HCLA Blog
Get a glimpse into the experiences and connections HCLA offers. The HCLA Blog highlights class day experiences, leadership lessons, alumni spotlights, and more.
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Class of 2023 Spotlight | Agriculture Class Day
After marrying into a family with connections to two multi-generational family farms in Indiana, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what agriculture was “really like” in our state. However, my most recent HCLA day focused on agriculture, and I learned so much more...
Class of 2023 Spotlight | Workforce & Economic Development Class Day
The Hamilton County Leadership Academy Class of 2023 met for the Workforce & Economic Development Class Day at the newly renovated Carmel Clay Public Library in Carmel, IN. We were greeted by Beth Meyer, Assistant Director of Carmel Clay Public Library. Beth...
Hamilton Connections Spotlight | Angie Frazier
By Angie Frazier | HCLA Class of 2020 Hamilton County has a wealth of trail systems and our fine folks sure know how to highlight them! One great example is an event hosted by the City of Westfield. The Westfield Welcome (WW) department recently hosted their 9th...
Class of 2023 Spotlight | Social Services Class Day
The Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) Class of 2023 recently met at the newly built Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield, IN, which is the first integrated event center in the area. Our class was welcomed by Bruce Buchanan, fourth-generation owner of...
Class of 2023 Spotlight | Criminal Justice & Public Safety Class Day
The HCLA Class of 2023 came together to learn about Criminal Justice & Public Safety in early January. We focused on the county’s court system, probation services, emergency call center, and more. We ended our class day by touring the Hamilton County Jail. I was...
Class of 2023 Spotlight | Education Class Day
December’s class day was another great HCLA day, focused on the topic of education in Hamilton County. This one is near and dear to me. As usual, I thought all of the guest speakers and conversations were excellent. Everyone was very engaging, but also very...
Class of 2023 Spotlight | Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion Class Day
In November, the HCLA's 2023 Class met on the campus of Ivy Tech Hamilton County for a day centered on diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (DEAI). The day included keynote presentations and panel discussions. HCLA's DEAI Day was an enjoyable and thought-provoking...
Class of 2023 Spotlight | Planning & Infrastructure Class Day
The Class of 2023 recently met to learn about the planning and infrastructure of Hamilton County. We started off with a tour highlighting key developments in each of the four major cities in the county. After a lunch break, we heard from county and business leaders...
Class of 2023 Spotlight | County & Municipal Government Class Day
Earlier this month, members from the Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA), Class of 2023, attended County & Municipal Government Day. The day was packed full of learning as participants heard from numerous community stakeholders that provided insight into the...
Reflections from the Dean | HCLA Class of 2022
Just over a year ago, I received an email from HCLA President Alaina Shonkwiler asking to meet for lunch. While I consider Alaina a friend and an incredible dancer (she was a contestant the first year of Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County Dancing With Our Stars), I...