George and Frances Ball Foundation

Congratulations to our own Kelsey Harrington who received the 2025 ATHENA Young Professional from Muncie's Women in Business Unlimited (WIBU), an organization that lifts and supports women. Her nominator wrote: "When you meet someone deeply committed to her work and her community, you often expect a woman with decades of experience. When that same passion is found in a young professional, it signals something rare - a life making a difference not just because of the work, but because of the person behind it." We see her impact everyday! #WIBU #ATHENAINTERNATIONAL #COLLECTIVEIMPACT

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We’re proud of our colleague Kelsey Harrington on her nomination for the 2025 ATHENA Young Professional award. Here’s some of what has been written about her: When you meet someone deeply committed to her work and her community, you often expect a woman with decades of experience. When that same passion is found in a young professional, it signals something rare - a life making a difference not just because of the work, but because of the person behind it. Kelsey Harrington embodies that spirit. She looms large in both big and small ways, yet almost always behind the scenes. As Program Impact Officer for the George and Frances Ball Foundation - a role that evolved from her first days there as a college intern - Kelsey has become one of Delaware County’s most trusted voices on data and outcomes. Her skillful research and ability to uncover hard-to-find facts have made her a go-to resource, and she is quick to remind others that “data is a predictor, not a fait accompli.” Kelsey's work on collective impact is profound in her community. She believes connecting informed partners can change the educational and economic trajectory of the place she grew up, where there is a disproportionate poverty. She and the foundation have been part of a five-year initiative working with stakeholders and policy makers to give youth in our community a chance at a future with a livable wage and a path toward prosperity. Kelsey’s commitment extends well beyond her family and her job description. She is an active board member with the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, and the Refugee Alliance of Delaware County, and she serves on the alumni board of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She has judged the local Civics Bee, lectured for Indiana’s statewide philanthropy membership association, and continues to volunteer her time and talent across multiple causes. What makes Kelsey’s story so compelling is that her leadership is defined not by age or title, but by presence, purpose, and impact. She proves that young professionals can shape systems, strengthen communities, and inspire change through fresh ideas, strategic thinking, and relentless dedication. Her influence is felt well beyond her workplace - in the people she mentors, the collaborations she builds, and the transformation she helps lead. Kelsey embodies the power of showing up early, staying engaged, and leading with intention. Her work is not just about programs and outcomes; it’s about building. #athenainternational #womeninbusinessunlimited #collectiveimpact

Policy without implementation is just another strategic plan gathering dust. Our own report - "The Opportunity Blueprint: 2030" is the start of a generational shift in thinking. It’s the very definition of collective impact and the work done with our partners at Strive Together. At the 2025 Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. this fall, more than 160 Cradle to Career Network members and national partners came together to reflect, strategize and move forward, fueled by a shared commitment to implementation, opportunity and local leadership. The message was clear: real change happens when communities closest to the work lead the transformation. We’re doing that at C2CMuncie. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g5-BtKvS #cradletocareer #c2cmuncie #georgeandfrancesballfoundation #muncie, Indiana #munciecommunityschools #gobearcats

Policy without implementation is just another strategic plan gathering dust. The Opportunity Blueprint: 2030 is the start of a generational shift in thinking. It’s the very definition of collective impact and the work done with our partners at Strive Together. At the 2025 Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. this fall, more than 160 Cradle to Career Network members and national partners came together to reflect, strategize and move forward, fueled by a shared commitment to implementation, opportunity and local leadership. Recently, we gathered our local stakeholders to celebrate the wins. Real change happens when communities closest to the work lead the transformation. We’re doing that at C2CMuncie. Download your copy here https://www.gfballfdn.org/ #cradletocareer #c2cmuncie #georgeandfrancesballfoundation, #munciecommunityschools #gobearcats #strivetogether

What does every parent want for their children? The very best. In Muncie, Indiana, community stakeholders are working together toward that goal - a livable wage for everyone. "The Opportunity Blueprint: 2030" outlines how collaborative planning drives meaningful change." Download it and learn more here. https://www.gfballfdn.org/ #CommunityDevelopment #EconomicOpportunity #StrategicPlanning #LivableWage #MuncieIN

Collaborative work clears the head. Real clarity emerges when diverse stakeholders gather around the table - not to echo each other, but to challenge assumptions and align on what matters. It's demanding work, but it's the foundation that turns good ideas into lasting impact. We brought everyone together to celebrate some wins. Here's an update on the work of C2CMuncie, informed by our partnership with StriveTogether. Excerpt: Embedded career coaches at Muncie Central High School, a new Freshman Academy and a 10 point jump in the graduation rate were among highlights at a recent gathering of community stakeholders focused on The Opportunity Blueprint: 2030, a five-year community-wide strategic plan. “The better we can make our school system, the better our community's going to be as a whole,” said Eric Grim, assistant superintendent of Muncie Community Schools. “And we've been very fortunate with all these partnerships over the last few years to celebrate a lot of those wonderful wins.” Read the full story here. BlackRock https://lnkd.in/gMBKaTb2 #opportunityblueprint #strivetogether #c2cmuncie