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INDIANA'S CHANGING LANDSCAPE SUMMIT 2025

Agenda

9:30 - 10:00 AM | Coffee, Community, & Conversation

10:00 - 10:15 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks

  • Patrick Armstrong, Host

  • Bruce Garrison, Chief Executive Officer, Patchwork Indy

10:20 - 11:00 AM | Where We've Been
Breakout Session 1:

1A. Migration & Demographics: A Data Deep Dive
Classroom 1

A closer look at who makes up Indiana today, with a focus on population shifts, newcomer communities, and long-term demographic trends shaping the state's future.

  • Silvia Garcia, Director of Research and Assessment, Indiana University Indianapolis Office of Community Engagement

1B. Different Journeys, Shared Struggles: African American & Newcomer Voices in Dialogue

A facilitated conversation circle led by Lisa Inks (Urban-Rural Action) connecting African American and immigrant leaders, exploring common struggles and opportunities for solidarity.

  • Lisa Inks, Urban-Rural Action

  • Madam Ambassador Dr. Angela J. Nealy, United Nations Peace Ambassador NGO ECOSOC

  • Tierra Sims, Indy Chamber

  • Bill Turner, Turnco Consulting

  • Kizito Kalima, Peace Center for Forgiveness and Reconciliation

  • Lateef Bello, Indianapolis Muslim Community Association

  • Dr. Ghulam H. Halimi, Afghan American Community Center

1C. Advocacy & Policy: Why Engagement Matters

A discussion on how advocacy and civic engagement have shaped Indiana’s policies over time—from civil rights to community development—and why active participation remains essential to driving progress for all Hoosiers.

  • Karla Munive Lima, Director of Mexican and Latin American Affairs, Patchwork Indy

  • Danielle Coulter, Dant Advocacy

  • Adam Mueller, Indiana Justice Project

1D. International Relationships & Belonging in Indiana

A panel exploring how global ties — through trade, sister cities, diplomacy, and cultural exchange — enrich Indiana’s economy, culture, and sense of belonging.

  • Craig-Anesu Chigadza, Senior Planner - Community Engagement, City of Indianapolis

  • Dr. Toby Malichi, Founding Executive Chairman and Global Managing Director Global Chamber Indianapolis, Malichi Group Worldwide

11:05 - 11:45 AM | Taking Stock of the Landscape
Breakout Session 2:

2A. Unlocking Talent: A Coordinated Approach to Workforce Inclusion for Indiana’s Newcomers

An evidence-informed case for state-level coordination to advance workforce inclusion and economic opportunity for newcomers across Indiana.

  • Denise Bell, Senior Fellow, Niskanen Center

2B. From Barriers to Bridges: Pathways to Health Access

A panel highlighting barriers to health care across Indiana — from rural hospitals to urban clinics — and innovative solutions to create a healthier, more equitable state.

  • Bruce Garrison, Chief Executive Officer, Patchwork Indy

  • Dietchyne Aimè, Senior Community Engagement Manager, Alzheimer's Association

  • Dr. Halima Al-Khattab, Behavioral Health Clinician, MTI - School of Knowledge

  • Patricia Pigman, Infant Mortality Prevention Coordinator, Columbus Regional Health

2C. From Barriers to Bridges: Pathways to Health Access

A focused presentation highlighting how civic engagement, intentional workforce connections, and welcoming strategies can create pathways of belonging and long-term integration success.

  • Kari McDonough, Vice President, Senior Advisor to the Welcome Fund, Welcome.US

2D. From Barriers to Bridges: Pathways to Health Access

This panel lifts up stories from communities across the state, sharing how communities are responding to change, and strengthening community life. Panelists will highlight place-based perspectives on common challenges and innovative solutions, showing how Indiana’s diverse towns and cities are shaping a more welcoming and resilient future together.

  • Keegan Schmicker, Mayor, City of Tipton

  • Khalid Siddiq, Education Abroad Budget & Technology Specialist, Indiana State University

  • Rui Gui, Welcoming Initiative Coordinator, Amani Family Services

  • Rendy Schrader, Senior Director, International Student and Scholar Programs and Initiatives, Indiana University Bloomington

11:50 AM - 12:05 AM | Keynote Address

  • Chris Martin, Mayor, City of Logansport

12:10 - 12:50 PM | Global Table Lunch​

1:00 - 1:35 PM | The Arts of Belonging

  • ​Performances by Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and Sreemala Murthy

1:45 - 2:25 PM | Building Forward

​Coalition Strategy Working Groups:

Participants will join one of the three coalition working groups to shape next-step strategies for Indiana's welcoming future. Facilitated by Community Solutions.

Group 1. Licensing, Credentialing, & Workforce Pathways

Group 2. Civic & Community Development

Group 3. Language Access Solutions

2:30 - 3:00 PM | Closing Reflections & Commitments

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