Meet the finalists: 2026 ELEVATE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advocate of the Year, presented by Glick Philanthropies
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advocate of the Year award, presented by Glick Philanthropies, recognizes a young professional or group committed to raising awareness and advocating for a more diverse, equitable and inclusive Central Indiana.
This year’s finalists are leaders for change, and we can't wait for you to celebrate them in person Feb. 21 at United Way’s 8th annual ELEVATE.
Here are the finalists:
Nicole O’Neal, fundraising operations manager at Free Press Indiana:
Nicole O’Neal’s career is defined by advancing diversity, equity and inclusion through her work with community organizations, the arts and journalism. As the fundraising operations manager for Free Press Indiana, this 2026 DEI Advocate of the Year finalist helps readers feel seen, valued, and a part of something bigger by showcasing news that serves the community via local pride and connection.
Nicole envisions that everyone in Central Indiana has equitable access to tools, resources and opportunities that are reflective and supportive of all Hoosiers.
Vote Nicole for People’s Choice.
Casey Springer, marketing events manager at Salesforce:
As a collaborator, organizer, fundraiser and founder, it is no surprise that Casey Springer, the marketing events manager for Salesforce, is a 2026 DEI Advocate of the Year finalist.
In 2023, Casey founded We Walk Indy to connect communities as the world was readjusting from the pandemic. The intention was to create a welcoming, inclusive space where anyone could find community, build relationships and feel supported. Casey hopes to create spaces that allow people to feel valued and connected in meaningful ways.
Vote Casey for People’s Choice.
Darrell Williams, associate director for innovation and strategy at Eli Lilly and Company:
With a commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and creating pathways of opportunity for historically marginalized communities, Darrell Williams is a transformative leader in the nonprofit sector whose work embodies the underpinnings of DEI.
As the associate director for innovation and strategy at Eli Lilly and Company, Darrell is committed to building stronger, healthier and opportunity-rich communities through service, leadership and an intentional investment in people.
Darrell’s vision for Central Indiana is to create communities where people have possibilities, not barriers – regardless of their background or neighborhood.
Vote Darrell for People’s Choice.
Per Scholas Indianapolis – Tommy Arvo; Danielle Cox-Eland; Alberta Jose; Stephen Lewis; Theron Wilson:
The team at Per Scholas Indianapolis is creating meaningful change by expanding access to technology training – ensuring historically underrepresented groups have clear pathways into tech careers.
Per Scholas delivers tuition-free, rigorous training in in-demand technology skills to adults, often with little or no prior tech background. Per Scholas Indianapolis is a relatively new campus in the Midwest region with goals to drive change and create economic mobility for people seeking thriving careers in IT.
The organization creates equitable opportunities for diverse learners to thrive in the tech workforce, and last year it saw record-setting representation: 89% of participants were people of color, 31% were women and 5% were members of the U.S. military.