ISU Anderson-Merriweather Newsletter Winter 2024

Anderson-Merriweather Alumni Society

NEWSLETTER Issue-9

Volume-1

WINTER-2024

Desirea Island

Anderson-Merriweather Alumni Society, most notably known as AMAS, was named for Zachariah M. Anderson and Evangeline Harris Merriweather, pioneers whose shoulders all African Americans who have attended Indiana State University stand.

What’s Inside!

Desirea Island

01

Christian Golden

02

Jeanine Coleman

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Cory Graham

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Damon L. McDade

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Kale Walker

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Fatima Johnson

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Andrew Law

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Sherard Clinkscales

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Desirea serves as the Director of Community Engagement & Systems Change at the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities.

With a background in Criminal Justice from Indiana State University and a master’s in Public Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University, she dedicated several years to the child welfare Desirea Island system. In this role, Desirea collaborated with families and communities, implemented support programs, conducted training on child abuse and neglect prevention, and managed community development projects for low-income individuals in Indiana. Her unwavering commitment is to assist underserved families by connecting them with the necessary care and support to enhance their quality of life.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Desirea wears multiple hats as an organizer, cheerleader, and mom at her children’s sporting events. She enjoys shopping with friends and exploring new destinations with her husband and family. Italian cuisine tops her list of favorite foods, and she delights in experimenting with new recipes. Family holds a special place in Desirea’s heart, and she eagerly looks forward to creating new traditions while continually exploring her family heritage.

01

Christian Golden

Jeanine Coleman bachelor’s degree in social work from Indiana State University in 1992.

Jeanine Coleman Christian Golden Christian serves as the Safety Manager at TOTO, where he provides leadership and oversees safety education and training across the organization. His efforts have successfully reduced accident percentages through the implementation of accident and root cause analysis.

Christian is dedicated to identifying opportunities for continuous improvement in safety protocols. He ensures the organization’s compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including those set by OSHA, DOT, EPA, and confined space permits.

Christian’s commitment to maintaining a safe working environment is evident in his comprehensive understanding and adherence to regulatory standards.

02

Before founding The ALTRUIST Group, Jeanine Coleman had already developed a deep concern for the wellbeing of others. Growing up in Indianapolis and attending a large, urban high school with students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, she witnessed numerous challenges faced by many students and their families. Carrying this strong desire to help those most at risk, Jeanine pursued a

Having initially supported individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness in frontline roles, Jeanine furthered her education by earning a master’s degree from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) at Indiana University in 1999. Armed with the knowledge gained from this degree and fueled by her ambition to be a catalyst for change, she embraced new opportunities to champion the cause in administrative and leadership capacities within various organizations.

In these roles, Jeanine dedicated herself to implementing effective and efficient programming, providing individuals and families with the information and skills needed to lead healthier, wiser, and more self-sufficient lives.

“Armed with the knowledge gained from this degree and fueled by her ambition to be a catalyst for change, Jeanine embraced new opportunities to champion the cause in administrative and leadership capacities within various organizations.”

Cory Graham enterprise in the Anderson Community, actively disrupting systems of oppression through spiritual, physical, social, emotional, character, and business development.

Cory Graham Cory Graham holds the position of Co-Founder & Executive Director at InerG Impact, an organization with a mission to generate impact, unlock potential, and serve as a channel for connectivity and collaboration. InerG Impact operates as a social

Within InerG Impact, there is a strong commitment to providing a business incubator/coworking space tailored for Anderson’s business and non-profit community. To align with their mission, every business, non-profit entity, and entrepreneur associated with InerG Impact is required to have a social impact plan. This plan is specifically designed to benefit the community of Anderson, Indiana. For further information, visit www.inergimpact.com.

“Within InerG Impact, there is a strong commitment to providing a business incubator/coworking space tailored for Anderson’s business and non-profit community. To align with their mission, every business, non-profit entity, and entrepreneur associated with InerG Impact is required to have a social impact plan.”

Damon L. McDade

Damon L. McDade As the Project Manager for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Cultural Competency Manager at Eve’s Village in Paterson, New Jersey, Damon exemplifies innovation, strategic thinking, and high achievement. His expertise lies in translating domestic and international business visions into initiatives that elevate engagement, performance, profitability, growth, and organizational alignment.

Damon’s career has been marked by the effective use of excellent communication skills to cultivate collaboration with senior executives and employees across all functions.

His fervor is dedicated to building and leading motivated teams, consistently demonstrating the ability to drive improvements in performance and engagement while delivering documented returns on investments.

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Kale Walker

Fatima Johnson

Fatima Johnson Kale Walker Serving as the Director of Human Resources at the Indiana State University Foundation, Kale brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role and has established himself as a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning non-profit, conflict resolution, staff recruitment and retention, and employee relations.

Kale’s success is evident in his ability to cultivate strong rapport, foster healthy partnerships, and motivate staff. These skills underscore his effectiveness in creating a positive and engaging work environment. Overall, Kale’s contributions as a Human Resources professional are crucial in enhancing the success and positive culture at the Indiana State University Foundation.

04

As the Community Engagement and Diversity Strategist at Brightlane Learning, Fatima Johnson is driven by a profound passion for ending homelessness.

Witnessing firsthand the swift displacement of families and the challenges they face in regaining normalcy has fueled her commitment to making a difference. Through her leadership, Brightlane Learning’s volunteers and staff are dedicated to the success of students and their families, working tirelessly to create a brighter future for them.

Having personally encountered barriers similar to those faced by the students she serves, Fatima understands the transformative power of education. Her own journey, supported by family members, teachers, and coaches, has inspired her dedication to providing a robust support system for others. Fatima expresses, ‘If a child grasps the possibilities that education creates and has a supportive system to guide them, they possess the potential to significantly enhance their quality of life.’

Throughout her career, Fatima has consistently demonstrated personal integrity and accountability in leadership roles within different organizations.

Despite facing disillusionment in the human services industry, she continues to exhibit an unselfish commitment to the welfare of others.

“Through her leadership, Brightlane Learning’s volunteers and staff are dedicated to the success of students and their families, working tirelessly to create a brighter future for them.”

Andrew Law Andrew Law has taken center stage in the entertainment world, proudly accepting the prestigious Emmy Award for outstanding lighting design/lighting direction for a variety

series. Law’s outstanding achievement was recognized for his work on ‘Dancing With The Stars – Semi Finals’ during the Television Academy’s 75th Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.

“A highly talented lighting designer, Law showcased his expertise and creative flair in illuminating the dance floor during the semi-finals of this popular television series.”

A highly talented lighting designer, Law showcased his expertise and creative flair in illuminating the dance floor during the semifinals of this popular television series. This Emmy win not only acknowledges his exceptional skills but also shines a spotlight on the representation of black excellence within the entertainment industry.

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Sherard Clinkscales, Thank you!

Under your exceptional leadership, the standards of Sycamore Athletics have been remarkably elevated, setting a new benchmark for excellence.

Anderson-Merriweather Alumni Society Indiana State’s Black Alumni Network