Mary Chalmers,Ph.D., Executive Director
Mary has been active in the Lafayette Square Area Coalition since 2006 and became a board member in 2008. As chair of the Events Committee in 2007, she coordinated the first Taste the Difference event to promote the area's culturally diverse restaurants. Through her efforts, the Coalition received an IMAGINE matching grant for the Taste the Difference event and an economic development grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation to promote youth engagement in the area. From the beginning, she has been a member of the Land Use Committee that developed the Lafayette Square Area Neighborhood Plan: An International Marketplace, adopted by the City in 2010.
Before becoming Executive Director, Mary served as Mayor Ballard¹s Senior Neighborhood Liaison for the Northwest Outer Region (which included the Lafayette Square Area) and as supervisor for the other outer region liaisons. The knowledge, connections, and experience about the northwest region, the city, resource organizations, and other neighborhoods will serve Mary well in her new role.
Previously, Mary was an administrator for First Steps, the State's early intervention program for developmentally delayed infants and toddlers. For nine years, she taught European and world history, including at Butler University. Mary has a B.A. in history and economics from Kenyon College (Ohio) and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Rochester (NY). She was born in Canada and moved to the United States at age six.
Before becoming Executive Director, Mary served as Mayor Ballard¹s Senior Neighborhood Liaison for the Northwest Outer Region (which included the Lafayette Square Area) and as supervisor for the other outer region liaisons. The knowledge, connections, and experience about the northwest region, the city, resource organizations, and other neighborhoods will serve Mary well in her new role.
Previously, Mary was an administrator for First Steps, the State's early intervention program for developmentally delayed infants and toddlers. For nine years, she taught European and world history, including at Butler University. Mary has a B.A. in history and economics from Kenyon College (Ohio) and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Rochester (NY). She was born in Canada and moved to the United States at age six.
Lafayette Square Area Coalition Board Members
Mary Clark, President
In 2005 Mary Clark founded the Lafayette Square Area Coalition. Mary was elected president the same year. Recognizing the rapidly changing demographics on Indianapolis' west side, Mary started developing relationships and partnerships with state and local elected officials, community leaders, and residents to help formulate the vision of the organization. Mary’s long lasting love of this community began in the late 70’s when she decided to raise her 2 children in the Pike Township area. The majority of her working career was also in the area. Mary’s involvement with LSAC has also raised her civic commitment to the City of Indianapolis; Fire Dept. Efficiency Commission, Healthy Family Advisory Council, Great Indy Neighborhoods and The Simon Youth Foundation Steering Committee. To contact Mary Clark email to: maryclark@lsacoalition.org
Raju Chinthala, Vice President
Born and raised in Hyderbad, Andhra Pradesh, India, Raju Chinthala is a well known businessman and prominent community leader in the Asian community. Raju has over 16 years of experience as a Speech Language Pathologist and healthcare executive in Indiana. He works as a Director of A&G Behavioral Health Services a firm specializing in providing psychiatry services in long term care facilities/nursing homes.
Raju serves as Event Chair and Parade Director and organizes the World of Difference International Parade and Taste the Difference- a celebration of food and culture. Outside of the Coalition, Member of Nationalities Council of Indiana Board, and as Board of Director on the North American Telugu Association (NATA) board.
Raju serves as a city leader as a member on of the City of Indianapolis Department of Public Safety advisory board, the Marion County Convention and Recreational Authority, Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC), and Sister Cities Committee. He also led the Mayor’s delegation to India in 2010 and played a key role in building a sister city relationship between Indianapolis and Hyderabad. He currently serves as President of Indianapolis Hyderabad Sister City Committee (IHSCC).
Raju recently appointed as a member of Regional Health Equity Council, Region V, the Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Raju has been a resident of Pike Township since 1996 and resides with his wife, Dr. Prasanna Chinthala and son Anoop. To contact Raju Chinthala email to: rajuchinthala@gmail.com
Raju serves as Event Chair and Parade Director and organizes the World of Difference International Parade and Taste the Difference- a celebration of food and culture. Outside of the Coalition, Member of Nationalities Council of Indiana Board, and as Board of Director on the North American Telugu Association (NATA) board.
