1990s Touchstone Awards Honorees
Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis' annual Touchstone Awards acknowledges women whose personal and professional achievements inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and boldSM.
Jump to an honoree's bio: Lorene Burkhart, Pat Turner, Yvonee Shaheen, Sallie W. Rowland, Marjorie O'Laughlin, Dr. Jaqueline S. Greenwood, Lyn St. James, Christel DeHaan, Alecia A. DeCoudreaux, Charlotte Fischer, Barbara A. Boyd, Diane Brashear, Virgina Dill McCarty
Lorene Burkhart
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Lorene McCormick Burkhart is a genuine entrepreneur. Her business career spans 40 years and features many notable achievements, which, in their time, broke traditional business boundaries. From becoming a female executive before the phrase “glass ceiling” was coined to founding her current company, Burkhart Network, at the age of 73, Burkhart is a true trailblazer.
Burkhart’s extensive business experience includes teaching, broadcasting, writing and publishing, and marketing and public relations. Among her entrepreneurial achievements, she founded the Women’s Investment Network in the mid 1980s to provide financial information to women. During the 1990s, she was the chair and publisher of Metro Magazines and owner of The Register and IN Business.
Today she leads Burkhart Network, a company with the tagline Business for Causes. The business focuses on books for children and adults and combines Burkhart’s passion for writing and philanthropy. A portion of profits from each book or product developed benefits a community non-profit or related cause.
Burkhart developed the love for philanthropy as her career developed and progressed, and found she no longer had to rely on each paycheck. In turn, she began giving back to organizations and causes in the Hoosier state, where she was born and raised on a southern Indiana farm. She has served on more than 25 boards in the past 20 years, including organizations focused on arts, girls and women, education, health and elder services.
She donated a $1 million gift to establish the Center for Families with the college of Consumer and Family Sciences at her alma mater, Purdue University.
Community Involvement
• University of Indianapolis - trustee
• Indiana Historical Society - honorary trustee
• The Women’s Fund of Central Indiana - emeritus committee
• Indiana Repertory Theatre - emeritus trustee
• Downtown Beautification Committee
• Indiana Dollars for Scholars - board member
• Indianapolis Museum of Art - trustee
• Honorary doctor of letters at Purdue University
• Honorary doctor of humanities at University of Indianapolis
Awards & Achievements
• Spirit of Philanthropy - Center on Philanthropy
• Volunteer of the Year - Indiana Council of Fundraising Executives
• Most Influential Woman - Indianapolis Business Journal
• Sagamore of the Wabash (1990 and 1996)
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Pat Turner
Photo and bio not available.
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Yvonne Shaheen
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Yvonne Shaheen rose to prominence in a male-dominated industry through sheer force of will. Assuming her late husband’s role as president and CEO of Long Electric Company, Inc, in 1987, Shaheen gained experience in electrical contracting by logging long hours in construction and working tirelessly to learn from her workers and clients. Under her leadership, Long Electric expanded its annual sales from $25 million to $40 million.
Before taking over Long Electric, Shaheen was an elementary school teacher. Since retiring in 2004, she devotes most of her time to the
nonprofit community. Passionate about the arts, Shaheen sits on the boards of several arts organizations, including the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis,
where she has the distinction of having three dinosaurs named after her and
her children!
Community Involvement
• Leadership Ventures – vice chairman, board of directors
• Community Hospital Network Foundation – chairman of the board
• Skyline Club – chairman of the board of governors
• Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce – board of directors
• University of Indianapolis – board of trustees
• Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee – board of directors
• Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – board of trustees
• One America – board of directors
• School of Education, Purdue University – president’s council
• Arts Council of Indianapolis – advisory board
• Indiana Academy – board of governors
• Indianapolis Symphony – board of directors
• Central Indiana Corporate Partnership – board of directors
• Cultural Tourism Committee – board of commissioners
• WFYI Television Station – board of directors
• United Way of Central Indiana – board of directors
• Boy Scouts of America Foundation
• Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce Foundation – chairman
• Marquette Manor – board of directors
Awards & Achievements
• Silver Beaver Awards – Boy Scouts of America (2008)
• Heritage Award Laureate (2004)
• Junior Achievement Laureate (2003)
• Top Walker – American Heart Association (2002)
• Thomas Moses Award – Boy Scouts of America (2002)
• Spirit Award – Madam Walker (2001)
• Most Influential women in Indianapolis – Indianapolis Business Journal (1999)
• Inducted into Indiana Academy (1997)
• Honorary Doctorate Degree – University of Indianapolis, Doctorate
of Humanities (1996)
• Honorary Doctorate Degree – Doctor of Education, Purdue University (1993)
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Sallie W. Rowland
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1991 Honoree |
Sallie Rowland launched Rowland Design in 1968, a time when few women were at the helm of a business, let alone serving as cofounder and CEO. An architectural, interior, and graphic design firm, Rowland Design has counted Indiana University's Kelley School of Business, Lacy Diversified Industries, Lilly Endowment, Inc., Lucas Oil Stadium, and Scholars Inn among its clients.
