INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

She/Her/Hers

Sara Fichtner is a seasoned writer and nonprofit professional with over 15 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit management. From 2013 to 2024, she served as Director of Grants at The Oaks Academy where she raised funds and awareness for the exponential growth and success of the school. During that time, she also served as President of the Grant Professionals Association Indiana Chapter, and in 2020, was selected to be a part of the Mitch Daniels Leadership Fellowship as one of Indy’s Most Pivotal Leaders. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, an MPA in Nonprofit Management, and an MA in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University. 

Sara is a wife, mother, and active community advocate for causes that foster equity and understanding. She is a writer on topics related to connecting through culture. Currently, she serves as board treasurer of the Redbud Writers Guild and as secretary of the finance committee for St. Monica Catholic Church.

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR

She/Her/Hers

Midge Hayward is a recent graduate of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Graduating with High Honors in the field of History, she has worked for several years as a research assistant in the History and Religion departments at Smith College, as well as Loyola University Chicago. While at Smith, she earned the Mindich Fellowship and worked as a student teacher in New York City, supporting and learning from seasoned educators. Midge's history with community advocacy began in high school, when she joined local groups to plan school strikes for climate change awareness, as well as other youth organizing communities in her school and in the broader Indianapolis area. Throughout her undergraduate career, Midge was continually involved in student organizing coalitions on campus, and remains committed to impacting social change in her community through her work at Women4Change.