Raju serves as a city leader as a member on of the City of Indianapolis Department of Public Safety advisory board, the Marion County Convention and Recreational Authority, Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC), and Sister Cities Committee. He also led the Mayor’s delegation to India in 2010 and played a key role in building a sister city relationship between Indianapolis and Hyderabad. He currently serves as President of Indianapolis Hyderabad Sister City Committee (IHSCC).
Raju recently appointed as a member of Regional Health Equity Council, Region V, the Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Raju has been a resident of Pike Township since 1996 and resides with his wife, Dr. Prasanna Chinthala and son Anoop. To contact Raju Chinthala email to: rajuchinthala@gmail.com
Sue Ann Silva, Secretary
Sue Ann Silva is the Surgery Services Secretary for Westview Hospital, where she provides support for the doctors and medical staff. With over 25 years of experience of administrative support, she has had the pleasure of working for Ballet Internationale as Office Administrator and Project Specialist, Indianapolis City Market Corporation as Marketing Coordinator/Office Administrator, Clifton Gunderson & Co., LLC as Administrative Assistant-State of Indiana Contract and Legacy.com as Proofreader /Content Screener/Producer. She has also served as the recording secretary for several not-for-profit boards.
Sue Ann was born in Southern Illinois, an area that has remained close to her heart, but finally settled down in Indianapolis. She currently lives in Pike Township near the newly revitalized Lafayette Square area. To contact Sue Ann Silva email to: SAS1948classic@yahoo.com
Sue Ann was born in Southern Illinois, an area that has remained close to her heart, but finally settled down in Indianapolis. She currently lives in Pike Township near the newly revitalized Lafayette Square area. To contact Sue Ann Silva email to: SAS1948classic@yahoo.com
Maggie Lewis, Member
Maggie A. Lewis is the City-County Councilor for District 7 and the newly-elected President of the Council. She serves on Administration and Finance, Law Enforcement Study Committee and Municipal Corporations Committee.
Maggie is committed and passionate about serving her community. As the Event Chair for the Lafayette Square Area Coalition, she chaired the first ever multicultural parade in the Lafayette Square Area. Maggie is a member of the Eagledale-Lafayette Square Area Weed and Seed Steering Committee. She is an active member of Greater Mount Paran Church, where she serves as a ministry leader. She a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. To contact Maggie Lewis emai to: maggie.a.lewis@sbcglobal.net
Maggie is committed and passionate about serving her community. As the Event Chair for the Lafayette Square Area Coalition, she chaired the first ever multicultural parade in the Lafayette Square Area. Maggie is a member of the Eagledale-Lafayette Square Area Weed and Seed Steering Committee. She is an active member of Greater Mount Paran Church, where she serves as a ministry leader. She a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. To contact Maggie Lewis emai to: maggie.a.lewis@sbcglobal.net
Tiffany Vivo, Member
Tiffany Vivo is the newest board member of the Lafayette Square Coalition, elected to the position in October, 2011. Tiffany is an Indianapolis immigration lawyer with an office on the west side of Indianapolis. An immigrant herself, she was born in the Philippines and immigrated with her family to the United States as a child. Tiffany previously practiced family law and served as a Contract Public Defender for the Marion County Juvenile Court where she represented parents whose children have been removed from the home. She attended Valparaiso University and graduated with a major in Political Science and minors in Japanese and Communications. Tiffany is a graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law.