Prior to starting her own business, Rowland was vice president and director of design for Business Furniture Corporation. She became the first female
president of the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission in 1979 and served as the
first woman to chair the United Way of Central Indiana campaign in 1994.
After retiring as chairman and CEO of Rowland Design in 2002, Rowland
remained active in the corporation by becoming chairman emeritus.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Rowland graduated from Indiana University’s
School of Business in Bloomington, Indiana, with a bachelor of science degree.
Community Involvement
• Central Indiana Corporate Partnership – co-founder and director emeritus
• Christian Theological Seminary – director emeritus
• Economic Club of Indiana – board of directors, past president
• Hanover College – board of trustees, facilities committee chair
• Honeywell Foundation, art & design committee
• Indiana University Kelley School of Business – Dean’s advisory board
• Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce – director emeritus
• Tourism Tomorrow – board of ICVA, treasurer
• Urban Design Study Oversight committee – co-chairman
• The Gathering – steering committee and past chair
• Girls Scouts Fund Raiser Steering Committee
Awards & Achievements
• Indiana Academy Inductee (1997)
• Laureate, Central Indiana Business, Hall of Fame (1997)
• Distinguished Entrepreneur – Indiana University School of Business (1995)
• Entrepreneur of the Year – Ernst & Young and Inc. Magazine (1994)
• Individual Enterprise Award – Indianapolis Business Journal (1992)
• Sagamore of the Wabash
• International Lighting Design Award – Illuminating Engineering Society
• Medalist Award – American Society of Interior Designer
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Marjorie O'Laughlin
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1993 Honoree |
Marjorie O’Laughlin is a lifelong resident of Indianapolis. She first ran for public office in 1967 as the running mate of now-Senator Dick Lugar. She served as Indianapolis city clerk from 1968 to 1972; vice chairman of the Marion County Republican Central Committee from 1972 to 1978; and as executive director of the Greater Indianapolis Republican Finance Committee from 1977 to 1978.
In 1978, O’Laughlin was elected clerk of the Indiana Supreme Court and Court of Appeals and then re-elected in 1982. She was treasurer of the Hoosiers for Bob Orr for Governor committee in 1980 and 1984.
O’Laughlin was the second woman in Indiana history to run for state treasurer and the first in over fifty years. Elected in 1986, she was re-elected in 1990 and served the two consecutive terms allowed by the Indiana Constitution. As state treasurer, O’Laughlin chaired the Indiana Bond Bank, the Public Depository Insurance Fund, and was vice-chairman of the Indiana Housing Finance Authority. She was also a member of the Transportation Finance Authority, the Indiana Economic Development Council, the State Office Building Commission, and the Recreational Commission of the Department of Natural Resources.
After leaving the state treasurer’s office in 1995, O’Laughlin accepted the position of treasurer of the Marion County Health and Hospital Corporation. With an annual budget over $300 million and more than 3,800 employees, the corporation administers the Marion County Public Health Department and Wishard Memorial Hospital.
During her tenure as Health and Hospital treasurer, the corporation maintained the same tax rate and did not increase the burden on Marion County taxpayers. At the same time, health services to the public increased. She updated investment processes and increased the yield on funds available. Also, the corporation received the National Government Finance Officers award for excellence in financial reporting each year.
In September 2002, O’Laughlin retired after eight years with the corporation and was immediately appointed to its board of trustees.
In December 2006, the Governor appointed her state treasurer to fill a gap due to the constitutional tenure of the state auditor and state treasurer. She served in this position until January 20, 2007.
A graduate of Shortridge High School, O’Laughlin attended Indiana University, where she majored in business administration. She has been the single parent of four sons and three daughters since 1970 when her youngest child was two years old.
