The Mind Trust Names Fellow

(image courtesy of The Mind Trust)

The former executive director of 100 Black Men of Indianapolis Inc. has been named as an Education Entrepreneur Fellow for The Mind Trust, an Indy-based education nonprofit.

Following a one-year fellowship, Ontay Johnson will lead EmpowerED Families, an education advocacy group for parents.

The mission of EmpowerED Families’ is to engage Indianapolis families to build a city-wide movement for choice.

The group also pushes for change, it thinks is necessary, for all types of schools.

“The Mind Trust believes in the necessity of supporting the growth of powerful local organizations that are grounded in the needs of black and brown families. We cannot get there without building power in marginalized communities,” said Brandon Brown, chief executive officer of The Mind Trust. “Ontay’s proven track record demonstrated ability to build and mobilize diverse coalitions, and passion for ensuring that all Indianapolis families have access to a great school makes him the ideal choice for this important role.”

Johnson will work with Ashley Virden who is in her second year as a fellow.

The team will launch EmpowerED Families as an independent nonprofit organization during summer 2021.