The Mind Trust announces selection of third cohort of Emerging Leaders Fellowship

INDIANAPOLIS – (June 24, 2025) – The Mind Trust, an Indianapolis-based education nonprofit, is excited to announce the selection of four new fellows for the third cohort of the Emerging Leaders Fellowship, a three-year program designed to help educators grow their leadership skills and expand their impact on students in Indianapolis. 

The fellowship provides a unique opportunity for educators to accelerate their professional development through high-quality training, individualized coaching, and immersive experiences that build their capacity as leaders. Fellows also receive a $30,000 stipend, split over three years, contingent on remaining at their school throughout the Fellowship. 

“We are proud to welcome our third cohort of Emerging Leaders who are committed to creating life-changing outcomes for students,” said Luke Lennon, Senior Director of Leadership and School Development at The Mind Trust. “This year is especially exciting as, for the first time, all three years of the Fellowship will run concurrently, with our inaugural cohort entering their final year. The Emerging Leaders Fellowship is designed to help passionate educators grow their impact and strengthen the overall talent pipeline in Indianapolis. We can’t wait to see how this new class of leaders shows up for students and schools across the city.”

About The Mind Trust’s Emerging Leaders Fellowship

Over three years, Emerging Leaders Fellows engage in a cohort-based experience that includes in-person and virtual training sessions, school visits, and opportunities to learn from national and local education leaders. Fellows focus on personal leadership development in the first year, expand their school-level impact in the second year, and explore systemic challenges and solutions in the final year. 

This will be the first year we have fellows going through each year of the program. As our third cohort starts its journey, our first cohort is ending theirs. Since its launch, 11 charter schools in Center Township have been represented, and of the 13 Emerging Leaders Fellows, 4 have been promoted.

“The Mind Trust is thrilled to welcome the third cohort of Emerging Leaders Fellows as they dedicate the next three years to accelerating student learning in their communities. As we round out the fellowship with our inaugural cohort in their final, third year, we are excited to continue their momentum,” says Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust. “It’s been a pleasure to support our educators on the path of designing new initiatives for student success, and we are excited to see where this journey takes our passionate educators.”

Emerging Leaders Fellowship Cohort 3:

Juan Cahue, Director of Student Support Services at Victory College Prep

Juan Cahue is the Director of Student Support Services at Victory College Prep (VCP), where he champions access for all students and support for all learners, including multilingual, special education, and high-ability students. A Teach For America Indianapolis alumnus (2017), Juan began his career as a classroom teacher, fostering welcoming learning environments. He holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Marian University and is pursuing a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Administration from Butler University. Juan actively contributes to VCP’s community initiatives, including the Firehawks Fund and 4-Star Scholarship Awards, reflecting his commitment to student success and educational access for all.

Amanda Calkins, Math Instructional Coach at Avondale Meadows Academy

Amanda Calkins serves as the Math Instructional Coach at Avondale Meadows Academy, where she supports educators in delivering effective mathematics instruction. With over a decade of experience in elementary education, Amanda has taught third grade and held leadership roles that focus on curriculum development and teacher mentorship. She is committed to fostering a collaborative learning environment that promotes student achievement in mathematics. Amanda holds a degree in education and continues to contribute to the academic growth of students through her dedication to instructional excellence.

Alexander Stowers, K–8 Assistant Principal at Christel House Academy South

Alexander (Alex) Stowers serves as the K–8 Assistant Principal at Christel House Academy South in Indianapolis. With a background in educational leadership and student support, Alex is committed to fostering a positive and welcoming school culture. He holds a Master of Education degree and has experience in roles that emphasize student development and academic achievement. At Christel House, Alex collaborates with educators and families to implement strategies that enhance student learning and well-being. His dedication to educational excellence contributes to the school’s mission of transforming lives through quality education. 

Jasmine Walton, K-2 Instructional Coach at Circle City Prep

Jasmine Walton serves as the K–2 Instructional Coach at Circle City Prep in Indianapolis. With over a decade of experience in elementary education, she began her career in 2014 as an elementary educator in the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township, later teaching in MSD of Lawrence Township. In her current role, Jasmine supports early literacy and math instruction, mentoring teachers and fostering joyful, rigorous learning environments. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Indiana University Bloomington and is dedicated to advancing student-centered instruction for all young learners.

Current Emerging Leaders Fellows:

Cohort 1: 

• Avience Brown, Middle School Principal at Victory College Prep
• Ciara Jones, Principal at Avondale Meadows Middle School
• Jessica De La Cruz, Director of Multilingual Learning at Adelante Schools
• Mary Brody, Senior Director of ELA Achievement (K–8) at Kipp Indy Schools
• Stephanie Cahue, Director of Operations at Circle City Prep

Cohort 2:

• JaCinda DeVance, Director of Exceptional Learners at The PATH School
• Lydia Glover, K–5 Dean of Academics at Allegiant Prep Academy
• Jennifer Rinehart, Assistant Principal of Academics (7–12) at Indiana Math and Science Academy North
• Phoebe Rusie, 3-5 ELA Lead at Paramount Brookside

To learn more about the current cohort of Emerging Leaders Fellows, visit themindtrust.org/fellows. For more information about all of The Mind Trust’s fellowships, visit themindtrust.org/fellowships.