ABOUT HANNA
Founded In:
1923
CORE VALUES
EQUITY, EMPATHY, RESPECT, INNOVATION
OUR STORY
The Hanna Community Center traces its beginnings to the old Lincoln Center, an institution built to serve the welfare and social needs of the black community and other minority groups, where resources are limited. Occupying the Lincoln School in 1923, the Center began as a recreational center for Lafayette's black youth. Our goal is to continue Hanna's commitment and continue its tradition of ensuring that services are provided for all who make up the diverse population of the greater Lafayette Community. The Hanna Community Center, Inc. is a non-profit, multi-service agency that provides programs and services for the surrounding community and minority residents of Tippecanoe County. The mission of Hanna Center is to provide and facilitate the development of surrounding neighborhoods, programs, and services which will enhance personal and community resources. We thrive with the support and sponsorship from many local businesses, persons, and grants and the continued commitment of our staff and volunteers.
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Having a supportive executive board is essential to the success of any organization, and this is especially true for a community center. A supportive board is one that is actively engaged, invested, and committed to the center's mission and goals.
Our board is full of supportive members who will be advocates for the center, promoting its work and impact to the wider community, and providing crucial oversight and accountability to ensure its success.
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President
Scotty Teal
Scotty is an associate attorney at the law firm of Stuart and Branigin here in Lafayette. She has practiced for over 5 years. She earned her B.A. in Law & Society Honors from Purdue University with minors in Forensics,
Political Science, and Spanish. She went on to earn her J.D. at Indiana University Maurer School of Law. Before joining Stuart and Branigin, Scotty gained valuable experience interning at Indiana Legal Services, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, and a juvenile probation center.
Scotty has been a member of the Hanna Center Board of Directors since summer of 2022. She became secretary of the Board in summer of 2023. She then became President of the
Board in summer of 2024.
Scotty enjoys spending time with her friends, reading, and taking nostalgic walks around the Purdue campus.
Treasurer
Rocky Young
Rocky, the proprietor of Rocco’s Barbershop for Men and Women and the chairman of the Inspiring Youth Foundation, boasts over a decade of experience in the beauty care sector. Starting as a barber/stylist and now certified as a cosmetologist, barber, and educator, Mr. Young is now giving back to the industry by establishing Revival Barber and Beauty Academy.
His vision for the company involves inspiring and investing in others, leveraging technology to shape the industry's future. While Revival Barber and Beauty Academy is accessible for bookings on Booksy.com for haircuts and professional beauty products, Mr. Young aims to catalyze broader change, as he believes, "If we change one, that one may change many!"
Director
Sheila Klinker
Sheila Ann Klinker is a Democratic politician who is currently a member of the Indiana House of Representatives, representing the 27th District since 1982. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Klinker graduated from Purdue University with her Bachelor of Education in elementary education in 1961. Klinker later received her Master of Science from Purdue in 1970.
Klinker worked her entire teaching career for the Lafayette School Corporation. She began her teaching career in 1961 at Klondike Elementary School in West Lafayette, Indiana while also teaching at Edgelea Elementary School. In 1963, Klinker began teaching at Miami Elementary School in Lafayette, Indiana, until 1985. Klinker was also the outreach liaison at the Purdue University College of Education.
Klinker currently serves on the House Committees for Agriculture and Rural Development, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety, and Ways and Means.
Secretary
Dr. Anne Marie Edwards
Dr. Anne Marie Edwards is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential through coaching, leadership development, and professional growth. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University, an MBA from Valparaiso University, and a doctorate in Educational Psychology focused on leadership, motivation, and human development.
A coach, speaker, and educator, Dr. Edwards has presented nationally and internationally, delivered keynote addresses, and hosts Life with Dr. Anne, a weekly podcast on personal and professional growth. She is passionate about making knowledge accessible beyond academia and empowering others to build confidence and achieve success.
With 15 years of experience in higher education, she has served in recruitment, outreach, career development, and cultural center leadership. She currently serves as Director of the Black Cultural Center at Purdue University.
Dr. Edwards is also the author of The Lost Rabbit, a children’s book, and is working on her first novel. Based in Lafayette, Indiana, she enjoys traveling, writing, reading, and spending time with loved ones and her mini schnauzer, Buffy.
Board Member
Dr. Tim Pierce
Dr. Pierce currently serves as Administrative Director at Indiana University Health for the West Region where he oversees the hospital-based practice service lines. Prior to his arrival at IU Health, Pierce was at Stanford Health Care in Palo Alto, California as Director of Ambulatory Care with oversight of Medical Specialties. Pierce started his healthcare career in 2015 as a Community Pharmacist in Virginia where he practiced in for-profit and non-profit organizations.
During Pierce’s free time, he volunteers for the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Indianapolis chapter, and was recently selected to serve on the board of directors for the Hanna Community Center in Lafayette, Indiana and Faith, Hope & Love Community in Indianapolis, Indiana. Pierce was recently chosen to serve a 3-year term on the Programs, Products and Services Committee for the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). He also enjoys playing golf and trying out new restaurants with his wife on the weekends.
