Morning Light Board of Directors

Hitesh’s “Why” for Morning Light: “I wanted to pick one organization to invest my time and mean something. Morning Light allows me the opportunity to give back my time to those in need. Furthermore, an organization that truly helps those that need our help the most. ”

Years Served on the Board:

• 7 Years

Occupation/Place of Employment:

• Midwest Design Group
• President

Committees:

• Real Estate/Facilities Committee

Laura’s “Why” for Morning Light: “I want to help less fortunate individuals live a proud and fulfilled life and death. I hope to be able to provide dignity and grace to those without a safe or secure place to reside facing end of life. My goal is to educate more people about Morning Light to increase volunteers and donations – so as to sustain the future of the organization.”

Years Served on the Board:

• 1 YEAR

Occupation/Place of Employment:

• BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, STORY COTTAGE

Committees:

• Executive Committee
• Marketing/Business Development Committee

Seven-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Andrea Morehead Allen serves as the Community Impact Anchor for ReJoyce Financial of Carmel, Indiana. She produces original content about non-profit organizations across the state of Indiana for the company’s Retirement Halftime Show. Allen is also co-host of Alex & Andrea LIVE on Freedom 95 Radio 95.9FM Monday through Friday from 7-8am. The non-political lifestyle show is informative and inspirational with a mission to assist listeners in living their better than best lives financially, socially, and spiritually. You may also see her on the Home Shopping Network (HSN) as a Brand Ambassador representing various home goods and interior design companies.

Allen spent 21 years as the main weekday evening anchor of the 5pm, 5:30pm, 6pm, and 11pm news broadcasts at NBC WTHR in Indianapolis, Indiana. She won an Edward R. Murrow Award for her documentary about the AIDS epidemic and the collaboration between Indiana University and the hospital in El doret, Kenya.

A highly sought-after voiceover talent and model, Allen’s television career included field-anchoring worldwide and national events: 2009 Presidential Inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama; 2002 Final Four in Atlanta; 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City; 2000 NBA Championships in Los Angeles; and the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

She’s a well-known national event emcee and speaker, most notably about workplace hostility and discrimination after her personal experience in the television industry. Allen anchored her last newscast on June 5, 2020, after literally walking off the job without warning. She now speaks about navigating environments that disrespect, mistreat, and marginalize women and people of color and the negative effects on their physical and mental health. As a result, she is the creator and host of the podcast “My Silence Is Not for Sale” which highlights the untold stories of people who have stood up to negative workplace environments and succeeded in reclaiming their lives. She is currently working on two books including “My Silence Is Not for Sale: Candid Conversations & Solutions for Hostility, Micro-aggressions & Gaslighting in the Workplace,” and “Move over Hamster… There’s a New Sister in Town: A 10-step Guide to Reclaiming Your Soul and Indulging in Respite Now,” which she is co-writing with psychologist NaKaisha Tolbert Banks.

Allen founded the production company Clover Lane Media, LLC in 2007 which was Emmy-nominated for its three-part PBS documentary Indiana Trailblazers that aired on WFYI. She served as the executive producer, researcher, and writer. It’s credited with having one of the last interviews with late Congressman John Lewis about the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lewis was at a political rally with Bobby Kennedy in Indianapolis when they got word about the murder. Lewis’ speech that night is long remembered for keeping the city from widespread rioting that was occurring across the nation.

She created and executive produced with Ancestry.com the documentary It’s a Family Reunion: What’s Your Story? This PBS special highlighted the history, traditions, and inspiring stories of families during their annual reunion, and a genealogical reveal that introduced them to new members that extend the family tree.

Clover Lane Media is currently producing the documentary “Who Killed Cary Owsley: A Mission for Justice” about the 10-year-old murder of a black man in Columbus, Indiana under mysterious circumstances. The company invested in the musical “MANDELA” about anti-apartheid and South African revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela. The highly anticipated musical debuted in London at the Young Vic Theatre in November 2022 with an expected tour on Broadway in New York City late 2023. Allen is also co-owner of the curated beach accessory brand Manasota Moments which celebrates self-care and emotional and physical wellness. In January 2022, she published her first children’s book, “The Brightest Star,” about her father’s albinism which celebrates differences and encourages people of all ages to be kind to each other.

She’s a board member of Pink-4-Ever Ending Disparities which seeks to reduce breast cancer late-stage diagnosis and death rates for black women in Indianapolis. Her desire to give back to cancer-related organizations is a result of her breast cancer battle that she won in December 2018. Allen is also a board member of Morning Light which offers a free home to terminally ill patients who are financially challenged.

Allen is married to Archibald Allen IV, and they have a 15- year-old son Ean James Allen.

Brenda’s “Why” for Morning Light: “Knowing that we are providing a service to not just an underserved community, but a non-served community makes my heart happy. I appreciate that my donations and time can help a small, local foundation where donation dollars are used and appreciated to the maximum, well, then that is time and money well spent.”