Community Involvement
• Indianapolis Kiwanis Club and Foundation – board of directors
• Indiana AIDS Fund
• The Damien Center – board member
• H & H Corporation – board member
• Citizens’ Health Center – past board member
• Little Red Door Cancer Agency – past board member
• Indianapolis Private Industry Council – past board member
• Indiana AIDS Walk – two-time co-chair
Awards & Achievements
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Indiana Women’s Commission
• Sagamore of the Wabash
• Career Award – Kiwanis Club (1993)
• Virginia Furman Award for Outstanding Financial Service – National Association of Bank Women (1988)
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Dr. Jaqueline S. Greenwood
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Dr. Jacqueline Greenwood began her career in education in 1964 as a teacher in the Atlanta Public School system. She taught there for three years before relocating to Indianapolis in 1967 with her husband, Leroy Greenwood. Dr. Greenwood began teaching in the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) in 1967 and during the past 43 years she has served as a teacher, department head and vice principal at both the junior and high school levels. In 1987, Dr. Greenwood became the first female high school principal in the history of Indianapolis Public Schools at Arlington High School. Currently, she is the director of secondary schools for IPS.
Dr. Greenwood has received many prestigious awards for her outstanding leadership and exemplary service to the students, staff, parents and community
of Arlington High School.
Dr. Greenwood earned a bachelor of science degree from Clark College, a master’s of administration from Indiana University, and a doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Greenwood and her husband have three sons: Corey, Ryan and Todd.
She is the proud grandmother of four: Hollie, Kobe, Alan, and Danielle.
Community Involvement
• Ruth Lilly Health Education Center – board member
• Indiana State Parental Information and Resource Center – board member
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Lyn St. James
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1995 Honoree |
Lyn St. James’ racing debut came in 1973, at the Amateur Sports Car Club of America. In 1992, she became the first woman to win Rookie of the Year at the Indianapolis 500. St. James’ racing career highlights include holding 31 international and national closed circuit speed records over a 20-year period and setting a world record on closed-course speed for women, reaching 225.722 mph during the 1995 Indy 500 qualification weekend.
St. James holds two wins in The 24 Hours of Daytona as the winning GTO Team Driver in both 1987 and 1990. She has raced twice (1989 and 1991) in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is the biggest endurance race in the world. St. James has also raced in the legendary Goodwood Motor Circuit Revival and Festival Meetings in England in 2001, 2005, 2006, and 2007.
A champion both on and off the racetrack, St. James recognizes the importance
of encouraging all women to achieve their dreams. In 1994, she founded the
Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation, dedicated to providing leadership,
vision, resources, and financial support to help create an environment of
opportunity for women’s growth in the automotive and competitive motorsport
fields. Within the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation, St. James launched
Project Podium in 1994, which is an endowed scholarship fund for women in racing.
In May 2002, St. James released her first book “Ride of Your Life” – A Race Car Driver’s Journey. Her second book, Oh By The Way… A Letter From My Mother,
was published in May 2005 with the second issue, Only This Morning You’re All Grown Up, published in 2006.
Community Involvement
• Kettering University – board of trustees
• Human Performance International – founding board member
• O’VarComing Together Ovarian Cancer – advisory board
• Indiana Fever –advisory board
• Indianapolis Woman Magazine – board of advisors
• NASCAR’s Diversity Council and Race Commission
• Indiana Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sport – vice chair
• Stewards of Indiana Motorsports Association – chair of the board
Awards & Achievements
• Named one of the Top-100 Women Athletes of the Century – Sports Illustrated
for Women
• Named one of “The 350 Women who Changed the World between
1976 – 1996” – Working Woman Magazine
• Distinguished Service Award – Automotive Hall of Fame (2008)
• Distinguished Woman of the Year – Northwood University (2006)
• Visionary Sportswoman of the Year – Office Depot (2002)
• Guiding Woman in Sports Award – National Association for Girls & Women in Sports (2001)
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Christel DeHaan
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1996 Honoree |
DeHaan co-founded Resort Condominiums International (RCI) in 1974 and grew the company into the largest timeshare service provider in the world. After selling the business in 1996, she dedicated her resources and energy to expanding the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, which is committed to supporting artistic, cultural and educational initiatives in Central Indiana.
In 1998, DeHaan launched Christel House, an organization that helps impoverished children around the world break the cycle of poverty, realize their hopes and dreams, and become self-sufficient, contributing members of society. Its comprehensive, holistic model includes full-day academic instruction, health and wellness services, character education, life skills training and community outreach services. Once students graduate from Christel House they enter its work-study program which enables them to pursue vocational or university studies and integrate into
the work force.
