Digging Deeper with Jordan Coleman, Karen Lyles, and Alexis Watts Our Contributor Series for Issue XI continues today with Jordan Coleman, Alexis Watts, and Karen Lyles, contributors behind "Whole Women. Whole Leadership." Jordan Coleman, author of the piece and founder of A Seat At The Table, Karen Lyles, insurance agent, visionary leader, and passionate mentor, and Alexis Watts, fierce advocate in the Indiana state goverment, share what leadership means to them. They speak on lowering the ladder for other Black professionals and what it means to advocate not only for others, but for themselves in their day to day lives. Jordan, Alexis, and Karen share how meaningful it is for them to lift up their community.
Meet our guests: Jordan is a proud Indianapolis native and graduate of Warren Central High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from IUPUI and a master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University. With a strong background in public affairs and development, Jordan has successfully led initiatives across both for-profit and nonprofit sectors—managing multi-million dollar budgets, building strategic partnerships, cultivating volunteer engagement, and generating over $1 million annually in fundraising. Her professional journey, however, was marked by barriers to advancement and a persistent fight to be seen and heard—especially as a Black woman in leadership. That fight led her to launch A Seat At The Table in 2018, a transformative organization dedicated to helping women of color heal from trauma, reclaim their power, and challenge systems of oppression. Rather than wait for permission, Jordan flipped the table she once sat at—and built a new one. Outside of her work, Jordan is a devoted wife and mother who cherishes quality time with her family and enjoys traveling to new places.
With over two decades of experience, Karen Lyles has become a trusted pillar in her community, guiding countless families and business owners in safeguarding their futures. More than just an insurance agent, Karen is a visionary leader fueled by empathy, knowledge, and a deep passion for empowering others. A proud mompreneur and small business owner, Karen understands firsthand the unique challenges entrepreneurs face. Her own journey inspires her mission to level the playing field by equipping underserved communities with the tools and knowledge they need to protect and grow their dreams. Karen is driven by a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, championing a future where every dreamer—regardless of background—has access to the knowledge and support they need to flourish. With a heart of gold and an unwavering dedication to her community, she continues to change lives, one entrepreneur at a time.
With over a decade of experience in healthcare, education, and government, Alexis Watts, MPA, has emerged as a trusted advocate for equity and justice in Indiana. As Executive Director of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, she leads statewide advocacy to uplift Black Hoosiers, championing community‑driven change and advancing policies that open doors for families. An Indianapolis native, Alexis has dedicated herself to empowering communities and expanding access to education, housing, mental health resources, and youth support. She serves on the board of Community Action of Greater Indianapolis, shaping programs that impact more than 100,000 residents across Central Indiana. Locally, she contributes to grassroots initiatives through A Seat at the Table and the Parent Collective, ensuring youth, women, and families have a voice in shaping their future. A proud mother of two, she brings both heart and vision to every space she enters, inspiring others with her collaborative spirit and purpose‑driven leadership.
