The Freedom Forum with Angela B. Freeman

The Freedom Forum: Halston Mavrick, Director of Partnerships at Indy Fuel Hockey Club

Halston Mavrick is the Director of Brand Partnerships at Indy Fuel Hockey Club. In continuing with our focus on sports organizations in Indianapolis, Halston dropped by the studio to provide some unique insights as to the origin of hockey in Indiana. She also discussed the sport’s growing following and fandom in the Hoosier state, and what exciting opportunities are on the horizon for this sports club, including a new venue and football team. Importantly, Halston described how Indy Fuel is intentionally and continually focused on ensuring that a diverse fan base has exposure and access to the sport of hockey.

The Freedom Forum: Dr. Niya Blair Hackworth, Director of Inclusion at NCAA

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.

 

 

The Freedom Forum: Dr. Allison Barber, President & COO at Indiana Fever

Dr. Allison Barber is the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Indiana Fever. On this Women’s History Month episode, Allison discusses her career ascension to her current role at the Indiana Fever by way of 8 previous roles in education, government, communications, and more. Allison also discusses her leadership role of the Indiana Fever, her day to day tasks, and her influence in business and women’s sports, such as the WNBA. Importantly, Dr. Barber also provides some vignette of what excitement may lie ahead for Indianapolis with the possibility of the Indiana Fever having the first-round draft pick and how that opportunity will only provide another tool in our strong toolbelt of talent at The Fever and in our city’s noteworthy sports landscape.

The Freedom Forum: Max Siegel, CEO of USA Track and Field

Max Siegel is the CEO of USA Track and Field. In this episode, Max discusses his experiences and lessons learned over the course of his wide array of professional endeavors. Max also touched on his contributions and investments to diversify the racing industry and so many other industries and organizations he has engaged in and impacted through his historical leadership. Finally, Max provided some insights into what we can expect for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and the Olympic swimming trials being held in Indianapolis in June.

The Freedom Forum: Mel Raines, President and COO at Pacers Sports & Entertainment

Mel Raines is the president and COO of Pacers Sports & entertainment. In this episode, Mel discussed her current position resulting from a career transition from politics to sports and her leadership of the Pacers organization in that role. Importantly, Mel also touches on all the things our community should know about NBA All-Star weekend coming up in Indianapolis next month, particularly how the organizing committee is encouraging maximum community participation and involvement as the world’s eyes are on our city. Mel was particularly transparent about the intentional incorporation of our diverse Indianapolis food, arts, and culture scene in the NBA All-Star weekend to ensure this event is inclusive of all people who will be attending.

The Freedom Forum: Robert Shegog, CEO at Recorder Media Group

Robert Shegog is the President and CEO of a historically diverse media organization based in Indianapolis, Recorder Media Group. In this episode, Robert discusses how he has been perfectly positioned for his current role. Robert specifically describes how his unique experiences of being raised in the Deep South, being a Navy veteran, graduating from a HBCU, and overcoming a speech impediment have all collectively worked to develop his leadership skills, build his confidence, provide transferable skills, and drive his current passions around giving “a voice to the voiceless”! Robert also gives us a snippet of what may be expected from the 17th Annual Champion of Diversity awards program coming in January, 2024.

The Freedom Forum: Alan Mills, Partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Alan Mills, often referred to as “The Godfather” of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, is a partner at the Indianapolis office.  Moreso, Alan is the first African-American/Black employee, attorney, and partner at Barnes & Thornburg.  He has built a career, reputation, and legacy on doing great legal work and increasing the diverse representation of attorneys at Barnes & Thornburg and at all levels and facets of the legal industry. Alan is a connector and is responsible for helping attorneys across this country, particularly diverse attorneys, obtain and thrive in legal careers in firms, corporations, government, and elsewhere.  In this episode, Alan drops some knowledge and wisdom on the evolution of the legal community and its practices here in Indiana as he prepares for his impending retirement at the end of 2023 after 41 years as a lawyer.

The Freedom Forum: Marisa Kwiatkowski, Investigative Reporter at USA TODAY

Marisa Kwiatkowski is an investigative reporter at USA Today.  In this episode, Marisa talks about diversity, equity, and inclusion in journalism and media and how she’s seen the industry change over the last two decades. Marisa also discusses how the Hoosier state was critical to her success in this industry and why it’s important for aspiring journalists to know there is a future in Indiana for you.

The Freedom Forum: Juan Gonzalez, President - Central Indiana, KeyBank

Juan Gonzalez is the President of the Central Indiana market for KeyBank. In this episode, Juan talks about his experiences in Indiana business over the last two decades. Juan was particularly candid about the wealth of opportunity he has found in Indiana after coming here from Colombia to attend graduate school and how his inclusion in the Hoosier culture continues to drive his corporate and community engagement today.

 

 

 

 

 

The Freedom Forum: Anthony Prather, Vice President & General Counsel at Indiana University (IU)

Anthony Prather is the Vice President and General Counsel of IU. In this episode, Anthony shares some valuable lessons he has learned over the course of his long and esteemed legal career as both inside and outside counsel. Anthony also shared how those lessons continue to inform his leadership as chief legal officer of IU. Anthony was very transparent and forthright about his experiences and his commitment to ensure diverse representation in his outside legal counsel and how he actively works to ensure qualified diverse talent is considered at all levels of IU’s legal organization.