Christel House schools and learning centers are located in Mexico, India, Venezuela, South Africa and the United States. The U.S. center was founded in Indianapolis in 2002 as a charter school. Called the Christel House Academy, it reduces achievement gaps by maintaining high academic expectations, strict accountability and an intensive focus on data driven instruction, in addition to wellness programs, and broad based post-school enrichment programs. Christel House also operates an after school program in Serbia. In total, these centers provide nearly 2,900 students a year with a safe and enriched learning environment.
In support of higher education, a gift from DeHaan established the Christel DeHaan Tourism and Travel Research Institute at the University of Nottingham in England. For her support, she was invited to attend the inauguration and dine with Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh during their visit to the campus.
DeHaan has three children and five grandchildren.
Community Involvement
• OneAmerica Financial Partners - board member
• American Pianists Association - board member
• Spoleto, USA - board member
• Ethics Committee of the United Nations Travel & Tourism Council
Awards & Achievements
• Named one of America’s Top 20 Women Business Owners - Working Women (1992)
• Industry Leader of the Year - American Resort Development Association (1994)
• One of Indianapolis’ Most Influential Leaders - Indianapolis Business Journal (1999)
• Indiana University Herman B. Wells Visionary Award - IU Foundation (2000)
• Education Leader of the Year (2003)
• International Citizen of the Year (2004)
• Living Legend of Indiana Award (2005)
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Alecia A. DeCoudreaux
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Alecia A. DeCoudreaux was named vice president and general counsel of Lilly USA in December 2005. She had been secretary and deputy general counsel of Eli Lilly and Company since November 1999.
DeCoudreaux was employed by Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro, in San Francisco, before joining Lilly in 1980 as an attorney. In 1987, she became general counsel for Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc., a former Lilly subsidiary located in Santa Clara, California. She was named secretary and general counsel there in 1988. She became director of community relations for Eli Lilly and Company in 1990, director for corporate affairs (state government and community relations) in 1992, and director of government
relations (Washington, DC) in 1993. She was named executive director of Lilly Research Laboratories, medical administration in 1994. In 1995, DeCoudreaux became executive director of Lilly Research Laboratories, research planning and scientific administration and was named vice president, Law, Lilly Research Laboratories in June 1997.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, DeCoudreaux received a bachelor of arts degree in English and political science from Wellesley College in 1976 and a doctor of
laws degree from the Indiana University School of Law at Bloomington in 1978.
Community Involvement
• Wellesley College - chair of the board of trustees
• Economic Club of Indiana Board of Governors - vice president
• The Mind Trust - board member
• Lilly Cares Foundation - board member
• Indiana University Foundation - honorary director
• Indiana University School of Law at Bloomington Board of Visitors - emeritus board member
• Women’s Fund of Central Indiana - emeritus board member
• Indianapolis Downtown Inc. - emeritus board member
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Charlotte Fischer
Photo and bio not available.
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Barbara A. Boyd
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Barbara Boyd retired in 1994 after serving 25 years as reporter/anchor for WRTV-6, the ABC affiliate. She was the first African-American female on television news in Indiana, as well as the first African-American female to anchor a news show in Indiana.
Boyd continues making speeches and commercials as well as a couple of movies: “Best of the Best Three” and “Just Passin’ Through.” She is a member of Tabernacle Presbyterian Church where she serves as a deacon and usher. Boyd was married to the late Theodore H. Boyd. They have three children, thirteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Community Involvement
• March of Dimes – board member
• Indiana Children’s Wish Fund – board member
• Habitat for Humanity
• Circle City Links
• Silhouettes (Kappa wives)
• Indiana Association of Black Journalists
• Dialogue
• Drifters
Awards & Achievements
• 4 CASPERS, one depicting her own mastectomy from her hospital bed in 1973
• Woman of the Year - American Cancer Society
• Lifetime Achievement Award from Lt. Governor Becky Skillman
• Sagamore of the Wabash
• Two honorary degrees - Martin University and Vincennes University
• Listed under “legend” category in Who’s Who in Black Indianapolis
Boyd has also been inducted into the Halls of Fame for:
• National Association of Black Journalism and Indiana Journalism
• Indiana Journalism
• Indiana Broadcasters
• Madame C.J. Walker
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Diane Brashear
Photo and bio not available.
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Virgina Dill McCarty
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