Beyond business: Black executive leaders paving the way in Indy

Amidst the vibrant economic landscape of Indianapolis, the rise in Black executive leadership symbolizes a pivotal shift in the city’s corporate realm. An emergence in Black presidents and CEOs, especially in nonprofit spaces, not only underscores a drive for diversity but also represents a crucial step toward equitable leadership. RELATED: New Fathers and Families Center president, CEO wants to make ‘well-kept secret’ more know “My call to the ministry inspired me to leave a lucrative and promising career in corporate America to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector. At the age of 32, I was the youngest director of corporate strategy in the history of a multibillion company in Indiana,” said Larry Smith, president and CEO of Fathers and Families Center. He also created a space for Black nonprofit CEOs in the city so that they can stay connected, knowing that the path to success for many Black leaders often involves overcoming challenges like societal barriers. “It’s sad that African Americans have to work three times as hard as white Americans only to have less success generally,” said Smith. Beyond business: Barriers in leadership For many Black Americans, those barriers can include, but are not limited to, access to...