Tiffany is honored and excited to be part of the Lafayette Square Coalition Board. She looks forward to serving the community, to furthering the interests of the Lafayette Square area and to promoting the diversity of the west side of Indianapolis. To contact Tiffany Vivo email to: vivo@vivolaw.com
Tiffany is honored and excited to be part of the Lafayette Square Coalition Board. She looks forward to serving the community, to furthering the interests of the Lafayette Square area and to promoting the diversity of the west side of Indianapolis. To contact Tiffany Vivo email to: vivo@vivolaw.com
Gloria Berlanga King, Member
Dr. King's leadership skills and knowledge of Latino affairs benefit several organization throughout the Sate of Indiana. She was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for LSAC. She also serves on Congressman Andre Carson Latino Advisory Council, Board of Directors on the Indiana Lation Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assualt, Chair of the Oversight Committee for Ventanilla de Salud (Window of Health) in conjunction with the Mexican Consulate's Office, Committee Member for the Immigrant Welcome Center - Natural Helpers, appointed to the Inst. Review Board (IRB-04) for IUPUI, and serves as a faculty member on Salt of the Earth Church Education Team. To contact Gloria Berlanga King email to gloria.king@wishard.edu
Pastor Henzy Green, Member
Pastor Henzy Green is the Founding and Senior Pastor of Emmaus
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Pastor Green is an anointed man of God who shares a
powerful message of total abundant living through personal relationship with Jesus Christ and practical application of God’s Word. Pastor Green’s penetrating, uncomplicated, straight-forward style seems to touch each person as if he was speaking directly to him.Henzy Green, Jr., was born in Indianapolis, to Doris and Henzy Green, Sr. Pastor Green attended Indiana University where he received degrees in Business Management and Marketing. After college, Green received special training at the Entrepreneurs’ Institute. Green soon turned his talents to entrepreneurial ventures where he specialized in resurrecting underachieving businesses. He possesses great marketing skills and has a natural knack for finding management and promotion angles that transformed these businesses into thriving entities. Pastor Green has also worked with a wide variety of Gospel Recording Artists.
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Pastor Green is an anointed man of God who shares a
powerful message of total abundant living through personal relationship with Jesus Christ and practical application of God’s Word. Pastor Green’s penetrating, uncomplicated, straight-forward style seems to touch each person as if he was speaking directly to him.Henzy Green, Jr., was born in Indianapolis, to Doris and Henzy Green, Sr. Pastor Green attended Indiana University where he received degrees in Business Management and Marketing. After college, Green received special training at the Entrepreneurs’ Institute. Green soon turned his talents to entrepreneurial ventures where he specialized in resurrecting underachieving businesses. He possesses great marketing skills and has a natural knack for finding management and promotion angles that transformed these businesses into thriving entities. Pastor Green has also worked with a wide variety of Gospel Recording Artists.
Fatima Johnson, Member
Fatima Johnson currently lives in the Lafayette Square Area, but is a New
York native who was raised in a Panamanian household. As a teenager she
relocated to Indianapolis with her family.Ms. Johnson attended IUPUI, majored in Communication Studies and Spanish, and minored in music. After graduating with honors with her Bachelors of Arts in 2007, she worked at the Neighborhood Christian
Legal Clinic as a paralegal and interpreter in the Immigration Department, and was ultimately promoted to a Board of Immigration Appeals Representative.Her position at the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic sparked her interest in the law and Ms. Johnson entered Robert H. McKinney’s School of Law in Indianapolis as a part-time student in the fall of2009. She will graduate with her J.D. in December 2012. Ms. Johnson continued to work as a BIA Representative until August 2011, when she became a law clerk at Vivo Law Offices, LLC., an immigration law firm on the west side of Indianapolis. Ms.Johnson also works part-time
for The Fatherless Foundation, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to orphan care, as a non-profit consultant.
York native who was raised in a Panamanian household. As a teenager she
relocated to Indianapolis with her family.Ms. Johnson attended IUPUI, majored in Communication Studies and Spanish, and minored in music. After graduating with honors with her Bachelors of Arts in 2007, she worked at the Neighborhood Christian
Legal Clinic as a paralegal and interpreter in the Immigration Department, and was ultimately promoted to a Board of Immigration Appeals Representative.Her position at the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic sparked her interest in the law and Ms. Johnson entered Robert H. McKinney’s School of Law in Indianapolis as a part-time student in the fall of2009. She will graduate with her J.D. in December 2012. Ms. Johnson continued to work as a BIA Representative until August 2011, when she became a law clerk at Vivo Law Offices, LLC., an immigration law firm on the west side of Indianapolis. Ms.Johnson also works part-time
for The Fatherless Foundation, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to orphan care, as a non-profit consultant.
