Stevens
Editor’s note: We first shared this news in August 2022. We’ve updated the post with a look at how Foster Success has grown under Dr. Stevens’s leadership since then.
Our President & CEO Dr. Maggie Stevens was named to the fifth class of Hoosier Women Forward.
The leadership training program is aimed at elevating and empowering women in public, private, and community service roles across the state.
“HWF is proud to select this class of outstanding women leaders with personal and professional backgrounds that reflect the economic, geographical, ethnic, and cultural diversity of our state,” said HWF Executive Director Amy Levander. “Our state’s leadership needs to reflect the citizens it serves. Class 5 joins a powerful network of alumnae stepping up to lead Indiana towards a brighter future.”
About Hoosier Women Forward
Eighty-nine alumnae have completed the Hoosier Women Forward program since its 2018 launch (as of 2022). Eighteen alumnae have run for office and 11 have won a general election or contested primary. In the 2022 Indiana primary elections, 9 HWF alumnae secured nominations for public office at varying levels of government, including township boards, county councils, the state legislature, and more.
HWF graduates also make an impact on their communities through local efforts to address growing challenges like poverty, food insecurity, climate change, and health care access. Together, these Hoosier women show what leadership rooted in community can accomplish.
The Hoosier Women Forward Luncheon
HWF honored its fifth class at the annual Hoosier Women Forward luncheon on Sept. 28, 2022, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.
Meet the Class 5 Leaders
Dr. Stevens joined 21 other women from across Indiana in the HWF leadership program:
- Gisele Agnelli, Indianapolis
- Kacey Blundell, Terre Haute
- Rochelle Brown, South Bend
- Michelle Carr, Columbus
- Samantha Douglas, Indianapolis
- Lauren Hall Riggins, Indianapolis
- Karla Lopez-Owens, Indianapolis
- Donielle Martin, Indianapolis
- Emily Masengale, Indianapolis
- Katie McHugh, Indianapolis
- Morgan Mickelson, Indianapolis
- Monisha Mitchell, Zionsville
- Crystal Neumann, Fishers
- Kymberli Roberts, Hammond
- Gina Robinson Ungar, Evansville
- Alexandra Rollo, Indianapolis
- Maggie Stevens, Indianapolis
- Rachel Tomas Morgan, South Bend
- Charmaine Samaraweera Torma, South Bend
- Sara Trovinger, Fort Wayne
- Teryna L. Van Cleave, Indianapolis
- Jo Yocum, Indianapolis
Meet Dr. Maggie Stevens
For more than 20 years, Dr. Stevens has focused her career on helping people reach their goals. She has advised and taught college students, led community-based programs, and worked to strengthen communities by empowering individuals.
As President & CEO of Foster Success, she oversees daily operations and partners with staff and the board to advance our mission through programs, partnerships, and policy work.
Dr. Stevens holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Louis University, a master’s in Human Resource Management from the University of Charleston, and a doctorate in education from the University of Cincinnati.
Her community service includes Serve Indiana, the state’s service commission, and the UWCI Engagement Committee. She has also served on the board of Bethel Park Elementary and on the governance committee for Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.
Leadership in Action: How Foster Success Has Grown Since 2022
Dr. Stevens’s leadership has helped Foster Success grow into one of the most far-reaching foster care nonprofits in the country. Here’s a look at recent milestones.
A Milestone Year in 2022
Foster Success celebrated its 10th anniversary and received a transformational $5 million gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. The gift, the largest in our history, strengthened the organization’s long-term sustainability.
Expanding Beyond Indiana in 2023
Foster Success launched Foster Success Education Services, a standalone 501(c)(3) subsidiary. Through it, we began administering the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program in Arizona, Maryland, and Ohio.
Growing as a National Organization in 2024-2025
Foster Success and Foster Success Education Services consolidated into one organization, positioning Foster Success Inc.® to reach more older foster youth nationwide. In Indiana, our policy work centered on HEA 1441, which aimed to expand pathways to financial independence for young people.
Dr. Stevens also testified before the Work & Welfare Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Ways & Means in Washington, D.C. She shared success stories of young people who benefited from Chafee-funded programs.
Reaching More Young People Than Ever
In 2025, Foster Success supported 62% more participants than in 2024, fueled by our multistate expansion. Our ETV program pairs funding for tuition and living expenses with one-on-one coaching.
As outlined in our 2024-2025 impact report, 99% of ETV participants said the program had a positive impact on them. Another 59% said ETV coaches helped them understand their financial aid packages and decisions.
Support Foster Care Nonprofits Like Foster Success
Strong leadership moves missions forward, and yours can too. When you support nonprofits for foster care, you help young people build the confidence and stability they need to thrive.
Indiana’s Foster Care Tax Credit offers up to $10,000 in state tax credits for contributions to qualifying foster care organizations. Learn how your gift can make a difference and join us in supporting young people as they transition into adulthood.