Board Chair

Dr. Michael R. Twyman, BlackLight Board Chair, is the Chief Equity & Innovation Officer at The Indianapolis Foundation and leads the institution's Center for Racial Equity & Economic Opportunity (CREEO).

Dr. Twyman is also the Managing Principal of InExcelsis Consulting, a full-service firm that maximizes performance and effectiveness for institutions and corporations. With a distinguished career of over 35 years, Dr. Twyman has held executive and senior leadership positions in the public, philanthropic, and private sectors.

As a subject matter expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Twyman serves as associate faculty at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He is also the founding Indiana grants director for Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, where he oversaw a multimillion-dollar grants portfolio and expansive college scholarship program.

Acting Executive Director

Falicia Brewer is the President and Consultant of Brewer & Associates. Ms. Brewer has a high level of expertise in consulting with a plethora of industries within the private and public sectors and is most well-known for her ability to connect individuals with resources to achieve their goal.

During her time in the nonprofit industry, she has leveraged over $98 million dollars on behalf of her clients.

Ms. Brewer received her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Master’s Degree in Political Science, as well as a Certificate in Facilitation from Ball State University. She also possesses a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Fundraising School in Indianapolis. Ms. Brewer is also a 2023 graduate of the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance Mutz Leadership program.

Director of Programming and Initiatives

With over a decade in the nonprofit sector, Krista excels in problem-solving, project management, and strategic engagement, infused with a refreshing blend of humor.

She earned an undergraduate degree from Indiana State University and is pursuing graduate studies at Ball State University's College of Architecture and Planning.

Outside work, Krista enjoys spending quality time with her large dogs, exploring new cities and towns, and capturing moments through film photography.

Director of Community Engagement

In 2005, Latishea Varnesdeel made Indianapolis her new home to pursue her dreams at IUPUI. Juggling her job in state government with her studies, she dove into her master’s degree in Public Affairs, focusing on Nonprofit Management.

With a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Latishea is on a mission to create a warm and welcoming environment where everyone feels like they belong.

Outside of professional responsibilities, Latishea enjoys cooking, spending time with her family and friends, and trying new cultural foods.