Board Member
Theresa Loyd
Theresa is an exceptional resource to the Hannah Community Board of Directors. She has a diverse background with various supervising positions in the real estate industry, and her charitable work throughout our community. Some of her volunteer positions served are a Domestic Violence Advocate, CASA, & Mental Health Crisis Specialist has helped aim to improve the wellbeing of many individuals & families. She is passionate about the Hannah Center as it's her desire to bring different types of cultures, minority groups, and all different walks of life together, ensuring a safe and inclusive space within our Hannah Center.
When She's not fulfilling the dreams of first-time homebuyers or contributing her free time, she's enjoying nonfiction books, authentic cuisines, and engaging in physical activities.
Board Member
Rev. Kevin A. Bowers
The Rev. Kevin A. Bowers is the Pastor at Bethany Presbyterian Church, in Lafayette's north end, a position he has served in since 2004. A native of southwestern Pennsylvania, Rev Bowers earned a BA in Music from Muskingum College (98), and an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary (01).
Rev. Bowers, his wife Jennie, and their 3 children reside in Lafayette's south end. Rev. Bowers first served on Hanna Community Center's Board of Directors in 2019 and is pleased to be back on Hanna's board in 2026. In addition to serving Hanna, Rev Bowers has served the Greater Lafayette Community in a variety of capacities including serving on the Board of Directors of Lafayette Urban Ministry, serving as a Chaplain with the Lafayette Police Department, and most recently serving as Chaplain/volunteer with the Shadeland VFD.
Board Member
Sanford Swanson
Sanford Swanson is a seasoned law enforcement leader and entrepreneur with nearly 20 years of experience in public safety and organizational development. Currently a Patrol Sergeant with the West Lafayette Police Department, Sanford oversees personnel and critical training programs. Beyond public service, he is the founder of Survival Training Solutions, Swan Lavs, and Joshua Design Co. With prior executive board experience and a leadership philosophy rooted in integrity, Sanford is a devoted mentor through his program, Standing as Gentlemen.
He combines tactical expertise with a strategic vision for community growth, ensuring that every organization he serves is equipped to thrive. A husband and father of three, he remains committed to faith, family, and building community initiatives with a lasting impact.
Board Member
Dr. Natasha Harris
Dr. Natasha L. Harris is a higher education leader and strategist with over 20 years of experience advancing student access and transformation. Currently leading student success and engagement at Purdue University, she specializes in program design, intercultural development, and leadership initiatives, particularly within STEM and underrepresented communities.
Her career began in North Carolina supporting at-risk youth, a foundation that continues to drive her people-centered leadership. Beyond her university role, Dr. Harris is a dedicated community advocate. She serves on the board of the Hanna Community Center and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Greater Lafayette Indiana Black Expo, working to expand opportunities for youth and families.
Our Team.
The Hanna Community Center staff members are committed to our mission and values, and they work tirelessly to ensure that our programs and services meet the needs of our community. They are passionate about their work and are always looking for ways to improve and innovate.
Center staff are also available and accessible to communicate with those in need. Whether it's answering questions, providing support, or offering guidance, our staff members are here to help. They understand the importance of building relationships with those we serve, and they work to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters trust and respect.
Hanna staff members are an essential part of our organization, and we are proud of their dedication and commitment to our mission and the community we serve.
Kajen Monroe, B.S., M.S.
Executive Director & IMHC Director of Tippecanoe County
Kajen Monroe serves as Executive Director, bringing a Master of Health Care Administration from Purdue University Global and a B.S. in Health Sciences from Florida A&M University to her leadership. Her career in the nonprofit sector has come full circle, beginning at age 12 as a participant in Aces in Motion. This foundational experience in Gainesville, FL, shaped her expertise in program development, strategic planning, and community health.
Throughout her professional tenure, Kajen has successfully led large-scale initiatives, including serving as the High School Director for Aces in Motion and as a Professional Intern for Wellness Programs at Purdue University. In these capacities, she secured vital partnerships with educational institutions and cultural centers to expand resource access and foster student engagement. Currently, she leads the organization’s mission by driving outreach initiatives and designing impactful programs for youth and families. Outside of her professional roles, she is a tennis enthusiast and enjoys spending time with her son and listening to music.
Bryanna Alvarez
Executive Assistant
Bryanna Alvarez serves as the Executive Assistant at Hanna Community Center. During the spring of 2020, Bryanna graduated McCutcheon High School with academic honors and the plans to receive her bachelor's degree in accounting at Purdue University.
Her plans for the future are to travel, graduate college, and receive her real estate license.
She enjoys helping her community as much as she can and started volunteering at Hanna at fourteen years old. Bryanna is excited to be part of Hanna's team and become a contributable community member.
Carolyn Wright
Senior Coordinator
Carolyn has worked 25 plus years with not-for-profit organizations with the elderly population, young adults, pre-school, and high school students with special needs; one of the original staff at Hanna Community Center at its inception.
Ms. Carolyn has an Associate degree in Child Development and obtained a certification from the University of Ohio in Geriatric Care. Originally from Illinois but has lived in Indiana for 45 plus years.