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When I moved to Muncie in 2016 to begin my career at Ball State University, I never imagined how deeply I’d come to care for this city and its people. Settling in the Anthony-Northside Neighborhood sparked my involvement in grassroots efforts, from leading the neighborhood association to helping launch a new park at the former Anthony Elementary School site. This work, along with a scholarship to the Shafer Leadership Academy’s Emergence Program, helped shape my approach to leadership—one grounded in empathy, strategy, and a belief that real change happens when we invest in people and meet them where they are.
That belief continues to guide me in my new role as Neighborhood Organizer with the Muncie Action Plan. Since 2018, I’ve contributed to citywide initiatives through MAP Taskforces 3 and 4, working on neighborhood development and climate resilience. Now, I’m eager to support and connect Muncie’s neighborhoods in even deeper ways. Whether advising students at Ball State, pursuing graduate studies in planning and environmental management, or collaborating with residents, I remain committed to building strong, adaptable communities—because lasting change grows from trust, connection, and the shared work of showing up for one another.
Kiwani Pine, Rachael Robertson, Isabel Heimlich, Joseph Scholl III, Eliana Heimlich, Sam Atlas McCollum (Jasmine Taylor not in photo) Photo by Shantanu Suman
Welcoming the Second Cohort of CenterPoint Scholars
Since 2010, Muncie Action Plan (MAP) has been supporting neighborhood leaders through its Neighborhood Leadership Council. In October 2023, MAP expanded this commitment by launching a new initiative—thanks to a generous grant from CenterPoint Energy—to train emerging leaders in grassroots advocacy. This initiative, the CenterPoint Scholars Program, offers a year-long leadership development experience focused on building skills that directly impact Muncie’s neighborhoods.
The program began with a competitive application process in January, and the second cohort of Scholars was officially introduced at the March 2025 IDEA Conference. In April, the Scholars participated in a weekend retreat at highlighted locations in Muncie to kick off the program. This retreat laid the groundwork for a year of learning, connection, and community impact.
We are excited to welcome our second cohort of CenterPoint Scholars:
This class of CenterPoint Scholars is exploring topics like project management, conflict resolution, and trust building, all while working on neighborhood-based projects designed to create lasting, positive change. They are joining our Neighborhood Leadership Council in monthly trainings from March 2025 through March 2026, and their efforts will culminate in a final presentation led by the Scholars at the 2026 IDEA Conference. MAP is proud to support these emerging leaders and excited to see the impact of their work across our community.
Kitselman Trailhead launch, completed in 2022. Photo by the Ball Brothers Foundation:
Did you know there are several new kayak and canoe launches located throughout Muncie?
There are! And several more in the works.
These launches are open to the public, so beat the heat this summer by grabbing a friend and bringing your favorite canoes and kayaks to one of these convenient spots.
The scholars: Isabel Heimlich, Joseph Scholl III, Kiwani Pine, Rachael Robertson, Eliana Heimlich, and Sam Atlas McCollum. Not pictured: Jasmine Taylor
THE PROGRAM
The 2025-2026 CenterPoint Scholars Program kicked off with a weekend retreat April. The retreat set the framework for the year-long program and built connections between participants.
Regular meetings were held monthly at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center (400 W. Minnetrista Blvd.)
Understanding Local Government Structure & Finance Code Enforcement Panel Increasing Relationships and Resources and Decreasing Barriers
Muncie Retreat- April 11-12, 2025
Developing Your Personal Why Project Management: Goal Setting Project Management: Budgeting Trust Building Effective Leadership Community Connections Panel An Introduction to Advocacy
Tuesday, April 15, 5 – 7 p.m.
The Importance of Neighborhoods
Tuesday, May 20, 5 – 7 p.m.
Effective Communication – Listening with your Eyes
Tuesday, June 17, (5 – 7 p.m.
How to Fund Your Association’s Work (panel)
Tuesday, July 15, 7 – 9 p.m.
Neighborhood Pool Party @ Tuhey
Tuesday, August 19, 5 – 7 p.m.
Conflict Management
Tuesday, September 16, 5 – 7 p.m.
Resident Listening
Tuesday, October 14, 5 – 7 p.m.
Pitch 2026 Projects
Tuesday, November 18, 5 – 7 p.m.
Celebrating Lessons Learned
Tuesday, December 16, 5 – 7 p.m.
Project Work Day
Tuesday, January 20, 5 – 7 p.m.
Recruitment
Tuesday, February 17, 5 – 7 p.m.
Presentation to Neighborhood Leadership Council and Elected Officials
The program will culminate with a presentation by the Scholars at the 2026 IDEA Conference, Saturday, March 7, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Ball State University Student Center.
The CenterPoint Scholars Program kicked-off with a weekend retreat April 19-21 at Hueston Woods, OH. The retreat set the framework for the year-long program and built connections between participants.
Meetings are held monthly at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center (400 W. Minnetrista Blvd.)
Building Relationships with Elected Officials How to Run a Meeting Effective Communication for Neighborhood Leaders (part 1)
Tuesday, April 16, 5 – 7 p.m.
Effective Communication for Neighborhood Leaders (part 2)
Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21 Retreat at Hueston Woods | Schedule
Developing Your Personal Why The Importance of Neighborhoods Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) Active Listening Effective Leadership Community Connections An Introduction to Advocacy
Tuesday, May 21, 5 – 7 p.m.
Project Management and Goal Setting
Tuesday, June 18, 5 – 7 p.m.
Project Management and Data Analysis / Financial Literacy
Tuesday, July 16 7 – 9 p.m. POOL PARTY @ Tuhey
Neighborhoods Pool Party @ Tuhey
Tuesday, August 20, 5 – 7 p.m.
Trust Building
Tuesday, September 17, 5 – 7 p.m.
Crowdbased Fundraising
Tuesday, October 15, 5 – 7 p.m.
Pitch 2025 Projects
Tuesday, November 19, 5 – 7 p.m.
Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Tuesday, December 17, 5 – 7 p.m.
Project Work Day
2025
Tuesday, January 21, 5 – 7 p.m.
Delegation
Tuesday, February 18, 5 – 7 p.m.
Presentation to Neighborhood Leadership Council and Elected Officials
The program will culminate with a lunch keynote presentation by the Scholars at the 2025 IDEA Conference, Saturday, March 8, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Ball State University Student Center.