Years Served on the Board:

• Currently on 7th year

Occupation/Place of Employment:

• Business owner: The Naked Monkey, a waxing spa & more

Committees:

• Fundraising and Special Events

Brian’s “Why” for Morning Light: “I serve with Morning Light, because like most people, cancer has impacted me directly, specifically when I was a child and lost my mother. Having gone through that, I feel that everyone deserves a respectful end of life journey. Morning Light helps provide that, and I cannot think of a better organization to be involved with.”

Years Served on the Board:

• 1

Occupation/Place of Employment:

• Fidelity Investments

Committees:

• Finance/Investments Committee

Joseph’s “Why” for Morning Light: “I experienced the magic of Morning Light firsthand as my friend Richard was a resident at Abbie Hunt Bryce Home. From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew Richard was going to love being a part of the Abbie family. I also knew that my connection to Abbie was for a purpose bigger than Richard and that I wanted to do more to stay connected to the Home and its residents.

To accomplish staying connected, I became a volunteer, and the rest is history. Shortly after becoming a volunteer, I jumped at the chance to join the Board and have an even greater impact at Abbie. Being a part of the Board not only keeps me connected but it also allows me the opportunity to help make decisions that will ensure the “Light” at Abbie stays shining bright for many, many more years.”

Years Served on the Board:

• 6 Months

Occupation/Place of Employment:

• Notary Public-The Mobile Notary Network, LLC

Committees:

• Abbie Hunt Bryce Home Committee

I was drawn to Morning Light seeing the positivity and the unique approach to the end of life that exists here. Morning Light truly offers its residents life with dignity, support and love.

It is powerful to see and and after my mother experienced hospice care at the end of her life, it became more personal to me! I wanted to support this, and I am so proud to be connected to what Morning Light gives to its Residents & Families.

Dr. Rafael’s “Why” for Morning Light: “The disenfranchised deserve the love, care and support that anyone would want when faced with life threatening/life limiting illness.”

Years Served on the Board:

• 5 years

Occupation/Place of Employment:

• Palliative Medicine physician, Eskenazi Hospital

Committees:

• Abbie Hunt Bryce Home Committee

Sebastian’s “Why” for Morning Light: “It should be our duty, as humans, to support fellow humans when the opportunity arises. This is especially true when someone doesn’t have the support or means they need to spend the end of their physical life in safety and peace. As a Board member, I get to see the tangible, direct difference Morning Light makes in the lives of people in our community. I’ve also seen first-hand how the services Morning Light provides can bring light to individuals and their families in their darkest hours.”

Years Served on the Board:

• 1.5

Occupation/Place of Employment:

• Counsel/Attorney, Pure Development, Inc.

Committees:

• Finance/Investment Committee

Tom was raised in a large family in northwest Indiana whose values emphasized cheering for the underdog and helping the underserved.

He received his bachelor’s degree at Indiana University and medical degree from Michigan State University. He completed his residency in family medicine at Community Hospitals and an ethics fellowship at IU. He met his wife, also a family doctor, in college at summer camp for handicapped children.

The strong influences of family, education and mentors has led them to the path of working with the underserved in Indianapolis, Kenya, and in multiple community health centers. He tries to pass forward his passion for care of marginalized populations through medical education.

His practice currently focuses on end-of-life care; helping patients and families find peace in transition. He has 4 children: a writer, boat builder, an OB/GYN and entomologist. He enjoys being outside, working with wood and serving on non-profit boards.

Tony’s “Why” for Morning Light: “I was introduced to Morning Light through a co-worker and quickly felt compelled to get involved. Knowing that we are one of the few FREE end-of-life care centers in the nation is something to be extremely proud of and continues to be motivation to assist Morning Light in any way possible.”

Years Served on the Board:

• 3+

Occupation/Place of Employment:

• Commercial Banker – FORUM Credit Union

Committees:

• Finance/Investment Committee

Zachary’s “Why” for Morning Light: “Morning Light is the only organization providing free and compassionate end-of-life care to our most under-resourced community members. I believe every person deserves love and support and has the right to die with dignity and respect. Because of Morning Light, equitable and accessible end-of-life care is possible.”

Years Served on the Board:

• Almost 1

Occupation/Place of Employment:

• Fundraising Professional

Committees:

• Executive Committee
• Fundraising Committee

Connect with Zachary on LinkedIn.

Rev. Chana’s “Why” for Morning Light: “Everyone deserves to live and to die with dignity; to know that their life holds infinite value and meaning, regardless of their circumstances. We all yearn for connection, compassion, and community. It is a privilege to serve this amazing organization that cares for the most vulnerable among us, and that offers every person who walks through their doors this important reminder: you matter.”

Occupation/Place of Employment:

• Episcopal Priest and Associate Rector at St Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Carmel, IN

I have believed in the mission and purpose of the organization for decades. When Madison came in as Executive Director, I took more interest, as I see her leadership and vision clearly and it is contagious.

And then, in 2023, my father spent his last five weeks on this earth at AHB. My “why” became personal and I am invested in being a part of the impact of AHB on other individuals and families who find themselves in need of the care provided at end-of-life at AHB.