Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis’ vice chancellor for diversity, equity, belonging, and community engagement, Amanda Bonilla, has been named a Forty Under 40 Award recipient by the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ). Bonilla was recognized at the 2024 IBJ Forty Under 40 Breakfast on Thursday, Apr. 11, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.
IBJ’s Forty Under 40 award annually recognizes 40 business and professional leaders in central Indiana who have achieved a level of success that is rare at a young age.
“She truly is a connector and a communicator, fair but outspoken, if necessary, who wears many different hats at different times,” Bonilla’s nominator said of her. “She leads a collaborative team of professionals as the first-ever vice chancellor for diversity, equity, belonging, and community engagement at Ivy Tech.”
Bonilla has served the college for nearly four years. She is the first to hold her position, building the diversity, equity, belonging, and community engagement department in only 18 months.
When IBJ asked Bonilla, “Why do you do what you do?” She answered:
“As a first-generation college student, I understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate college. However, I also know that college opens doors to opportunities, people, and places that would otherwise remain inaccessible.”
The Demotte native graduated from Indiana University Indianapolis with her bachelor's in sociology and holds a master’s in higher education from Indiana University.
Following the award ceremony, Bonilla shared that she is grateful to be selected as a Forty Under 40 recipient and the opportunity to represent her community.
“It’s really special to be recognized for my efforts to make a more inclusive and equitable city. Thank you, Ivy Tech, for the support!.” Bonilla said.
You can learn more about Bonilla, including how she earned her way to this point in her career, what her first job was, and her passion project at ibj.com.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
