Meet The Board

Board President for Ladies Under Construction with over four years of service as a donor, sponsor and mostly most recently board vice president prior to her appointment. She is a dedicated advocate for social justice, bringing over 20 years of experience working with youth and families through direct practice, leadership, and education.

Lynell is a dedicated volunteer, mentor, coach and counselor with many youth and family serving non-profits throughout Indianapolis, and she advocates at the state level as Region 7 Representative for the National Social Work Association- Indiana Chapter.

She serves as an Assistant Professor in the graduate program at University of Indianapolis where she is committed to shaping the next generation of social workers.

She is also the founder and CEO of Rose Project Counseling and Consulting, which she founded in 2015. The organization provides family preservation and reunification services that range from mental health counseling, addictions treatment and domestic abuse intervention.

She is also doctoral student at the University of Kentucky, advancing her expertise in research and practice related to social work education and leadership.

Lynell is unwavering in her commitment to social justice. She remains a force for transformative change, bridging academic rigor with community-based solutions to uplift those most in need.

Chief Financial Officer at Schneider Geomatics, where he leads financial strategy, accounting operations, and business planning for a growing Civil engineering firm He works closely with executive leadership to drive sustainable growth, strengthen financial performance, and support long-term organizational goals.

Matt brings a collaborative, people-first approach to leadership and believes strong organizations are built by strong people. Having benefited from impactful mentors early in his career, he is passionate about mentoring others and giving back through community involvement and professional outreach. 

He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.

An Indianapolis native, is a multi-state-barred attorney with a focus on providing justice and exceptional representation for his community. Graduating from the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, he has extensive experience as a legal advisor and consultant. Mr. Saahir has assisted law firms with high-stakes personal injury cases and worked on major civil rights cases in a public relations capacity. Beyond his legal career, he has been involved in education, graphic design, photography, and publishing. He also gives back to the community by mentoring students and holding various leadership positions in bar associations and civic groups.

She had the privilege of joining the Board of Directors of Ladies Under Construction Inc. in January 2023. The organization’s mission is close to her heart, as she is passionate about uplifting and empowering children, especially young girls. Her admiration for Ms. Moore and her unwavering dedication to the youth of Indianapolis are her primary motivations for serving on LUC’s board.
 

She is a graduate of Purdue University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. In 2008, she graduated from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis and began her career as a Deputy State Public Defender. Throughout her career, she represented indigent individuals in post-conviction proceedings across Indiana, advocating for their constitutional right to a fair trial.
 

At the end of 2018, she left the State Public Defender’s Office to focus on raising her three young children. As they grew, she dedicated more of her time to volunteering and advocating for the public school system her children attend. These experiences have deepened her appreciation for educators and the important role they play in shaping the lives of young people.
 

She is honored to share her time, talents, and passion in support of Ladies Under Construction Inc. and its mission to empower girls through mentorship, meaningful programming, and positive relationships. Her commitment to serving others reflects her belief in the importance of investing in the next generation and helping young girls build a strong foundation for their futures.

Is a seasoned education leader and organizational strategist with over two decades of experience transforming schools, networks, and education non profit organizations. She is the Founder and CEO of Vine Elements LLC, a boutique consultancy where she serves as a trusted advisor to education and nonprofit executives navigating complex transformation and growth.Kelli's career is defined by bold, systems-level leadership. She served as CEO/Superintendent of Tindley Accelerated Schools, where she led the turnaround and consolidation of a six-school charter network serving 1,700+ students, stabilizing finances and positioning the organization for sustainable growth. As Senior Vice President of Schools at The Mind Trust, she directed school support strategy for a portfolio of 20+ schools and managed over $21 million across multiple initiatives, including two statewide academic programs that reached more than 10,000 students.A founding principal, adjunct professor, and executive coach, Kelli brings practitioner insight and strategic vision to every endeavor. She holds degrees from Indiana University Bloomington and Butler University, and is certified as an Executive Leader Coach through the Center for Executive Coaching. Kelli serves on multiple nonprofit boards and is committed to advancing equity, leadership development, and educational excellence for underserved communities.

is an accomplished organizational leader, nonprofit consultant, and community advocate with extensive experience in organizational development, strategic planning, governance, and regulatory compliance. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Muncie Human Rights Commission, where she champions equal opportunity, fairness, and dignity for all.

​

As a founding board member of Ladies Under Construction (LUC), Dountonia played an instrumental role in strengthening the organization's administrative processes, governance practices, and operational infrastructure, helping establish a foundation for sustainable growth and service to young women and girls.
 

With a background in law, business administration, education, and nonprofit leadership, Dountonia brings a strategic, people-centered approach to organizational effectiveness and community empowerment. She remains committed to mentoring emerging leaders, strengthening institutions, and creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.
 

Her leadership philosophy is grounded in a simple principle:

Healthy Systems + Ethical Leadership + Strong Relationships = Thriving Communities. 

is a dedicated community advocate, nonprofit professional, and resident services leader with a passion for empowering individuals, strengthening families, and creating opportunities for underserved communities. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business, a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management, and a Master of Science in Psychology.
 

Through her work as a Resident Services Coordinator with Gene B. Glick Company and her involvement in community initiatives, mentoring, and behavioral intervention programming, Teonna is committed to building meaningful partnerships and developing programs that promote personal growth, self-sufficiency, and community engagement.
 

As the founder of Renewed Choices and an advocate for youth and families, she brings experience in program development, community outreach, relationship building, and service leadership. Teonna is passionate about using her skills, education, and lived experiences to support organizational missions, contribute to strategic growth, and make a lasting impact in the communities she serves.

COMING SOON......

COMING SOON......