From the president
Emilie Allen, an Honors College student at Ball State University majoring in English with concentrations in Literature and minors in Women’s & Gender Studies and Economics, is a civic-minded leader who addresses social issues by blending research, policy advocacy, and community engagement. As Event Coordinator for the Honors Association for Community Engagement and a staff member at the Center for Economic and Civic Learning, Emilie develops and supports initiatives that strengthen civic education and empower underrepresented voices. Her work with Christel House International and the Eiteljorg Museum highlights her commitment to social equity, public history, and accessible education. Emilie is particularly focused on building the capacity of organizations to address systemic inequalities through community-based research, strategic communication, and policy briefs that promote informed decision-making. A Top 100 Student and Whitinger Scholar, Emilie exemplifies academic excellence and collaborative leadership. Her dedication to fostering civic dialogue and sustainable change aligns with the mission of the Newman Civic Fellowship, and she demonstrates the creativity, perseverance, and empathy needed to tackle the root causes of complex social challenges. Emilie’s ability to connect communities, organize impactful events, and inspire peers makes her an exceptional candidate for this fellowship.
Personal Statement
I work at the intersection of culture, data, and community to address the root causes of exclusion—limited access to civic spaces, underrepresentation in decision-making, and information gaps that obscure need. At the Eiteljorg Museum’s Public Programs Department, I helped plan and host events—from the Indian Market & Festival to Juneteenth & Jazz—that center Indigenous and marginalized histories, because belonging begins with whose stories are told and how communities gather. Through internships with Christel House International and the Purdue Data Mine, I built live dashboards and visualizations that surface patterns of inequity and guide practical interventions; I also draw on ASL/English communication experience to make programs more accessible. On campus, I lead student organizations and serve in student government, partnering with faculty and civic leaders through the Center for Economic & Civic Learning to translate research into action—policy briefs, dialogue-based events, and hands-on projects. My approach is collaborative and iterative: convene diverse stakeholders, co-create solutions, measure impact, and share results so others can adapt what works. I hope to continue building coalitions that turn cultural assets and evidence into durable, community-led change.