freedom Forum to share her career journey from Fort Wayne to Purdue, the Indiana Statehouse and IU McKinney School of Law. Gessner reflects on early pivots, retaking the LSAT, lessons from private practice at Barnes & Thornburg and why people matter when choosing a workplace. She explains her transition from law firm life to in-house leadership, managing teams across HR and talent, and supporting employees through leave, life events and change. The conversation also explores women in law, authentic leadership and how Indiana employers can retain talent by promoting from within and building strong workplace culture.

Dr. DaWana Stubbs, Regional Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Humana, shares her inspiring journey from growing up on Indianapolis’s west side and graduating from Crispus Attucks High School to leading in one of the nation’s largest healthcare organizations. She reflects on being motivated by strong family roots, her faith, and early role models who showed her what was possible for women in medicine. In this episode, Dr. Stubbs discusses the importance of diversity in healthcare, how social determinants of health impact patients, and why representation and servant leadership are vital to equitable care.

On this episode of the Freedom Forum, Angela B. Freeman talks with Burnell “BJ” Grimes Jr., director of Legal for North America Energy Solutions at Carrier Global Corporation. A lifelong Hoosier, Grimes shares his path from IU Bloomington and IU McKinney Law School to big law, government service and corporate counsel. He also discusses the criticality of intellectual property and legal operations on innovation and growth for any company, large or small. Burnell further describes the importance of mentorship, authenticity, and the importance of community involvement for all leaders to have legacy impact.

Dr. Katasha S. Butler, PharmD, MBA, joins The Freedom Forum to share her inspiring rise from a curious grade schooler in Illinois to a senior healthcare leader at Eskenazi Health. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Butler reflects on her time at Spelman College and Butler University, her rapid ascent into pharmacy leadership, and the challenges she’s faced as a Black woman navigating bias in highly regulated systems. She unpacks the complexities of formulary management, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships—all while leading with empathy and integrity. From people-first leadership to breaking down barriers in healthcare access and equity, Dr. Butler’s story is a powerful testament to purpose, resilience, and the impact of showing up fully and authentically. Start your dollar a week trial now at ⁠IBJ.com/trialoffer⁠ Check out our event lineup and register now at ⁠IBJ.com/Register ⁠ Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at ⁠IBJ.com/Nominate⁠

Our guest on this 45th episode is Leon Williamson, Indianapolis market president for iHeartMedia. Leon shared his career journey from his Jamaican roots to leading one of the largest media organizations in the world. Leon reflected on the cultural shifts he experienced moving from Miami to the Midwest, and the importance of building local community and cultural connection both personally and professionally. Leon also discussed how his sales background and authentic leadership style have shaped his approach to managing diverse teams and fostering organizational success. Finally, he offered thoughtful insights on the evolving discourse around diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how individuals—particularly young or underrepresented professionals—can develop the confidence and clarity needed to lead with purpose and conviction. Start your dollar a week trial now at ⁠IBJ.com/trialoffer⁠ Check out our event lineup and register now at ⁠IBJ.com/Register ⁠ Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at ⁠IBJ.com/Nominate⁠

Our guest on this 2025 Black History Month (BHM) episode is John Gaidoo of Cummins Inc. John discussed his executive legal career journey culminated by his African heritage, Marine military service, and training as a labor and employment attorney. John also discussed his real life and sometimes disparate experiences as a diverse man in corporate leadership, and the importance of leading an organization that shares your personal values and core belief system. Finally, John gave very transparent examples of the characteristics and skills that make for a great leader of people and how organizations can and should continue to invest and pour into their folks.

To round out our sports leadership focus this year, on this final 2024 episode of Indianapolis Business Journal’s podcast, The Freedom Forum with Angela B. Freeman, we are excited to announce our guest is Mary Kay Huse of Indy Ignite Pro Volleyball. Mary Kay stopped by the studio to tell us all about this brand new professional women’s volleyball team beginning its first season here in Indianapolis on January 11, 2025. Specifically, Mary Kay provided significant insight into how this first expansion team of the Pro Volleyball Federation landed in Indy, has recruited its players, and is working to ensure this new professional women’s sport incites a substantial following to establish its own legacy that will continue for years. Mary Kay also described her own entrepreneurial leadership journey that has led to this unique and exciting career opportunity through which she intends to have lasting impact.

As we turn the page on another season in Indiana this year, we continue to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in Indiana’s major sports league. This month we shine light on a lesser known sports institution based in our state that is having local, national, and international impact. Our guest, Evelyn Magley, is the CEO of The Basketball League (TBL). Ms. Evelyn is the first woman and/or African-American woman to own a men’s professional sports organization. She stopped by our studio to discuss her inspiration and motivation that has led her to form and grow TBL, and her aspirations for the future and legacy of the organization.

Randy Lewandowski is the President and CEO of the Indianapolis Indians. As we continue our focus on sports organizations in Indiana, we invited Randy to come by the studio to discuss the rich history and tradition of Indiana’s oldest Minor League baseball team, his significant tenure and advancement with their organization, and how their organization has evolved over the years. In particular, Randy was very transparent about the intentionality of his former leadership and his current responsibility to make baseball more inclusive to all and to ensure Victory Field continues to be a staple of the Indianapolis community. Randy was very transparent about his personal relationship and growth in authentic leadership, empathy, and mentorship as related to identifying and growing emerging or diverse talent.

Jamie Riley is the Chief Operating Officer at USA Football. In keeping with our focus on professional sports organizations in our community, Jamie came by the studio to tell us about all the amazing things happening with football at the Olympic level and at the grassroots - not the kind you watch on Sunday - in light of their notably increased participation across the country. Jamie also described her experiences as a female executive in arguably one of the most male-dominated of sports. Particularly in light of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics and the USA Swimming trials happening this summer in Indianapolis, Jamie shed some light and exciting news on the evolution of flag football for all amongst the Olympic Games.

Dr. Niya Blair Hackworth is the Director of Inclusion of the NCAA. In keeping with our sports focus and their organizational forces in Indiana, Dr. Niya came by the studio to discuss her career path in higher education administration and its evolution over many years at multiple universities prior to joining the NCAA. With an evolving focus on what is now called “diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB),” Dr. Hackworth shared some of her experiences, challenges, and successes in doing “the work” that has fueled her passion for impacting and improving the student experience for all, and especially the over 500,000 student-athletes at the 1100 member schools that the NCAA governs.