The Audience Advisory Board is a valuable asset to Inform Muncie. Panelists have been a sounding board for student writers and collaborators. The advisory board offers ideas and feedback, gives direction and thoughtful criticism. The board includes resident authorities on community issues and represents the range of inclusive voices.
As Inform Muncie evolves, the advisory board will continue to give valuable viewpoints. If you’re interested in participating, contact Juli Metzger at jmetzger@bsu.edu
Jena Ashby is a lifelong Muncie resident serving in local non-profits for the last 20 years. She currently is the Director of Impact and Programs at Muncie Habitat for Humanity where she has been on staff since 2006. In this role, Jena convenes the 8twelve Coalition. The 8twelve Coalition is a resident-focused neighborhood revitalization coalition working in the South Central and portion of Thomas Park/Avondale neighborhoods.
Linda Austin is rare hybrid of award-winning top editor and inspirational educator who is schooled in instructional design and experienced in developing e-learning, training and curricula for learners globally. She is an international journalism trainer and former Arizona State University professor, Fulbright Scholar and Pulitzer Prize juror.
WaTasha Barnes Griffin is Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Central Indiana. WaTasha has served women, children and low-resourced individuals for more than 20 years. WaTasha is a community champion, advocate, educator and supporter. Her work centers on equity work within communities of color, sexual and domestic violence, human trafficking, and providing supportive services for individuals marginalized through a variety of systemic oppressions.
Oseye Boyd is a graduate of Ball State University’s Department of Journalism. She got her start as a reporter at her hometown newspaper, The Star Press. Since being editor at the Recorder, Boyd takes on the toughest topics and is a thought leader in her community.
Laura Janney is the founder of the nonprofit Muncie OUTreach, which is a LGBTQ+ youth group. Muncie OUTreach provides safe spaces through support, empowerment, and education. They also offer support to adult transgender individuals and parents of LGBTQ+ youth.
Adrian Leavell is founder of REACH Center Inc which is a 501 C 3 non-profit health and human service organization. REACH means (Restore, Educate, Affirm, Cultivate, and Help). He also is founder and editor of the Muncie Community Newspaper, a local publication of over 5,000 copies monthly. The motto for the newspaper is “Unity within diversity through creative news.”
Morgan Roddy, owner of Queer Chocolatier, and her partner, Cheri Madewell, are LGBTQ+ advocates. The couple have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, and have recently relocated the business to downtown Muncie.
Dorica Young-Watson is a certified Life Coach, community advocate, consultant and volunteer who is currently dreaming about her next opportunity after spending the last 13 year as the director of a relationship-based empowerment initiative and community trainer. Dorica is a change agent who focuses on engaging the community in understanding the prevalence of poverty, building relationships across racial & economic lines and efforts to embolden individuals to move from surviving toward thriving.
