Meet Angela Britain-Smith, fondly known as ABS, the director of operations at the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township (MSD Washington Township). In our enlightening conversation with Guest Hostess and K-12 Studio Leader Anna Marie Burrell, ABS shares her journey, starting as a librarian and transitioning into a leader handling facilities management, food services, and safety. Her experiences emphasize the power of mentorship, communication, and prioritizing what's best for children.

Our discussion also reveals how a passed referendum revolutionized MSD of Washington Township. ABS enlightens us on the enormous transformations that followed, including expanded program capacities, enhanced security, new furniture, and more. ABS also discusses the challenges the district would have faced if the referendum hadn't passed. We round up with ABS underscoring the importance of equity in K-12 education, the impact of mentorship programs for students, and the vital role of self-care for mental and physical well-being. A wealth of insights awaits within this episode. So, get ready to be inspired.

Imagine leading a diverse cultural, racial, and socio-economic school district serving over 16,000 students and 2,500 employees and being responsible for equal and equitable opportunities for all. When he became Superintendent for the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township in Indianapolis, Dr. Shawn Smith found himself in such a position. This episode provides a fascinating journey through Dr. Smith's storied career in K-12 education, and the leadership insights he's gained. From his early passion for social studies ignited by his grandmother's love for reading to his unexpected foray into administration, Dr. Smith's journey is a testament to the power of creative leadership.

This conversation delves into how Dr. Smith champions positive community partnerships, nurtures emerging leaders, and emphasizes the importance of investing in education. As we traverse through his leadership journey, he also underlines the significance of maintaining normalcy amidst crises and fostering personal relationships. Dr. Smith's belief in the potential of every child and education as a catalyst for uncovering it paints a hopeful picture for the future of public education. So, join us for this enlightening conversation and celebrate the transformative power of education and leadership.

As the founding dean of the Marian University Klipsch Educators College, the University’s former senior vice president of strategic growth and innovation, and now as Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Ken Britt has made a significant difference on-campus through faith, fortitude, leadership, and determination. With humbleness and through hard work, he draws inspiration to find solutions from the world around him while serving as a source of encouragement to others. In this episode of Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership with Sarah Hempstead, Britt shares his own leadership journey and how owning a mission has resulted in changing the world for the better.

An innovative leader with a passion for conservation and animal wellness, Louisville Zoo director Dan Maloney believes that strong and effective leadership encourages inclusiveness and increased engagement among internal teams and the community. By pushing the envelope of what accredited zoos can accomplish and driving his teams toward strategic thinking, he’s become widely respected and influential. In this episode of Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership with Sarah Hempstead, Maloney discusses his approaches, what he’s learned, and how collectively, it’s created dynamic experiences.  

With a background in law, city government, land use, and community development, Deborah Bilitski joined Louisville’s Waterfront Park in 2018 to continue its transformation into a city treasure. While developing a premiere destination for more than 2.2M visitors and over 150 events and celebrations annually, she and her team are set to expand the park even further. In this episode, Bilitski shares her leadership journey and how she has thrived personally and professionally. 

As the Founder and CEO of the Felege Hiywot Center in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood of Indianapolis, Aster Bekele emigrated to the United States from Ethiopia and brought with her a sense of community and love. A retired chemist, Bekele started the Youth Farm Initiative, established a food production space, and continues to engage partners and inner-city youth in her work. With a focus on urban farming and cultural expression, she has been teaching young people the importance of service, leadership, teamwork, and knowledge. In this episode of Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership with Sarah Hempstead, AIA, LEED AP, Bekele shares how she made the transition to American life and how her work has contributed to a strong community. 

For over nine years, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations for La Porte Community School Corporation, Greg Hunt has overseen district building projects that have positively contributed to the student experience, increased faculty collaboration, and led to a more consistent curriculum. Known for his resourcefulness and strategic vision, Hunt has been recognized by the Association of School Business Officials International for effectively and creatively resolving a significant building issue. In this episode, Hunt shares how he worked with district leaders, students, parents, and community members alike on a thoughtful solution that prevented redistricting, maximized space, and made the best use of taxpayer money.      

As the superintendent of Metropolitan School District of Washington Township, Dr. Nikki Woodson is the face and voice many have come to know and trust. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she and other leaders worked with students, parents, and community members to pass the state’s largest referendum, resulting in $470M to enhance student learning environments, solidify a commitment to supplier diversity, and establish partnerships that are positively contributing to central Indiana’s workforce. In this episode, Woodson shares more about how the district is working to empower growth while serving the needs of students and the community.   

While serving as Board President for the Maple Road Development Association in 2007, Michael McKillip helped establish Midtown Inc. and became its first full-time Executive Director in 2012. Since then, he’s worked on Indianapolis’s Plan 2020 ‘Connect Indy’ Committee, and today, he’s serving as a member of Indy’s CEOs for Cities Cluster while continuing to lead Midtown Indy, a community services organization committed to positively impacting the quality of life and economic vitality of the neighborhoods that comprise Midtown Indianapolis. In this episode, Mckillip shares the organization’s initiatives to revitalize and redevelop areas of Midtown, and some of the plans and programs currently underway to celebrate this unique community.

As the third Head of School for the International School of Indiana (ISI) and the first female to hold the position, Elizabeth Head is a trailblazing leader with a breadth of International Baccalaureate curriculum, language immersion, and strategic growth experience. Under her leadership and with a vision of creating a unified campus, ISI opened the doors to the new Chen Family Lower School in 2022. Located steps away from the existing middle and high schools on Indianapolis’s Northwest side, the 50,884 sq.-ft., $13.5M building has helped to further collaboration between faculty, students, and families while also becoming a major driving force toward supporting central Indiana’s global economy. In this episode, listen and learn from Head as she explains how she’s working with others to recruit an international workforce for Indiana, and how her leadership style is contributing to a bright future for graduates who are ready to take on the world’s most complex issues.