Shannon Walker recently graduated from the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute.
Walker has been the vice president of the Unity Foundation of La Porte County since March 2020. She is one of 23 graduates from the institute this year.
The institute identifies and develops philanthropic leaders in Indiana. It provides continuing education for leaders at foundations and corporations. The 10-month program features topics presented by philanthropic experts and showcases a range of philanthropic approaches, trends and ideas.
The program was named for John Mutz, former Indiana lieutenant governor, past president of the Lilly Endowment and founder of the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance.
“We want to imbue the individuals who graduate from our program with a lot of knowledge and wisdom,” said Claudia Cummings, IPA president and CEO, in a press release. “But more importantly, what we want to do is build a fire under philanthropy, and under government and under business in this state so we can be better than we are.”
Walker was selected to attend the Mutz Institute after a competitive application process last year. She previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and public relations from Franklin College and a master's degree in technology, leadershi, and innovation from Purdue Polytechnic Institute.
Walker has attended other leadership programs. She earned a nonprofit management certificate from the Indiana School of Philanthropy’s Executive Education Program. She also participated in the 37th class of Leadership La Porte County.
“The Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute was a life-changing personal and professional development experience,” Walker said. “I learned new ideas from experts throughout the country and gained a new network of colleagues and friends with fellow cohort graduates.”
The Unity Foundation of La Porte County was founded in 1992. It serves donors, nonprofits and local communities. The foundation administers more than 350 charitable funds. It has distributed over $25 million in grants and scholarships.
