Join us to celebrate and amplify women’s voices in leadership. Connect with accomplished speakers and engage in thought-provoking conversations that inspire and impact how you lead. Open to everyone interested in exploring how these influential leaders found success, the Hazelett Forum normalizes women’s leadership through their diverse strengths and perspectives.
Come together with leaders, learners, and changemakers. The Hazelett Forum is a space to build meaningful connections and feel inspired by those around you.
Experience bold ideas and fresh perspectives that move leadership forward. At the Hazelett Forum, learning sparks change for individuals, organizations, and communities.
Carry your knowledge and connections forward. The Hazelett Forum inspires you to lead with clarity, courage, and a commitment to making a difference.
The Hazelett Forum has hosted incredible speakers over the years. Learn more about the women who've led our conversations.
2022 Speaker: Pamela Whitten, Indiana University President
Topic: “A Critical Juncture in Higher Education”
2019 Speaker: Elaine Weiss; award-winning journalist and writer
Topic: "The Great Fight to Win the Vote”
2017 Speaker: Alecia DeCoudreaux; President Emerita, Mills College
Topic: “Leadership Mosaic”
2015 Speaker: Karen Freeman-Wilson, former mayor of Gary, Indiana
Topic: “Women IN the Lead: Changing the Face of Government"
2015 Speaker: Former U.S. Congresswoman Susan Brooks
Topic: “Women IN the Lead: Changing the Face of Government”
2014 Speaker: Angie Hicks, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Angie’s List
Topic: “Know What You Bring”
2013 Speaker: Ora Pescovitz, former CEO, University of Michigan Health Systems
Topic: “My Path: Learning, Leadership, & Life"
2012 Speaker: Marianne Glick, philanthropist, businesswoman, artist
Topic: “Philanthropic Leadership”
2011 Speaker: Tamika Catchings, Former Indiana Fever player, Olympian, Entrepreneur
Topic: “Reaching for Your Dreams”
2010 Speaker: Angela Brown, international opera singer
Topic: “Reaching for Your Dreams”
2009 Speaker: Patricia Miller, Co-founder of Vera Bradley Designs & former Indiana Secretary of Commerce
Topic: “Life is an Echo”
2008 Speaker: Dr. France Córdova, scientist & former president of Purdue University
Topic: “On Belay: Ready to Climb”
2007 Speaker: Joanne Ciulla, professor and Coston Family Chair in Leadership and Ethics, The Jepson School of Leadership Studies, the University of Richmond
Topic: “Women as Leaders: Where They Are and What They Do"
2006 Speaker: Cheryl Bachelder- Former President and Chief Concept Officer, KFC Corporation
Topic: “Creating a Workplace Where Women Thrive”
The Hazelett Forum serves as a platform for the Tobias Leadership Center to engage in meaningful discussions that bridge leadership theory and practice. By featuring accomplished and innovative speakers, the Forum not only celebrates the achievements of women leaders across a wide variety of fields but also actively works to reframe leadership, ensuring it reflects the full talent pool.
Rooted in both academic inquiry and real-world application, the Hazelett Forum strengthens the mission of the Tobias Leadership Center by recognizing leadership excellence in all forms – beyond traditional models. Through this Forum, we are not just celebrating women leaders – we are ensuring that leadership itself evolves to reflect a variety of perspectives that drive meaningful change.
The Hazelett Forum is made possible through the generous support of Ambassador Randall L. Tobias, the Randall L. Tobias Foundation, the Tobias Leadership Center, and Indiana University Indianapolis. It reflects the Center’s mission to cultivate leadership excellence and supports the university’s broader goals of expanding access and promoting achievement.
Created through the collaboration of the Tobias Leadership Center, Indiana University Indianapolis, Chancellor Charles R. Bantz and Professor Sandra Petronio, and the Indiana University Foundation.
The Forum is named in honor of the late Susie Hazelett, former executive director of the Randall L. Tobias Foundation. Ambassador Tobias’s generous gift to establish the Hazelett Women in Leadership Forum recognizes Susie Hazelett’s contributions to the Tobias Foundation, the city of Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, and the women in these communities.
The Hazelett Forum was established in honor of the late Susie Hazelett, former executive director of the Randall L. Tobias Foundation. She was instrumental in helping to establish the Tobias Leadership Center, and this important leadership forum honors her outstanding work for the foundation, the community of Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, and the women in these communities.
Rooted in both academic inquiry and real-world application, the Hazelett Forum strengthens the mission of the Tobias Leadership Center by recognizing leadership excellence in all forms, beyond traditional models. Through this Forum, we are not just celebrating women leaders – we are ensuring that leadership itself evolves to reflect a variety of perspectives that drive meaningful change.
Julie Manning Magid |Vice Dean, Kelley School of Business Indianapolis; Executive & Academic Director, Tobias Leadership Center and 2023 IBJ Woman of Influence
Join us for the 2025 Hazelett Forum. Register now