Shola Ajiboye, Member
Shola was formally educated in Africa and Europe in Journalism and Social Sciences respectively. He attained his Master’s degree in Community Psychology with special interest in Culture and International Relations in United States.
Shola started his career as a financial analyst, then a Management Development columnist for the Business Times and the managing editor of the African Motorist Magazine with the
opportunity to cover the Indy 500 Race for three years. He also produced weekly television programs -Images of Africa for Comcast and Time Warner Cables’ local program segments for two years. He was a recipient of 2003/2004 Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship with the
Arts Council of Indianapolis.Shola worked for the African Concern for Refugees as the director of research; served at Laure Carter Memorial Hospital as Psychologist intern and five years, worked as transitional coordinator for Offender Aid and Restoration of Marion County.
Currently, Shola is the Chief Executive Officer of the African Community International (The African Center) in Indiana and the National President of United States Coalition of African Organizations in Washington, DC.
Shola started his career as a financial analyst, then a Management Development columnist for the Business Times and the managing editor of the African Motorist Magazine with the
opportunity to cover the Indy 500 Race for three years. He also produced weekly television programs -Images of Africa for Comcast and Time Warner Cables’ local program segments for two years. He was a recipient of 2003/2004 Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship with the
Arts Council of Indianapolis.Shola worked for the African Concern for Refugees as the director of research; served at Laure Carter Memorial Hospital as Psychologist intern and five years, worked as transitional coordinator for Offender Aid and Restoration of Marion County.
Currently, Shola is the Chief Executive Officer of the African Community International (The African Center) in Indiana and the National President of United States Coalition of African Organizations in Washington, DC.
Ken Holyoak, Member
Ken Holyoak has had a long career in growing businesses in both the manufacturing and service industries. In the late 60s, he grew Century Chemical (Detroit) from $300,000 in sales to $1.6m in two years, and successfully negotiated the sale of the company to allow owner to cash out. After starting another business in Detroit and selling it to a regional Chicago company, he grew the Chicago company from $1m to $4.3m in three years, making it into a national supplier to major companies. He was a founding member of the Portable Sanitation Association which recently had its 40th Anniversary growing to over 400 companies on every continent except Antarctica.
In the 80s, Ken moved into the service industry and was in charge of acquiring businesses for a waste management company; he evaluated more than 50 companies for possible purchase. Later he established a modular building and leasing company. He sold his company in 1999 to a nation wide company.
Since high school, Ken has had a love of theatre and worked for the stage hand union in Cleveland during college. He currently works as a consultant helping businesses and non-profit organizations. He is Chairman of the Trustees at East 10th Street United Methodist Church, a member of the E10th Street Children's and Youth Board, and has served on the NESCO (Near East Side Community Organization) board for the last seven years.
Since high school, Ken has had a love of theatre and worked for the stage hand union in Cleveland during college. He currently works as a consultant helping businesses and non-profit organizations. He is Chairman of the Trustees at East 10th Street United Methodist Church, a member of the E10th Street Children's and Youth Board, and has served on the NESCO (Near East Side Community Organization) board for the last seven years
In the 80s, Ken moved into the service industry and was in charge of acquiring businesses for a waste management company; he evaluated more than 50 companies for possible purchase. Later he established a modular building and leasing company. He sold his company in 1999 to a nation wide company.
Since high school, Ken has had a love of theatre and worked for the stage hand union in Cleveland during college. He currently works as a consultant helping businesses and non-profit organizations. He is Chairman of the Trustees at East 10th Street United Methodist Church, a member of the E10th Street Children's and Youth Board, and has served on the NESCO (Near East Side Community Organization) board for the last seven years.
Since high school, Ken has had a love of theatre and worked for the stage hand union in Cleveland during college. He currently works as a consultant helping businesses and non-profit organizations. He is Chairman of the Trustees at East 10th Street United Methodist Church, a member of the E10th Street Children's and Youth Board, and has served on the NESCO (Near East Side Community Organization) board for the last seven years
