She’s planning a community-wide initiative
Dr. Michelle Chappell said Friday evening that part of her success has come because other people believed in her.
“I didn’t get here by myself,” she said. “People saw my full potential.”
Chappell’s speech at the second annual “A Night of Excellence” ceremony centered around the benefits of mentoring in the community—for both the mentee and the mentor.
Chappell, the program coordinator of the Computer and Information Technologies Department at Henderson Community College, said mentorship provides feedback, encouragement and emotional support for mentees.
For youths, mentorship can provide confidence and help them establish an identity and purpose, she said.
For adults, it might help with career advancement and professional development, including networking.
Mentors can also help people overcome barriers and challenges, which is often a key goal that Chappell has with her mentoring roles, which includes a program she started at Henderson County High School called Transition to Beyond.
In this program, Chappell works with underrepresented minorities at HCHS to guide them to college. Part of the program’s design is for her to provide a safe space without judgment to the students who may not feel comfortable opening up to others outside their race. She started that program in 2021.
Before that, she began a program at HCC called I:AM which has the goal of retaining students and moving them on to graduate at the college. That began in 2015.
More recently, Chappell has founded a Women in Manufacturing mentoring and belonging program at Gibbs Die Casting. This program was started under her new nonprofit, Chappell Consulting.
Chappell said that asking for help in the African American community can be seen as a sign of weakness. She said past remarks from when she was younger and wanting assistance could demeaning, such as if she was crazy or not smart enough.
“No, I just want someone to listen,” she said was her thought in response.
Now, she said she can get questioning comments about her mentorship programs to the tune of, “I didn’t know Black people did that.”
Her response: “Do you have a list? Anyone have a list of what Black people don’t do?”
In addition to her other mentor programs, Chappell hinted in her speech that another one was coming. In a brief interview after the ceremony, she said she hopes to begin a community-wide mentor program this year, which would include mentors and mentees from all ages and walks of life.
She said a Henderson mentoring program could push people out of their comfort zones, but would allow for a better understanding of each other and in the end, strengthen the community.
The evening, which was organized by HCPL staff, also included the presentation of awards.
- Chappell was honored with the Legacy Builder Award for “exceptional mentorship igniting growth, inspiring change, and empowering others to reach their full potential.”
- Demetrius “D.D.” Harrison, an educator at South Middle School, was honored with the Hometown Champion Award for “extraordinary commitment to empowering youth and making a lasting impact in our community.” The award text also said his “dedication, mentorship, and advocacy uplift and inspire, fostering pride, unity, and opportunities for success.”
- Dr. Denise Johnson-Kincaid, the vice chancellor of student affairs at Ivy Tech Community College’s Evansville campus, was honored with the Bridge Builder Award for being a “visionary leader dedicated to guiding young adults across the Tri-County area, connecting them to opportunities, resources, and a brighter future.”
- Maximillian “Max” Lisembee, a lean improvement facilitator at the Indiana Department of Child Services, was honored with the Future Builder Award for his “outstanding dedication to shaping a brighter future for youth. (His) visionary leadership and unwavering commitment inspire and empower the next generation to pursue their dreams and create lasting change.”
- NiYa Davis, a young community advocate, was honored with the Rising Star Award as an “emerging mentor whose dedication and passion are illuminating a new path, inspiring and guiding others with her leadership.”