INDIANAPOLIS –The Randall L. Tobias Center for Leadership Excellence at Indiana University has welcomed Amy Kamwendo as its new associate director.
In her role, Kamwendo is responsible for the operations and strategic priorities of the center, including special event and conference coordination; curriculum development and facilitation for clients; marketing and social media management; and oversight of the center’s Oral History program.
“Many things drew me to the Tobias team, but one of the biggest pulls is the ability to learn from incredible leaders like Julie Manning Magid, Chris Smithhisler, and the facilitators and fellows in our various programs. It is truly a unique and unparalleled opportunity,” Kamwendo said. “The ability to use my master’s degree in a new and fresh way outside the classroom, while making a positive impact in my community, is a chance I couldn’t pass up.”
Kamwendo joins the Tobias Leadership Center after more than a decade of working in secondary education in Pike Township. Outside of teaching, she also served her students as a mentor to new educators within the district, a member of the Principal Leadership Team, and assisting with fundraising and grant writing, for which she was recognized with the Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship in 2017. She has successfully written 10 grant proposals for her classroom as an educator.
“I chose to go into teaching because of my passion for education, my love of children and a strong desire to make a positive impact in someone’s life,” she said.
Kamwendo’s students and fellow teachers describe how she brings happiness and brightness to those around her. They say she boosts their mood and confidence and genuinely cares for their wellbeing. As such, Kamwendo has received multiple awards, including the 2023 WISH-TV Golden Apple Award, which honors outstanding teachers who make a critical difference in the lives of their students. Additionally, she was selected the Superintendent’s Above & Beyond winner in 2015 and 2016 and Teacher of the Year in 2014.
Kamwendo is active in her community, using her strong leadership, grant writing and communications skills to help a variety of organizations. Currently, she volunteers with the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in swimming as a PR liaison and the Indy Network as a grant writer. In 2022, she secured a $140,000 grant for a local non-profit aimed at lowering domestic violence on the east side of Indianapolis.
Kamwendo holds a master’s degree in communication from Purdue University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Originally from Rossville, Ind., she has called central Indiana home for many years and is proud to be a Hoosier. She loves a great cup of coffee, travelling to new places, and all things Indy. She lives in Indianapolis with her husband and infant daughter and is very excited to be part of team Tobias.
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