This press release was originally published on the Indiana Chamber web site.
(INDIANAPOLIS) — As Indiana employers continue to seek skilled, career-ready talent, the Institute for Workforce Excellence (IWE) is recognizing the people and programs delivering results.
At its 20th annual Impact Awards, presented today in Noblesville during the 2026 Indiana Work-Based Learning Conference, IWE honored exemplary learners, employers and education partners who are helping build the state’s future workforce. The awards program, launched in 2007, received 78 nominations this year across multiple categories.
The 2026 Impact Award winners:
- Work-Based Learner of the Year (College): Julius Choga: Franklin College (Franklin), Indianapolis Airport Authority (Indianapolis)
- Work-Based Learner of the Year (High School): Shayna Stevens: Indian Creek High School (Trafalgar), CREEK Design Lab (Trafalgar)
- Work-Based Learner of the Year (Adult): Melissa Cotton: Aspire Health (Indianapolis)
- Career Development Professional of the Year (College): Briannah Bieghler: Marian University (Indianapolis)
- Career Development Professional of the Year (High School): Jennifer Snyder: Rochester High School (Rochester)
- Career Development Professional of the Year (Adult): Chelsea Harris: Fort Wayne Community Schools (Fort Wayne)
- Work-Based Learning Supervisor of the Year: Brett Mesalam: Thompson Thrift (Terre Haute)
- Outstanding Employer of the Year: Thompson Thrift (Terre Haute)
- Innovative Program of the Year: Growing Minds Farm Stop (Madison)
- David R. McKinnis Community Partner of the Year: Pepper Construction (Indianapolis)
A subsidiary of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Institute also celebrated its Work and Learn Indiana (WLI) program’s 25th anniversary.
“Work and Learn Indiana began 25 years ago – then known as Indiana INTERNnet – with a simple but urgent goal of showing young talent that meaningful career opportunities exist right here at home,” remarks Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders. “The Impact Awards bring that mission to life by celebrating the Hoosier employers, educators and learners who are not only developing talent, but helping Indiana grow and compete for the future.
“We congratulate all the winners and nominees who represent what’s possible when education and industry work together.”
The Indiana Work-Based Learning Conference drew a sold-out crowd of over 500 to hear best practices and share ideas toward growth and partnership within workforce and education.
Access more information about WLI by calling (317) 264-6852 or visiting www.workandlearnindiana.com.
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The Indiana Chamber partners with 25,000 members and investors – representing over four million Hoosiers – to achieve the mission of “cultivating a world-class environment which provides economic opportunity and prosperity.”
