INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (July 22, 2022) — Friends, family, and supporters of the Indiana Republican Party today celebrated the second class of the Indiana Republican Diversity Leadership Series at a graduation luncheon in downtown Indianapolis.
Republican nominee for Indiana’s First Congressional District Jennifer-Ruth Green provided the keynote with additional remarks made by Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, Indiana Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer, and Indiana Republican Party Director of Diversity and Engagement Whitley Yates.
The second class, comprised of 16 members, represents a wide range of backgrounds and communities across the state. Their experience ranges from military, ministerial and public service, to law, technology, entrepreneurship, nonprofit, finance, and more. Headshots and bios of each class member can be found by clicking here.
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Magdalen Selvaraj Bergeron (Hamilton County)
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Carlos Brooks (Allen County)
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Philip Clay (Hendricks County)
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Rinetia Cole (Marion County)
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Jordan Davis (Marion County)
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Shanmuga Sundaram Devasundaram (Hamilton County)
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Jose Diaz (Lake County)
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Robert Evans (Marion County)
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Brendon Garrett (Marion County)
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Desiney Green (Marion County)
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Landra Jackson (Marion County)
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Phillip Lewis (St. Joseph County)
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Jerry Lopez (Hamilton County)
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Shirlene C. Olson (Lake County)
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Desmont Upchurch (St. Joseph County)
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Ivan Ursery (Lake County)
“Graduates, you have such a bright future ahead,” stated McDaniel in prerecorded video remarks. “You're joining us at the perfect time. There is more work to do, and we need leaders like you to help us do it. I'm so thrilled that we'll be turning this country around together.”
"These graduates are leaders in our state and communities, and they are stepping up to serve and fight for a better state for all Hoosiers," stated Green. "Leadership demands far more than a focus on skin color alone, or our differences. But it is important that these graduates will help bring effective Republican principles to all Hoosiers, including those who may have never heard our message before."
The Indiana Republican Diversity Leadership Series is a seminar and leadership training program that provides the preparation and resources needed to increase the engagement of minority Republicans leaders in Indiana. The series is open to Hoosiers of all backgrounds and all ages and involves monthly classes that cover topics including civic engagement, campaign management, strategic communications, fundraising, and state government.
"The Diversity Leadership Series has given me many wonderful opportunities and connections, and I've learned so much from my classmates," stated Philip Clay, a member of the 2022 class and RNC Rising Star. "I'm excited about our party’s future, seeing the work the Indiana Republican Party is doing in regard to diversity and inclusion."
The series is the first among state Republican parties and has been described by the RNC as a “prime example” of Republican efforts to prioritize minority engagement, grow the party, connect with voters, and elevate leaders.
"It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since we were all together celebrating the first class, and even harder to believe that I’m close to finishing up a sixth year as state chair," stated Hupfer. "When I think about that time, there is nothing that I'm more proud of than the success of this series and the impact that it's already having in the party and the state, and the even larger impacts I know are before us."
Applications for the next class of the Indiana Republican Diversity Leadership Series will be available soon. Please check our website, www.indiana.gop.
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