From Self-Expression to Executive Presence: How VOICES Is Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
When most people think about leadership development, they picture suits and boardrooms—not spray paint, spoken word, or hip hop beats. But for Kia Wright, Executive Director of VOICES Corporation, leadership starts long before someone enters the workforce. It begins with identity. With confidence. With having a voice—and being taught how to use it.
“If our young people don’t see themselves as leaders now, they’ll struggle to step into that power later in life,” said Wright. “That’s why VOICES focuses on self-expression. It’s not just about creativity—it’s about agency.”
Founded in Indianapolis, VOICES is a grassroots nonprofit that works with youth and families to build confidence, connection, and long-term opportunity through a potent mix of expressive arts, mentorship, and community involvement. Through trauma-informed programming, students explore who they are—and how they can lead with authenticity in whatever path they choose.
“When you’ve grown up in survival mode, leadership might feel out of reach. We show young people that their lived experience is part of what makes them powerful—not what holds them back,” Wright shared.
This October, VOICES is bringing that mission to the golf course with its 4th Annual Golf, Art & Hip Hop Outing. Far from a traditional fundraiser, the event is a vibrant celebration of culture and community—complete with breakfast, lunch, a post-event meal, a bourbon bar, music, live art, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle.
But underneath the vibe-forward experience is a serious goal: raising funds to expand VOICES’ reach and deepen its impact.
“We’ve created a space where you can sip bourbon, listen to a live DJ, and know that every dollar you give is helping a young person feel seen, supported, and inspired,” said Wright.
For corporate leaders, the outing offers more than a feel-good day—it’s an invitation to invest in the long game. Workforce readiness doesn’t start with a job application. It starts with opportunity, trust, and belonging.
“We don’t just need students to graduate—we need them to lead. And that begins when they believe they can. We’re laying that foundation now, so that five, ten, twenty years from now, these young people are sitting in C-suites, running companies, and driving inclusive change,” Wright emphasized.
The outing also serves as an entry point for youth to explore the game of golf—an often exclusive space with unspoken rules and barriers.
“Golf is full of teachable moments—etiquette, patience, strategy. When we bring our students into that space, we’re preparing them for rooms they haven’t entered yet. And we’re making sure they feel like they belong when they get there,” she added.
As Business Equity for Indy continues to rally corporate commitment toward building a stronger, more inclusive region, partnerships with community-rooted organizations like VOICES are essential.
“We can’t do this alone. When companies show up—not just with sponsorship dollars, but with a real willingness to engage—they model what equitable leadership looks like,” Wright said. “They show our youth that the door is open—and they’re welcome to walk through it.”
Corporate sponsorships for the VOICES Golf, Art & Hip Hop Outing are available now. To learn more or register a team, visit the event website or contact Jill Wynne at JWynne@voicescorp.org.
